Bea Valenti picked up a congressional endorsement in her bid for CD 14, though it comes from outside Florida: Mike Ezell, the Mississippi Republican and Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman she once worked for as a senior adviser.
Ezell, a former Jackson County Sheriff now in his second term, called Valenti “a Trump alumna and America First patriot” and said she was the best candidate to beat Rep. Kathy Castor.
“Bea worked for me as a top senior advisor, where she helped deliver wins for our district and I watched firsthand how tirelessly she worked to help us advance an America First agenda,” Ezell said. He added that her “heart and love for her hometown and home county were apparent.”
Valenti, a fourth-generation Hillsborough County native and former Trump Administration official, said Ezell “understands what it means to fight for his constituents and deliver real results.” Her campaign credits her work in his office with advancing FEMA reforms and securing more than $70 million for defense and infrastructure projects across the Gulf Coast — figures supplied by the campaign.
The endorsement adds a character witness to a crowded Republican Primary. Valenti, who also carries the backing of retiring U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn and VIEW PAC, faces Tampa technology executive Kevin Steele, the early front-runner on money and Florida endorsements; former state Rep. Mike Beltran; and 2024 GOP nominee Rocky Rochford.
The winner of the Aug. 18 Primary advances to face Castor, the 20-year incumbent, in a district redrawn to favor Republicans.
—
— Ed. note: This story was drafted with assistance from AI. Editorial judgment, sourcing, and final review were performed by Peter Schorsch and the Florida Politics editorial team.
