Melanie Griffin will not run for SD 14, clearing the way for Josie Tomkow

Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Secretary Melanie Griffin will not run for Senate District 14, multiple sources familiar with her thinking told Florida Politics Wednesday evening. 

Griffin had announced Friday that she was joining the race to replace former state Sen. Jay Collins, who left the post to become Gov. Ron DeSantis’ No. 2 as Lt. Governor. 

Her departure from the race clears the way for Josie Tomkow, who also entered the race on Friday, to be the clear frontrunner to replace Collins.

A source close to Griffin said her reconsideration came because “she wants to do what’s right for her family, her community, and the state — all of which she loves so much.”

Griffin’s departure leaves Tomkow as one of two Republicans running for the Hillsborough County-based seat, along with perennial candidate Amaro Lionheart, who is not expected to present much of a challenge. 

Tomkow has already amassed significant support from top names in Florida politics, including U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee; state Reps. Lawrence McClure, the House budget chief, Danny Alvarez, Traci Koster and Michael Owen; Tampa Bay area Sheriffs; and Hillsborough County Commissioner Christine Miller.

One Democrat has filed for the race, Brian Nathan. 

SD 14 favors Republicans slightly, with Republicans controlling nearly 39% of the electorate. Democrats account for just under 32% of district voters, while independents make up more than 29% of the electorate.

In addition to her work with DBPR, Griffin is also a lawyer for Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick and senior advisor for business-to-business relationships with Shumaker Advisors Florida. She previously served as President of the Executive Board of the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers.

She founded the business Spread Your Sunshine, which offers speaking and professional training services as well as “inspirational” stationery and gifts.

The Tampa lawyer is a triple graduate of Florida State University. After earning her bachelor’s degree in finance from the FSU College of Business, she went on to get an MBA and law degree.

Griffin won the 2017 FSU Inspire Award for FSU alumnae of distinction. Other accolades include being named an FSU Notable Nole and receiving the FSU College of Business Recent Alumni Achievement Award. She is a member of the College of Law’s Board of Visitors.

A Special Primary Election is scheduled for Jan. 13, with a Special General Election on March 24.