Steny Hoyer backs Leela Gray in CD 13

U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer is endorsing retired Army Brig. Gen. Leela Gray in the Democratic Primary for Florida’s 13th Congressional District.

Hoyer, the longest-serving Democrat in the U.S. House and a two-time former House Majority Leader, cited Gray’s military career and readiness to represent the Pinellas- and Pasco-based district as reason for the endorsement.

“Leela Gray is as tough as she is principled, as experienced as she is ready. She spent 30 years serving this country in uniform, rising to Brigadier General not because of who she knew, but because of what she delivered. That is the kind of leader the people of FL-13 deserve in Congress, and that is exactly the kind of leader who will deliver results for them,” Hoyer said. 

“I am proud to endorse Leela Gray, and I have no doubt she will serve Pinellas and Pasco Counties with the same distinction she has demonstrated throughout her life.” 

Gray said Hoyer exemplifies the results-oriented approach she hopes to bring to Washington.

“Congressman Hoyer’s support means a great deal to me, not just because of his experience, but because of what he represents: a Congress that gets things done for the people it serves,” Gray said. “I am honored to have his trust, and I will carry that same commitment to results with me every day I serve the families of FL-13.”

The CD 13 seat is currently held by Republican U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna.

The endorsement comes just over a week after former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also endorsed Gray, citing her military service, working-class upbringing and focus on the cost of housing, health care, insurance, food and fuel.

Hoyer and Buttigieg are among a lengthy list of elected officials and Democratic organizations supporting Gray, including U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly; U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor, Lois Frankel, Jason Crow, Pat Ryan and Ted Lieu; former U.S. Rep. Jim Davis; former state Rep. Ben Diamond; former Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink; and Safety Harbor Mayor Joe Ayoub.

Gray has also received endorsements from the Florida AFL-CIO, the West Central Florida Labor Council, EMILY’s List, New Politics and VoteVets.

A lawyer and third-generation veteran, Gray served more than 30 years in the Army, including two combat deployments and a peacekeeping mission. She retired in 2018 as Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Central and later advised U.S. Army Cyber Command on modernizing national cyber policy.

After leaving the military, Gray served on nonprofit and private-sector advisory boards and earned a law degree with a focus on helping veterans access health care and other benefits. She and her husband, Tony, have lived in the Tampa Bay area for more than 20 years.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has included CD 13 among its GOP-held “Districts in Play,” signaling national Democratic interest in challenging Luna following redistricting efforts by the state. Luna first won the seat in 2022, flipping a district previously represented by a Democrat.

Gray first faces intelligence analyst John Liccione and educator Brandt Robinson in the Aug. 18 Democratic Primary. Luna is unopposed for the Republican nomination, while no-party candidate Tony D’Arrigo has also qualified for the Nov. 3 General Election.