The congressional campaign of Palm Coast City Councilman Charles Gambaro received two endorsements from local elected officials recently. Fellow Palm Coast City Councilman David Sullivan and Flagler Beach City Commissioner R.J. Santore III have both thrown their support behind Gambaro.
Charles Gambaro is running in the Republican primary to represent Florida’s 6th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. The district includes all of Flagler County and Putnam County, plus parts of Lake County, Marion County, St. Johns County, and Volusia County. Gambaro faces Republican incumbent Randy Fine and fellow challengers Aaron Baker and Dan Bilzerian.
David Sullivan’s Endorsement
David Sullivan’s endorsement was announced on May 1. Prior to being appointed to the Palm Coast City Council in April 2025, he served eight years on the Flagler County Commission.
“Charlie Gambaro is a proven leader with strong conservative values and real-world experience,” Sullivan said. “As a fellow veteran and Council member, I’ve seen his dedication to fiscal responsibility, public safety, and our veterans. His service to our country, dedication, leadership, and strength make him the right choice to represent our residents in Congress. I’m proud to endorse him.”
“It is an honor to receive the support of such a distinguished leader who has served his country and community for decades,” Gambaro responded. “Dave’s support means a great deal to me. Together we will continue to fight for lower taxes, affordable living, and placing America First.”
R.J. Santore III’s Endorsement
R.J. Santore III’s endorsement was announced on May 11. He was elected to the Flagler Beach City Commission in March 2026. When not serving on the dais, Santore is the Vice President of Ralph Santore & Sons, a local fireworks company.
“Charlie Gambaro is a seasoned executive, a man of deep faith, and a proven combat leader who has led with excellence throughout his career,” Santore said. “He is approachable, responsive, and the kind of leader you wouldn’t mind sharing a beer with. Charlie’s commitment to improving our infrastructure and coastal development makes him the right choice to represent our residents in Congress. I’m proud to endorse him.”
“It is an honor to receive the support of a proven business and community leader,” Gambaro said in response. “R.J.’s support is a big deal for our campaign, and together we will continue to fight for protecting and improving our beaches, investing in critical infrastructure projects, and placing our fellow residents first.”
Endorsements in the 2026 FL-6 Congressional Election
David Sullivan and R.J. Santore III are the latest of dozens of endorsements cast in the 2026 congressional election for Florida’s 6th district. Gambaro has also been endorsed by former acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller, State Attorney R.J. Larizza, ex-Volusia Sheriff Ben Johnson, and the Palm Coast Professional Firefighters Local 4807.
Influencer Dan Bilzerian has received the endorsements of MMA fighter Jake Shields and YouTube personality Sneako, plus the Anti-Zionist America PAC. Fellow Republican challenger Aaron Baker is backed by 2026 gubernatorial candidate James Fishback, plus the Constitutional Sheriffs of Florida and the A New Policy PAC.
Incumbent Rep. Randy Fine boasts the lengthiest endorsement list in the field by a substantial margin. He has the support of President Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Senator Rick Scott plus a litany of federal and state legislators. Fine was also endorsed by four FL-6 sheriffs: Marion County’s Billy Woods, Putnam County’s Homer DeLoach III, St. Johns County’s Robert Hardwick, and Lake County’s Peyton Grinnell.
Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood initially endorsed Fine, then rescinded his endorsement after Fine tweeted an unfavorable comparison of Muslims to dogs. The Fine campaign falsely claimed that Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly gave an endorsement in the 2026 election; Staly only backed Fine in the 2025 special election. The official campaign website still lists both Chitwood and Staly’s endorsements as of Friday.
