Former President Donald Trump endorsed David Shoar in the Republican Primary for the Florida state Senate District 7 race. He chose Shoar over his two GOP opponents, Tom Leek and Gerry James.
Trump’s decision to endorse Shoar represents a sharp split from several major state and local political leaders. Gov. Ron DeSantis endorsed Leek, a current Florida Representative, as did Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, U.S. congressmen Michael Waltz and Cory Mills, and Florida House Speaker Paul Renner. Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood and Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly also went for Leek.
Shoar, a former Sheriff of St. Johns County, has made his support for Trump’s 2024 election bid well-known, displaying ‘Trump Republican’ on his numerous campaign signs around the community. He faces a financial uphill battle, with $68,700 in campaign finance on-hand compared to $642,505 in Leek’s account. Gerry James has logged $54,367.91.
“David Shoar is a tremendous America First Patriot who is running to represent the incredible people of Florida’s 7th State Senate District!” Trump said in a post to his social media platform Truth Social. “A Gulf War Army Veteran, David bravely served our Country, and has continued to fight to protect our Communities as St. Johns County Sheriff.
“As your next State Senator, David will bring that same fighting Spirit to Bring Back the Great American Dream, Grow the Economy, Stop Inflation, Secure the Border, Support our Brave Military/Vets, Advance Election Integrity, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment. David Shoar, who is 100% MAGA, and has been with us from the very beginning, has my Complete and Total Endorsement – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!“
Though Shoar has been vocal with his support for Trump, both Leek and James have made their affections for the former president known as well. Leek formally endorsed Trump for President after Ron DeSantis dropped his own primary bid (Leek endorsed DeSantis initially), while James has posted about his support for Trump from early in the presidential primary election.
“I am honored to have President Trump’s Endorsement!” Shoar posted in response to Trump’s endorsement. “Together, we will make Florida affordable, secure the border, and stop the radical left’s agenda.” How Shoar might secure the border with Mexico as a state legislator, none of which Florida occupies, is unclear.
The winner of the three-way August primary between James, Leek, and Shoar will move on to face George ‘T’ Hill, a Democrat, in the general election this November. Florida’s 7th Senate district has been reliably Republican for the last several elections, meaning the winner of the GOP primary stands a strong chance of winning a seat in the upper chamber of the Florida legislature.
