DeSantis endorses Gayle Harrell for state Senate reelection efforts

STUART, Fla. – Sen. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart received the endorsement of Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday as she works towards reelection to Senate District 31.

“Governor Ron DeSantis has admirably led our great state through a global pandemic, devastating storms and Joe Biden’s disastrous economy,” Harrell said in a statement.

“I am proud of the work we have done together to keep Florida free, and honored to have our great Governor’s endorsement,” she added.

The district represents the Treasure Coast region of Florida, including Martin County and parts of Palm Beach and St. Lucie Counties.

Harrell played a large role in Senate President Kathleen Passidomo’s, R-Naples, Live Healthy legislative agenda.

The goal of the initiative was to expand workforce retention in the state by providing labor incentives, as well as advance the technological innovation of the medical industry within Florida.

Harrell, who mostly focused on the innovation aspects of the policy emphasized that the legislation would “increase efficiency, improve outcomes,” and “decrease the strain on the workforce.”

During her bill’s consideration on the Senate floor and in committees, she talked about how it would create a 15 member health care innovation council, designed to direct and help promote innovation in the state.

“The council will travel around the state, holding public hearings, listening to those innovative ideas that are coming forth throughout the incredible state of Florida,” she explained.

Harrell said the bill sets aside $75 million for a loan fund that innovators can tap into when working the testing, research and development of health care technology.

Because of her work, she received the endorsements of Passidomo, as well as other Senate leaders.

Harrell comfortably won her seat during the 2020 election with a 17 point difference.