Don Gaetz receives endorsement from Ben Albritton in Senate election bid

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Former Florida Senate President Don Gaetz received the endorsement of Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Sen. Ben Albritton, R-Bartow, on Thursday.

Gaetz is running for Senate District 1 which he previously held eight years prior. During his time as a lawmaker he served as Senate president from for the 2013 and 2014 legislative sessions.

Albritton is also the president designate of the Senate, preparing to take the reigns of the upper chamber beginning in 2025 and 2026 sessions.

“Don Gaetz is a statesman and a warrior for the cause of conservatism,” Albritton said. “I admire his passion for the people of Florida’s Panhandle and his commitment to ensuring they have a strong voice in Tallahassee.”

“I am proud to endorse Don Gaetz and look forward to welcoming him back to the Florida Senate,” he said.

Gaetz announced his intention to run for the seat again in October 2023.

District 1, located in the Florida Panhandle, is currently represented by Sen. Doug Broxson, R-Pensacola, who will be termed out at the end of the year.

The former Senate president faces one Democratic opponent for the historically Republican seat.

Frank White, a former Republican state representative initially intended to run for the position, even receiving Broxon’s early endorsement. However, he later dropped out due to Gaetz’s decision to run.

Gaetz is the father of U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who represents part of the panhandle in Congress.