Republican Nick DiCeglie Declares Victory in State Senate Race Over Eunic Ortiz
PINELLAS COUNTY (FLV) – Republican Nick DiCeglie declared victory in the state Senate District 18 race against Democrat Eunic Ortiz.
“Tonight is a victory for Florida’s families, for our children and for freedom. I am incredibly honored to join the fight to protect the American Dream in the Florida Senate,” DiCeglie said.
“While we have accomplished great things for Floridians, we must continue to open doors for our small businesses, expand school choice for our students and ensure safe neighborhoods for our people. I am eager to get to work as Pinellas County’s next great champion!”
DiCeglie has served in the House of Representatives since 2018. DiCeglie’s website lists his top issues to include fighting vaccine mandates and inflation, protecting water quality, advocating for school choice options and vocational programs, bringing down insurance costs, and supporting law enforcement.
He received endorsements from Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody. DiCeglie is a small business owner and grew up in the waste management industry.
Ortiz serves on the Tampa Bay Workforce Development Committee and has worked as an adjunct professor and a union organizer. Ortiz is a member of the LGBTQ+ community who founded the Gay Straight Alliance at a Florida high school.
His website lists priorities to include housing costs, gun reform and increasing the minimum wage. Senate Democrats campaigned for Ortiz during a statewide tour leading up to the election. The “Florida Freedom Tour” campaigned for abortion rights, repealing laws such as the Parental Rights in Education Act, and fighting against climate change.
In response, the Senate Republicans launched a counter campaign dubbing it the “B.S. Express” and labeled their campaign as supporting abortion without limits, boys in girls sports, and tax funded sex changes for minors. Senate Republicans launched an attack ad saying Ortiz supports policies including defunding the police.
Ortiz has been endorsed by Florida Rising, which is a group denounced by more than 30 Florida sheriffs for “anti-cop” policy stances. Florida’s Voice also previously reported on Florida Rising promoting socialism on its social media platforms.
