Rico Smith receives endorsements from Rep. Luna, state officials, in push to unseat Driskell

By Owen Girard

Published Feb. 2, 2024, 2:27 p.m. ET | Updated Feb. 2, 2024

Rico Smith with Rep. Berny Jacques, Port of Tampa, Tampa, Fla., Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo/Smith's campaign)

TAMPA, Fla. – Rico Smith, a candidate for Florida State House district 67, received multiple endorsements from elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla.

Other supporters include state Reps. Berny Jacques, R-Seminole, and Lawrence McClure, R-Dover, as well as Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister and former Attorney General Pam Bondi.

“Having Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna’s endorsement, someone I deeply respect, is truly special,” Smith said on social media. “Anna’s unyielding grit is evident and that dedication inspires me daily.”

“As Anna champions our cause in the nation’s capital, I’m geared up to stand strong for Florida and Hillsborough,” he said.

Jacques told Florida’s Voice that he was proud to endorse Smith in his 2024 election ambitions.

“Rico is a friend, a conservative, and a leader in the Air Force,” Jacques said. “I’m confident he will help our Republican majority keep Florida free.”

District 67 is currently held by House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa.

Smith explained that he decided to run for the seat because Driskell is focused on “virtue signaling and headline slogans” while families are “hurting” from inflation, rising insurance premiums, failing infrastructure and education concerns.

“We need tangible solutions, and that’s what my candidacy will bring. I am confident that I will bring the practical, meaningful change our district desperately needs,” Smith said.

Driskell first ran for district 63 in 2018, which she won with 54% of the vote. After redistricting took place following the 2020 election, she sought office in district 67.

The Democratic leader won her 2022 race by less than 4,000 votes, beating Republican Lisette Bonano. Bonano is registered to run again in the 2024 contest, placing a GOP primary obstacle for Smith to overcome before facing off against Driskell.