Speaker Paul Renner endorses Rep. Tom Leek for open Florida Senate seat
ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, endorsed Rep. Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach, for the open Senate District 7 seat in Florida, which is occupied by term-limited Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Palm Coast.
“Thank you to Speaker Paul Renner for his endorsement of my campaign for the Florida Senate,” Leek said.
“Speaker Renner has led with a servant’s heart and his vision, The Florida Way, is one that has guided our state to historic initiatives in protecting and educating our children, preserving our environment, and supporting our law enforcement. I am truly honored to receive his support,” he said.
Leek’s political journey began with his election to represent State House District 25 in 2016. Following redistricting, he secured reelection in State House District 28 in 2022.
Leek worked with Renner, serving as the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. Previously, he has chaired several other committees, including the Public Ethics and Integrity Committee, the Pandemics and Public Emergencies Committee, and the Redistricting Committee.
Known for his conservative stances, Leek gained recognition in the House as a “conservative leader,” an announcement said. Notably, he has held positions as a committee chairman and has been an integral part of the leadership teams under the last three speakers in the Florida House.
During his tenure in the Florida House, Leek has achieved notable milestones, including the passage of significant legislation aimed at positioning Florida as a leading advocate for law enforcement.
His efforts have focused on enhancing the recruitment, retention, and recognition of police officers, thereby solidifying the state’s reputation as “the most law enforcement-friendly state in the union.”
Leek has also played a pivotal role in passing legislation concerning emergency management and the prohibition of “vaccine passports.”
The representative has actively contributed to conservative initiatives, particularly in areas such as school choice, economic development, and policies supporting family values.
He currently holds the position of chief legal officer and executive vice president at Foundation Risk Partners, Corp., a prominent national insurance brokerage firm.
He began working for the company in 2018 following a 21-year tenure at the Daytona Beach-based law firm Cobb Cole. During his time there, he led the firm as a managing partner.
The representative declared his candidacy for the Republican Senate District 7 seat in January. The district encompasses Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and portions of Volusia Counties.
Leek has also received support from U.S. Florida Republican Reps. Michael Waltz and Cory Mills, as well as state Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa.
All four sheriffs within District 7 have also endorsed Leek, which include Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly, Putnam County Sheriff H.D. DeLoach, St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick, and Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
Additionally, State Attorney R.J. Larizza, and Public Defender Matthew Metz, both from the Seventh Judicial Circuit, have endorsed Leek. Hutson, who Leek would potentially be replacing, has also lent his support to Leek’s candidacy.
