Tampa Bay Young Republicans gain boost in enthusiasm, look to flip Hillsborough red

TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Bay Young Republican leaders are encouraging young voters to get out and make their voices heard in the upcoming election this November.

Florida’s Voice CEO Brendon Leslie spoke with Tampa Bay Young Republican President Brittany Jean and Executive Director Jake Hoffman at the Florida Young Republicans 2024 State Convention.

Jean offered advice to young Republicans who may want to get involved.

“Don’t be afraid. We are the next generation. We have to get out there. We have to be vocal, and we have to vote. And that’s how we’ve made such an impact here in Tampa Bay,” Jean told Florida’s Voice.

Jean said this was the largest Young Republicans Convention to date, with over 300 in attendance.

“The young Republicans are energized, they’re ready for November, and they’re here to learn about what they can do and connect with other young Republicans from around the country,” Jean said.

Hoffman said he believes young Republicans are going to be “very effective” in the upcoming election and that Hillsborough will be a Republican county “for the first time in history before the election.”

According to the Supervisor of Elections, the Republican Party of Florida is close to flipping Hillsborough from blue to red.

There are currently 280,317 active registered Republican voters and 289,267 Democrat voters. The county is home to a large amount of voters without any party affiliation or with a minor party, totaling 254,235.

“Everybody sees the same thing – they’ve seen the leadership in Tallahassee, everybody loves all of these laws that are so controversial around the rest of the country. People are moving here because of those laws and they’re moving to Tampa, specifically because of the environment we’ve created here as well,” Hoffman said.

Jean said a large amount of people “hate the mayor” in Tampa.

“She’s causing so many problems in the city of Tampa, so that right there is encouraging voters,” Jean said.

Democratic Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has faced a lot of criticism this year for trying to raise taxes and vetoing city council proposals for ballot measures. She also participated in a sexual pride event where children were present.

Hoffman encourages anyone under the age of 40 to join the club.

“It is not your grandfather’s GOP – it’s a very different brand,” Hoffman said.

“We have a good time, but, we also do the work as well, and that’s what’s important – is we combine all of these things, you end up with conventions like this where hundreds and hundreds of people want to come to be a part of it,” Hoffman said.

Young Republicans are encouraged to join at TBYR.com.