News – Page 4 – Polk County GOP

A message from Phillip Walker, Republican Candidate for FL House District 50

DISCLAIMER: This message provided as a service to our Republican candidates and voters. It is directly from the candidate’s campaign and no endorsement by the Polk County Republican Party should be assumed or implied. We love all Republicans equally.

A message from Phillip Walker, Republican Candidate for FL House District 50

Phillip Walker has a proven record of strong Conservative leadership, and the experience to begin tackling the issues most important to Florida State House District 50 on day one. Phillip’s deep ties in the Lakeland community, and legacy of service, make him the best candidate to represent us in Tallahassee.

Born and raised Lakeland, Phillip Walker graduated from Kathleen High School. Prior to building his business as owner and principal of a local Allstate Insurance agency, Walker was a Lakeland Police Officer. In 2010 Phillip was elected to serve as Lakeland City Commissioner. Recognized for his consistent, conservative leadership on the Commission, he has held the line on taxes, cut regulations to encourage high-wage jobs and made sure our streets were safe. Phillip has the support of local business leaders and Lakeland residents, because they have seen him fight for them and not outside special interests.

Phillip Walker will:

· Protect your medical freedoms.

· Fight for our infrastructure needs such as roads and bridges.

· Support the needs of our military and veterans.

· Vote to protect the unborn.

· Fight to protect our Second Amendment rights

Phillip is married to Cappie (Cooke). They have three children, Janelle, Jaela and Christian Phillip, and one granddaughter, Zoë. There are also two other young men who are a part of his immediate family, Tony and John Eric.

Website: Phillip Walker for Florida House – Phillip Walker for Florida House (votephillipwalker.com)

A message from Bill Olsen, Republican Candidate for FL House District 51

Friends and neighbors,

My name is Bill Olson. I live in Davenport Florida, where I retired after serving 27 years in the United States Army as a Sergeant First Class. It is my great honor to be on the ballot to become your representative in Northern Polk County. Redistricting created a new House of Representatives District #51. I had the great honor of being your Republican nominee during the 2020 election for Florida’s 9th Congressional District.

Though I don’t usually talk about my military record, I think it’s important for my neighbors to understand my extensive experience. During my career I received four Army Achievement Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, and two Meritorious Service Medals – all for outstanding peacetime service. During wartime service I was awarded an additional Army Commendation Medal for my meritorious service in liberating Kuwait during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. In 2008 I was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious service during the global war on terror in Afghanistan.

After retiring from the U.S. Military, I went to work for Disney Parks as an attraction host and Guest Services cast member. I live with my wife Lienhuong, who is a naturalized American citizen of Vietnamese descent. She is an accomplished fashion designer. We share four sons: Billy, Erik, Tyler, and Nấm.

Foundational Philosophy

This election is not about me! It is about ”We the People”. I’m not a politician. I don’t have a law degree. I earned my education in the Cold War frontiers of Germany and South Korea, as well as the battlefields of Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Experiencing the horrors of war, death, and destruction – and the chaos and turmoil it brought America – was moving and saddening. I think it gives me a unique perspective on the greatness of America! I’m running to fight for American greatness, American peace, and American pride.

In this campaign I won’t be resorting to personal attacks on my opponent. I follow Reagan’s 11th commandment, and won’t ‘speak ill of another Republican’. Win or lose, I believe in integrity.

Here’s where I stand. I am a Christian conservative. You and I might come from different backgrounds, or live different lives. But I will always work hard to understand your needs and represent you with fairness and dignity.

My guide stones? The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Holy Bible. Those texts remind us of where we came from. They detail the tyranny we faced, and overcame. They enumerate our God-given rights, and acknowledge that the role of government is to protect those rights. They make us a moral people. It would be my great honor to represent you here in Florida’s 51st district! If you would like to find out more information please visit my website at www.billolson4fl.com.

God bless America!

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has endorsed Justin Sharpless for Polk County School Board

I am honored and thrilled to announce Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has endorsed me for Polk County School Board!

Said Sheriff Judd: “I have evaluated the candidates, and I am convinced Justin brings a sincere concern for school safety, protecting our children and ensuring a positive learning environment for all students. He has my full support. I encourage you to vote for Justin Sharpless on or before August 23rd!”

I am proud to have the support of Sheriff Judd—America’s sheriff. No law enforcement officer is more dedicated to protecting the safety and security of all students, and I hope Polk County voters will give me the opportunity to partner with him as their school board member to help ensure a safe, high quality learning environment for Polk County’s students.

Thank you, Sheriff Judd, for your support! Vote Justin Sharpless between now and Aug. 23!

#SharpieForStudents

A message from Kevin “Mac” McGovern, Republican Candidate for US Congress FL15

A message from Kevin “Mac” McGovern, Republican Candidate for US Congress FL 15

I spent five years in D.C. and know what is at stake and how important it is that we send the right people with the right experience to Congress. We have inflation, reckless spending, open borders, government overreach, a “WOKE” government and military with leaders that have lost their way and our children being taught nonsense rather than the truth. Congress needs a conservative leader from Florida who knows how to fight and win for conservative values.

I moved to Central Florida when I was seventeen and joined the Navy. I have operated across the globe and have served in both peacetime and wartime, from Asia to Afghanistan. My wife Maggie and I have been Central Florida homeowners for over two decades.

As a U.S. Congressman, I will fight to Keep America Great. As a decorated war veteran and successful businessman, I have the necessary skills to serve the people of Florida’s 15th District and lead our nation in Congress.

Follow my campaign at https://mcgovernforflorida.com

A message from Laurel Lee, Republican Candidate for US Congress FL15

A message from Laurel Lee, Republican Candidate for US Congress FL 15

I’m Laurel Lee, and I’m running to bring our conservative principles and values to Congress to represent the people of Florida Congressional District 15. I previously worked alongside Governor Ron DeSantis as his Secretary of State, and I have stood shoulder-to-shoulder working with law enforcement, first as a prosecutor and later as a judge.

I know what is at stake and how important it is that we send more conservatives to Washington. Skyrocketing gas prices, government overreach at every turn, a failed commitment to our military and securing our borders, and disturbing trends from government thinking they know what is best for our children and families. Congress needs leaders from Florida who will stand up for them, and I know I can be that voice for CD 15.

I am honored to have over 50 armed service veterans supporting my campaign for Congress, and I have received the endorsements of Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, former Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen, former State Attorney Mark Ober, Green Beret Jay Collins, and numerous local elected officials, including Plant City leaders.

I have lived, worked and raised a family here, and I have family ties in the district that go back more than 70 years. I was raised by a two-star general in the United States Air Force and a public school teacher.

For more information on my campaign for Congress, visit votelaurel.com and follow @VoteLaurel on Facebook and @Vote_Laurel on Twitter.

A message from Jackie Toledo, Republican Candidate for US Congress FL15

A message from Jackie Toledo, Republican Candidate for US Congress FL 15

A message from Jackie Toledo, Republican Candidate for US Congress FL 15

Hi, I am Jackie Toledo. I am working to earn your vote for U.S. Congress in District 15. I am a Mom on a Mission: a conservative Republican who has been elected to the Florida Legislature three times. I helped Governor DeSantis battle against human trafficking, ban sanctuary cities, balance the budget, protect life, eliminate mandates and respect the police. I firmly support the second amendment and banning CRT and inappropriate material being taught in Kindergarten to 4th grade classes.

My most important job is being a Christian mom raising five great children, one of whom is serving in America’s military. I am a civil engineer and small business owner, not a lawyer. As a result, I am a solutions-oriented person, not a career politician. I will work for your concerns, never a lobbyist’s.

I am the only candidate who entered the U.S. legally at age five. I love and appreciate our great country. When you send me to Congress, I will work to protect and close our borders. Illegal entry will not be permitted. Once closed, we will reduce the cartels’ ability to traffic people and drugs and will reduce crime. We don’t need 87,000 IRS agents targeting Americans; we need more law enforcement at the border protecting America. Please visit www.jackietoledo.com for more information.

Thank You.

5 in GOP vie for new District 15

Ledger 8-11-22

Sara-Megan Walsh

Lakeland Ledger USA TODAY NETWORK

Florida’s new Congressional District 15 has attracted interested from five Republican candidates spanning across Central Florida.

Two veterans, Demetries Grimes and Kevin “Mac” McGovern, look to offer voters an alternative to longtime politicians. Three other candidates – former Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee, state Sen. Kelli Stargel and state Rep. Jackie Toledo – are hoping to step up into a national office from Tallahassee.

The redrawn district has no incumbent and is considered one the state’s more politically balanced districts. U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin, R-Lakeland, represents the current 15th district but after redistricting this year decided to run in the newly drawn 18th district instead. The new 18th district takes a larger chunk of Lakeland and the vast majority of Polk County.

District 15’s newly drawn boundaries stretch from South Florida Avenue in Lakeland west to the Suncoast Parkway near Lutz, and from north of Zephyrhills south to State Road 60. It includes portions of Kathleen, Southwest Lakeland, Dover, Lutz, Plant City, Temple Terrace, Thonotosassa and Zephyrhills.

The Aug. 23 primary will be open to registered voters affiliated with the Republican Party. The winner of the primary will face one of five Democrats in the Nov. 8 general election. The candidates competing the Democratic nomination are Alan Cohn, Gavin Brown, Eddie Geller, Cesar Ramirez and Bill VanHorn.

Here’s an introduction to the five Republican candidates in alphabetical order:

Demetries Grimes

Grimes is not a newcomer to political campaigning, but this August will be his first time on a ballot as a Republican. Grimes, 56, of Lakeland, is a life-long Central Floridian and a second-generation U.S. Navy veteran. He has served on seven deployments and flown more than 100 combat missions from aircraft carriers. Grimes said he was deployed to Afghanistan after the 9/11 terror attacks. His role was as a military prosecutor and judge overseeing trials of al-Qaida and Taliban members. Grimes said he also held leadership positions at the Pentagon and served as a White House adviser for international relationships with non-NATO members.

“There’s nobody else in our race who has taken that oath, who has been in the sights of our enemies. There’s no one who has seen and felt, up close and personal, the consequences of bad decisions made in Washington,” he said.

In 2018, Grimes made his first foray into running for political office as a Democrat in South Florida’s 26th Congressional District, which includes the Everglades. The veteran said he was “never a Democrat” but was recruited as a conservative to run “on opposition turf ” in an area believed to lean Democratic.

“I learned from that experience. I’m no longer a McCain Republican. That experience has made me an even bolder conservative,” he said.

Grimes said he believes he’s the best suited to represent Florida’s 15th District given his military experience, but he will also serve as a representative for people all across America.

“The No. 1 thing people are suffering from are the consequences of bad decisions in Washington related to their pocketbook,” he said.

A cornerstone of his campaign platform is to restore the nation’s energy independence and stability. Grimes said policy decisions made under President Biden’s administration have left the country dependent on foreign countries’ oil. He said he believes this could have long-term negative consequences for national security issues.

“We are getting ourselves into a position, just like Europe, dependent on our current or future adversaries for our energy needs,” he said.

This has also affected local residents’ pocketbooks with the cost of gasoline at the pumps. It’s a major concern, Grimes said, where voters feel they aren’t being heard.

Grimes’ campaign has raised nearly $400,000, according to his June filings with the Federal Election Commission. Of that, the candidate had about $280,000 in cash on hand.

Laurel Lee

Lee, 48, a former prosecutor, judge and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ former secretary of state, is focusing her attention on a larger scale. She lives in New Tampa with her husband, Tom, a former state senator. The couple have three children. Lee said her personal connection to the area is why she’s decided to run for office.

“I have lived, worked and raised a family in eastern Hillsborough County, I know this community, its values and its priorities,” she said.

Lee was appointed secretary of state by DeSantis in January 2019, serving for a little more than three years. Before that, she was appointed as a circuit court judge by then-Gov. Rick Scott in 2013. She was re-elected to the position in 2014.

Previously, Lee served as a federal prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Florida. She investigated and litigated a wide range of criminal offenses including white-collar and violent crimes, and cases involving sexual exploitation of children.

“Taken together, these experiences have given me the skills to tackle tough challenges,” she said.

If elected, Lee said her main focus will be on the nation’s economic issues, citing high gas prices at the pump, skyrocketing inflation and the rising cost of basic goods like groceries for American families.

“Congress needs to immediately address economic issues and take action to address spending by bringing down the national deficit and help families address the challenges they are facing,” she said.

Lee said her experience as a prosecutor leads her to have a strong position supporting law enforcement officers and calling for greater border security and immigration policies.

“I’ve seen firsthand the effects of illegal immigration that’s been allowed to occur and types of harm those individuals who come across our borders can bring to our communities in human trafficking, drug trafficking and other criminal conduct,” she said.

The candidate said she firmly believes the Supreme Court was correct in overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision establishing a nationwide right to abortion. She supports returning the power of policy making decisions back to state legislatures, she said, particularly when it comes to abortion.

Lee has reported raising more than $510,000 for her campaign, according to FEC filings. She had nearly $400,000 in cash left on hand.

The candidate has also gained support of a Super PAC, Conservative Action Fund, which has reported raising more than $1 million. The Super PAC has roots that trace to the Wingman PAC, which raised more than $452,000 in support of U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin’s campaign in 2020.

Kevin ‘Mac’ McGovern

Kevin ‘Mac’ McGovern enters the field for Congressional District 15 as a political newcomer. He’s never been appointed to a position or campaigned for office until now. “There’s five of us. By pure mathematics, everyone has a 20% chance,” he said. McGovern is a retired U.S. Navy veteran of 41 years and an electrical engineer. He lives in Celebration with his wife, Maggie. The city is east of District 15’s new boundaries after redistricting, but the couple plan to purchase a home in the district regardless of the primary election’s outcome.

McGovern said he’s long considered going into politics,but has held back until now.

“I’ve gotten to the point where I looked around at the people we are sending up to Congress. We are doing the same thing over and over, we are not sending the right people,” he said. “With my leadership and experience, it was time to get into the ring.”

McGovern said he believes he’s the only GOP candidate with experience working in Washington D.C. While in the Navy, McGovern said he held the position of deputy director of production for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. In this role, McGovern said he oversaw a $5.1 billion budget for national defense purposes.

It’s this background McGovern said he thinks will help in addressing the country’s current economic issues. He has spent time at the table in Washington D.C. learning how to negotiate, learning to understand the needs of foreign partners and international allies, he said. And he was able to build a military defense without breaking the budget.

McGovern said he also plans to bring this experience to the table to address natural issues with health care — Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare — and Social Security programs.

One cornerstone of McGovern’s campaign lies in addressing the country’s energy polices and record-breaking inflation. He said he feels Biden’s polices are troubling.

“There are other ways to get to the same point without turning off the tap on oil overnight,” he said.

McGovern said he supports the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, saying he believes abortion should be a state’s issue.

“A big part of our issue is we have forgotten federalism, we have forgotten the 10th Amendment,” he said.

McGovern reports raising nearly $500,0000, according to his June FEC filings, of which he has nearly $400,000 in cash on hand. The vast majority of the candidate’s funds come from a $475,000 self-loan with only about $15,000 received in campaign donations.

“I got into this race late, and I didn’t want to take help from some big corporations,” he told The Ledger. “I don’t want to be beholden to anyone other than the people of CD 15.”

Kelli Stargel

State Sen. Stargel, 56, has set her sights on Congress as she faces being term limited from Florida Legislature. She served in the state House of Representatives starting in 2008, moving to the state Senate in 2012. “I want to use my skillset to help turn the tide of what’s happening in Washington D.C.,” she said.

Stargel lives in Lakeland with her husband, John Stargel, a judge on the 2nd District Court of Appeal, based in Lakeland. Their home is a block or two outside of the district’s new boundaries. The couple have five children and seven grandchildren.

Stargel said she’s lived in the district for the majority of her life. She was born in Tampa, married in Temple Terrace, and has lived in Forest Hills, Lutz and Land O’ Lakes before settling down in Lakeland.

While some may view Stargel as a party insider, the candidate said voters can look at her voting record and consistency.

“One of my very first public speeches was for Sarah Palin about 14 years ago, go back and look at that speech. I’m still saying the same things,” she said. “I’m not an unknown commodity.”

In the past two years, Stargel said she’s worked to protect life in Florida. She filed the Senate bill that bans abortions after 15 weeks. The candidate said she was supporter of balanced budgeting and worked to ensure the state’s economy stayed stable through COVID.

Stargel said she supports the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, calling it ‘incorrect years ago’ as abortion should be determined by states, not the federal government.

On a national level, Stargel said she’s concerned about the economy, gas prices and high inflation. She said she wants to look for ways to rein in federal spending and called for a balanced national budget.

“We need to balance our budget. It can be done,” she said. “It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary.”

Stargel reported raising about $250,000 as of June, according to FEC filings, with the vast majority available as cash on hand. This appears to put her dead last among the Republican primary candidates in campaign funds. But there’s more to it.

Stargel is being supported by the Conservative Warriors PAC. The Super PAC has reported more than $1 million on hand. Stargel said she believes the majority of this money comes from funds raised during her 14 years in Florida Legislature. Under federal law, she had to dissolve her state Super PAC, Limited Government for Stronger Florida, and the money was sent to the Conservative Warriors PAC. She is not allowed to have any relationship or communication with the Super PAC on how the funds are spent.

Jackie Toledo

Toledo has been representing District 60 in Florida’s House of Representatives since 2016. With six years of experience under her belt, she’s looking to move to the national stage.

Toledo, 46, is a single mother to five children who has lived in Tampa for 35 years. What sets her apart from the other candidates is her unique personal and professional backgrounds, she said.

Toledo said she was born in Lima, Peru, and legally immigrated to the U.S. when she was five years old. She attended the University of South Florida, where she earned a degree in civil engineering. Her area of specialty is transportation and she became a licensed professional engineer.

“I worked hard and I’m living the American Dream, but it’s being stripped away,” she said.

Toledo said she is an immigrant who is passionate about securing the nation’s borders and providing safety and security. The candidate said the issue is tied to the flow of fentanyl and other opioids and human trafficking.

“We are seeing a fentanyl crisis that is out of control and it will get worse if we don’t do something about it,” she said.

Toledo has also placed a strong emphasis on energy independence in her campaign. She said she would like the nation become an exporter of fossil fuels, rather than an importer, while working on modern innovative solutions.

“It has to be a combination of those two,” she said. “As an engineer, if there’s a technology we can use to make it cleaner, we need to utilize the resources we have to meet the needs we have today.”

The Republican candidate called President Biden’s mandates “ridiculous” and said there isn’t infrastructure in place to support electric vehicles or a transition to more solar power.

Toledo said she supports encouraging and pushing the transition forward, not mandated changes. Focusing on energy solutions will have a positive impact on the economy, gas prices and lowering inflation, Toledo said. She said gas prices drive transportation costs, which impact the pricing of basic goods.

Toledo called for a balanced national budget and said she’s in favor of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. She said she would like to see more educational choices and programs entrusted to the state, not the federal level.

To date, Toledo has reported more than $520,000 in campaign funds, according to FEC filings, with nearly $400,000 left in cash on hand at the end of June. This put her as the apparent financial frontrunner among the five candidates before the spending of Super PACs is considered.

A message from Jose Castillo, Republican Candidate for US Congress FL 9

Fellow Republicans,

I’m ‘Pro’ this & ‘Pro’ that…it’s what we keep hearing election after election from candidates, but somehow in FL-9 we keep losing. In fact, we’ve lost the last 5 elections!

We’ve lost because we fail to recognize that we’re the minority when it comes to party affiliation. There are 190K Democrats, 176K NPAs & only 110K Republicans. Yes, after redistricting FL-9 gained even more Democrats & it was solidified as a Hispanic Majority District. So how do we win?

Progressive Democrat Darren Soto keeps winning by capitalizing on his last name; he has won the last 3 elections by about 50K votes. Having a strong Hispanic Conservative on the ballot will surely help, but is it enough? Our nominee needs to take away as many voters as possible from Soto’s base to beat him.

With our district being the Theme Park Capital of the World, it should be no surprise that during the lockdowns many in our community lost their livelihoods. I understand that struggle better than any of my opponents because I experienced it myself. As a leader in the Hospitality Industry, I’m the only candidate in this race that can rally Non-Politically Affiliated & Democrat voters to vote Republican in November.

On Tucker Carlson’s show I spoke out against Disney Exec’s woke agenda & told him that “I’m not afraid of losing my job, (rather) I’m afraid of losing my country!” Send me to Congress & together let’s save the America that we love so much!

Jose Castillo

JoseForFlorida.com

321-437-7052

Congressman Scott Franklin has received the endorsement of Congressman Greg Steube for his re-election campaign.

Congressman Scott Franklin today announced he has received the endorsement of Congressman Greg Steube for his re-election campaign.

Franklin currently represents FL-15. As part of congressional redistricting, Franklin resides in and seeks to represent the newly redrawn FL-18, which encompasses portions of Polk, Highlands, Hardee, DeSoto, Okeechobee, Glades, Hendry and Collier Counties.

“It has been my honor to serve the 15th District of Florida in Congress,” Rep. Franklin said. “While the new 18th District has expanded a bit from the area I currently represent, Polk County and the Florida Heartland is my home. It’s where I went to high school, joined the Navy, raised my family, and ran a successful business. I come from a long line of Georgia farmers with deep agriculture roots that give me a unique perspective on the new portions of FL-18. I’m proud to have the endorsement of my colleague Greg Steube, who has represented a large portion of this new district. Working together, we will continue to serve the people of Central Florida with distinction and honor.”

“I’ve been privileged to represent much of the new FL-18 during my tenure in Congress,” Rep. Steube said. “During his first term in Congress, Scott Franklin has worked hard on behalf of Floridians, fighting to preserve the Trump legacy and restore our traditional American values. I’m confident he will continue to uphold our conservative principles and I’m honored to endorse him for Congress.”

In Congress, Scott Franklin has voted to advance the agenda of President Donald Trump to Keep America Great. He is working to strengthen our economy by fighting reckless spending and cutting overreaching regulations that jeopardize our prosperity. He will push for an America First energy policy to expand domestic energy production and lower gas prices. He’s fighting to keep our borders secure. He will continue to defend the Second Amendment and fight for the unborn. Through Scott Franklin’s leadership in Washington, D.C., the citizens of Florida’s 18th Congressional District will be represented with the trust, respect, and integrity they deserve.

A message from Sergio Ortiz, Republican Candidate for US Congress FL 9

DISCLAIMER: This message provided as a service to our Republican candidates and voters. It is directly from the candidate’s campaign and no endorsement by the Polk County Republican Party should be assumed or implied. We love all Republicans equally.

A message from Sergio Ortiz, Republican Candidate for US Congress FL 9

Dear Polk County CD 9 Republican Primary Voter,

If you haven’t already, please visit my web site https://www.ortizforcongress.com and get to know me. When you do, you will realize that I’m the only candidate who can defeat Democrat Darren Soto in the General Election. You will also come to realize that I am the only candidate who actually resides in District 9. I am also the only candidate who qualified for the Primary by talking to voters face to face and obtaining close to 3,000 petitions. I’ve been fighting for this district’s livelihood for a very long time. I am a businessman blessed with the opportunity to help our district citizens fulfill the American Dream of owning a home. I am NOT a politician. I am simply a CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICAN who has decided to dedicate his voice, time and talent to run for Federal Office and establish a better union of God and Government. I share with you the pain at the pump, high food prices and the stress inflicted on our budgets by installed officials like Joe Biden and Darren Soto. I now want to serve in Congress because CD9 is not only my home, but my children’s home and their children’s as well. Most importantly it’s a home we all share.

My plan is simple:

WIN the General Election and turn our District red.
JOIN and INCREASE the Republican majority in Congress.
SUPPORT and VOTE on legislation reversing the economic damage caused by the Biden handlers and drain the swamp.

The time has come to change the dynamics of this election. Unite with me! Help me win the Primary this August and together, by the Grace of God, win the General Election come November.

FAITH FAMILY FREEDOM is my motto.

Be Blessed,

Sergio E. Ortiz

Your next Congressman in Florida CD 9