\u201cJosie Tomkow is a strong advocate for law enforcement whose passion for public safety has helped provide the tools and resources needed to bring violent criminals to justice. I\u2019m proud to endorse Josie Tomkow for State Senate, she will always put the safety of Floridians first,\u201d Chronister said.<\/p>\n
Judd said Tomkow\u2019s \u201cpassion for public safety has helped provide the tools and resources needed to bring violent criminals to justice,\u201d adding that \u201cshe will always put the safety of Floridians first.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nocco praised Tomkow for her work in the Legislature the past eight years, where she now faces term limits.<\/p>\n \u201cShe has been recognized for her leadership in keeping our children safe, this is especially important for law enforcement. As Senator, Josie will continue to support law enforcement and protecting the most vulnerable in our community. She will also work to bring jobs and drive economic development for our region. I am proud to endorse Josie Tomkow for State Senate,\u201d Nocco said.<\/p>\n And Gualtieri similarly lauded Tomkow.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida is a better and safer place because of the work of Josie Tomkow. Josie has a passion for our law enforcement community and consistently engages with the men and women on the frontlines of public safety to ensure they have what they need to keep our community safe.\u00a0 We can all count on Josie Tomkow to stand up for the rule of law and keep Florida the most law enforcement friendly state in the nation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Tomkow so far faces two candidates in the GOP Primary, which will be held Jan. 13. Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Melanie Griffin will present the biggest challenge<\/a> in the race, with perennial candidate Amaro Lionheart also in the mix.<\/p>\n As of right now there will be a Special General Election, to be held March 24. One Democrat,\u00a0Brian Nathan, has also filed for the race.<\/p>\n Tomkow began her Senate campaign with $3 million cash on hand, sources tell Florida Politics.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so thankful and humbled to have the support of such incredible leaders and defenders of our community and the rule of law. Throughout my time in the Legislature, I\u2019ve witnessed firsthand our law enforcement community\u2019s professionalism and commitment to excellence. I will never stop in my efforts to give them a strong voice and advocate in Tallahassee,\u201d Tomkow said.<\/p>\n Tomkow had been rumored to be among the GOP\u2019s top picks to replace Collins. She\u2019s currently facing term limits in her House District 51 seat, making a bid for the upper chamber a logical next step in her political career.<\/p>\n Over the past several years, Tomkow has proven herself to be a quiet force in the House. As a cattle rancher, she has provided strong representation for agriculture communities and she remains a\u00a0key member<\/a>\u00a0of Speaker\u00a0Daniel Perez\u2019s\u00a0leadership team, helping shape numerous legislative packages beyond just her own bills.<\/p>\n With Perez still holding another year in his leadership tenure, his backing would all but guarantee plenty of cash to keep the seat for the GOP, and\u00a0friends in high places<\/a>\u00a0to help with other campaign needs.<\/p>\n SD 14 favors Republicans slightly, with Republicans controlling nearly 39% of the electorate. Democrats account for just under 32% of district voters, while independents make up more than 29% of the electorate.<\/p>\n However, SD 14 has historically been a swing district.<\/p>\n Collins was first elected to the Senate in 2022,\u00a0flipping the seat red<\/a>\u00a0after former Sen.\u00a0Janet Cruz\u00a0had\u00a0flipped it blue<\/a>\u00a0just four years before.<\/p>\n But even without a registration advantage, political winds in Florida have been blowing to the right for some time, with historic gains in races even in areas, such as Hillsborough County, that had been trending more to the left.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/FPC_FL-POLITICS-DISPLAY_728x90_MAR.png\")
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