Jayer backs Rudman

Florida Politics reports the State Rep. Jayer Williamson has endorsed Dr. Joel Rudman to succeed him in House District 3.

“I believe Dr. Rudman is the right Republican to represent us in the state Capitol,” Williamson said. “He already has a record of standing up for freedom and we can trust him to stand with Gov. DeSantis to keep Florida free and open for business.”

He added, “It’s simple, I am behind Doc Rudman because he has lived and worked here in Northwest Florida for a long time, we know him and trust him.”

Rudman entered the race after Williamson announced in January that he was not seeking re-election.

“Rep. Williamson is well-respected and accomplished a lot in a short period of time for us,” Rudman said. “I have big shoes to fill, but I know I will be able to rely on his guidance.”

His opponent, former State Rep. Mike Hill’s aide Mariya Calkins, has been endorsed by U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, state Reps. Tommy Gregory and Anthony Sabatini, Santa Rosa County Commission Chair Bob Cole and Milton City Councilwomen Shannon Rice and Shari Sebastiao.

Rudman has been endorsed by former Congressman Jeff Miller, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida Realtors and Florida Medical Association.