Don Gaetz announced on WCOA this morning that he is running for Florida Senate. Frank White has withdrawn from the race.
Gaetz considered running after being asked by someone if he believed he had something left to give back to Northwest Florida. He believes that the region is facing a loss of influence with the departure of current Senator Doug Broxson, and he wants to help address issues such as high electric bills, property insurance rates, and housing costs.
Gaetz also emphasized the importance of career technical education in preparing students for jobs in the real economy. He believes in the value of conservative principles but also wants to be a problem solver and offer better ideas.
Press Release
Conservative Leader Don Gaetz Launches Campaign for Florida Senate
PENSACOLA, FL — Former Senator Don Gaetz filed papers this morning as a candidate for the Republican nomination for State Senate District 1. The seat is currently held by Senator Doug Broxson, who is leaving office in 2024 due to term limits. Gaetz represented Northwest Florida in the Senate from 2010 to 2016 and served two years as Senate President. Former State Representative Frank White, who has been a candidate for the Senate seat, withdrew today to support Gaetz.
“I have a passion for public service,” White said. “It’s been my privilege to serve in the Florida House and I intend to continue my community service in the future. Now, however, Northwest Florida has an opportunity to be represented by Don Gaetz, a proven champion for our area and for our values. I am pleased to endorse him, and I will do all I can to secure his victory next November.”
“Frank White is a leader for the new Florida. He is a job-creator and business developer with a wonderful family and a deep commitment to his community,” Gaetz said. “I am proud to be his friend and have his endorsement. He has many supporters here and in Tallahassee whose confidence I hope to earn. I know that Frank will serve in elected office again and I look forward to working closely with him and supporting him.
Senator Broxson, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Representative White in endorsing Gaetz. “Frank White has a bright future in public service,” Broxson said. “And Northwest Florida will be very well served with Don Gaetz back in the Senate. As a former presiding officer, Senator Gaetz has the skill and experience to be effective on day one. I’m delighted to endorse him and look forward to helping him win.”
Gaetz recently concluded five years as Chairman of Triumph Gulf Coast where he presided over $300 million in grants to support job creation, career technical education and economic development in Northwest Florida. Gaetz authored and passed the legislation that created Triumph Gulf Coast which will be making an additional $1.2 billion in grants in our area over the next decade. He is also Vice Chair of the Florida Commission on Ethics and a board member of the Florida Education Foundation.
Don is former Superintendent of Okaloosa Schools and a long-time business owner in Northwest Florida. He co-founded VITAS Healthcare Corporation, the nation’s largest and leading provider of hospice care. Don and his wife, Vicky, have two adult children – Erin, a digital media producer and Matt, United States Congressman for Northwest Florida. For more information, visit www.VoteDonGaetz.com.
Doing something about “high electric bills.” That got my attention. FPL NW FL customers pay the third highest rates in the state for a monthly 1200 kwh of electricity. Only two other private investor owned utilities charge more. Whereas 32 public electric utilities in FL all charge less.