Now facing a growing field of primary opponents in his bid to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Francis Rooney, R-Fla., state House Majority Leader Dane Eagle, R-Cape Coral, reeled in the support of the next leaders of the Florida Legislature.
On Wednesday, Eagle announced that incoming Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Spring Hill, and incoming state House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, were backing his campaign.
“The hardworking people of Southwest Florida deserve a leader in Washington who’s willing to take on the establishment and stand up for all Floridians,” said Simpson. “Dane has worked tirelessly to promote world-class education opportunities, enforce the rule of law and balance our budget here in the Sunshine State. God bless him for taking that same commitment to Washington, where I am confident he will help drain the swamp and keep America great.”
“In a business where people spend too much time talking, Dane Eagle defines himself by his actions. He fights tirelessly for his conservative beliefs, knows his issues inside and out, isn’t afraid of making the hard choices, and always keeps his word. He loves Southwest Florida and would be an incredible representative for both his community and our state in the U.S. Congress,” Sprowls said.
“I am extremely honored to have the support and trust of the President-Designate and Speaker-Designate,” said Eagle. “Both of these men have proven time and again their steadfast commitment to advancing conservative principles, which have paved the way to make Florida the freest and most prosperous state in our country.”
Eagle faces an increasingly crowded field. Earlier this week, state Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen, R-Fort Myers, jumped in the race this week. Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson, who has been at his current post for a decade, also entered the crowded Republican primary in recent days.
Other Republican candidates include activist Antonio Dumornay, Dr. William Figlesthaler and former Minnesota state Rep. Dan “Doc” Severson.
On the Democratic side, college professor and businesswoman Cindy Banyai and businessman David Holden who was the party’s candidate last time out are running. The district, which includes parts of Lee and Collier Counties, is considered secure for the GOP.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
