Bay County’s political establishment isn’t waiting to see how the field shakes out.

Tricia Berry, the Republican running for House District 6 to succeed retiring Rep. Griff Griffitts, rolled out endorsements from three of the county’s most recognizable officials: Sen. Jay Trumbull, Sheriff Tommy Ford, and Tax Collector Chuck Perdue.

For Berry, only days into her campaign, the trio puts the political center of gravity in Bay County squarely behind her.

“Tricia Berry is a dedicated community servant and champion for our conservative values. I know the men and women of law enforcement can count on Tricia Berry to stand up for the rule of law and give our deputies the tools and resources they need to keep Bay County safe,” Ford said. “I’m proud to endorse her for State Representative, and I look forward to working with her to keep Florida free and safe.”

Trumbull, who held HD 6 himself for eight years before moving to the Senate, framed his backing as a generational handoff.

“Bay County will have a true, conservative leader to represent them in the Florida House of Representatives with Tricia Berry,” Trumbull said. “As we write the next chapter in Florida’s success story, it’s important we have staunch, Florida-first leaders in Tallahassee who understand what it takes to make Florida more affordable and create a thriving economy and world-class schools. I know Tricia will work day and night to keep Florida moving on the right track.”

Perdue pointed to the area’s tradition of conservative talent.

“We’ve been blessed to have strong, principled, and effective conservative leaders in Tallahassee over the last several decades, and I can think of no one better suited to continue that tradition than Tricia Berry,” he said.

Berry, a former nurse practitioner appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the Gulf Coast State College Board of Trustees, has logged more than 15 years in Panama City civic life through groups including the Boys and Girls Club of Bay County, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, and the Life Management of NW Florida Foundation Board.

“Just days into this campaign and I am overwhelmed with our growing list of supporters,” Berry said. “To have the endorsement of so many respected leaders right out of the gate is truly humbling. I will work every day to live up to the trust everyone has placed in our campaign, and I am very excited to continue to grow our team and deliver conservative wins for Bay County in the halls of Tallahassee.”

HD 6 covers all of coastal Bay County — Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, and Mexico Beach — and is one of the safest Republican seats in the state. Griffitts cruised to re-election with 76% in 2024 before announcing he wouldn’t seek another term. He’s since taken over as President and CEO of Visit Panama City Beach.

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