Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is endorsing Republican state Rep. Kevin Steele in his bid for Congress.

Steele announced last week that he would be running in Florida’s 14th Congressional District in a bid to challenge incumbent Democrat Kathy Castor in the newly redrawn district.

Simpson’s endorsement is an important step for Steele as Steele, so far, faces a GOP Primary before potentially running against Castor in the General Election.

“Kevin Steele was forged in Tampa, comes from humble roots and is exactly the kind of MAGA conservative Florida needs to refocus the United States Congress on solving problems. Having worked side by side with Kevin, he’s earned my endorsement just like he’s earned everything he has in life,” Simpson said.

Steele, who abandoned his bid for Chief Financial Officer earlier this year, said he was humbled to earn Simpson’s support.

“Commissioner Simpson is a tireless fighter for Florida’s families and farmers. He has fought for consumers, family farms and Florida’s environment,” he said.

Former White House staffer Bea Valenti, who worked as a domestic policy advisor to U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, announced last week she would also run in Castor’s district. And on Monday, former state Rep. Mike Beltran, after saying he was considering running and was prepared to spend $1 million to do it, confirmed his entrance into the race.

Beltran’s candidacy sets up what will likely be a highly competitive GOP Primary, and one that is likely to be pricey.

But as the wealthiest member of the Florida House, Steele will have the resources to wage an expensive campaign himself. Steele is a retired tech executive whose financial disclosure forms list his net worth at more than $152 million.

Under the new map, which is being challenged in court, CD 14 shifts southeast and becomes considerably more favorable to Republicans. Under the new lines, almost 55% of voters supported Donald Trump for President while just 44% supported Democrat Kamala Harris.

While the district took a giant shove to the political right and presents Castor with what will likely be her most competitive race since first being elected to Congress about 20 years ago, it will likely still be a close race. Sabato’s Crystal Ball shifted the district from “Safe Democratic” under its current lines to “Leans Republican” on the new map.

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