By Ray Rodrigues
Hi, I’m State Representative Ray Rodrigues (R-76) and on May 15 th , I announced my candidacy for the Florida Senate to replace term-limited Lizbeth Benacquisto. I was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2012. During my time in the House, I have served as the Vice-Chair of the Ways and Means Committee (2015-2016), the House Majority Leader (2017-2018) and currently serve as the Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee. I am excited to embark on the next chapter of service to our community. We have accomplished great things during my time in the Florida House and I look forward to building on that foundation in the State Senate.
Whether funding local water quality projects, supporting Everglades’ restoration, working to increase Florida’s use of solar and renewable energy or identifying the need for coastal resiliency, protecting our environment has remained a legislative priority for me. Our state has prospered due to sound fiscal policies and I will continue to fight to reduce the size and scope of government, cut taxes, and keep government transparent and accountable to the people it was created to serve.
I’m honored that my candidacy has already secured key endorsements from incumbent Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto, Majority Leader Dane Eagle and many others in the Southwest Florida Legislative Delegation. I have received numerous acclamations for his dedication to conservative values and free-market principles, including:
- Florida Chamber of Commerce Honor Roll
- A+ ratings from Americans for Prosperity
- Champion of Family award from the Florida Family Council
- Foundation of Government Accountability’s Champion of Children award
In my professional career, I serve as the Director of Community Relations at Florida Gulf Coast University. Prior to that, I worked for 12 years as the Budget Manager for Florida Gulf Coast University’s College of Arts and Sciences. Prior to this employment at FGCU, I previously spent a decade at the General Electric Company, where I managed their U.S. Import Compliance and Consulting program.
I have a long record of public service. Prior to my public service in the Florida House of Representatives, I served on the Lee County Housing Authority, held elected office on the Stoney Brook Community Development District, served on the Charter Review Advisory Committee to the Lee County Board of Commissioners and served as the Vice-Chair of the Lee County Republican Executive Committee. I currently serve as a Deacon at my church, Gulf Coast Church of Christ. I earned a Bachelor of Arts from Berry College and his Masters in Public Administration from Florida Gulf Coast University. My wife Ruth and I have been married for nearly three decades and have a 17-year-old son, Rhett. Our family resides in Estero, Florida.
I look forward to campaigning in Lehigh Acres, learning about the issues important to the community and getting to know you. Paid for by Ray Rodrigues, Republican, for State Senate.
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