Suncoast Police Benevolent Association Backs Pro-Police Officer Ed Montanari in HD 60

The Suncoast Police Benevolent Association (PBA) is endorsing the Republican Ed Montanari in his race for House District 60 against the incumbent Democrat Lindsay Cross.

“I am extremely honored to have the support of the Suncoast Police Benevolent Association,” said Montanari.

“Throughout my time on the St. Petersburg City Council, I have worked closely with the Police Benevolent Association and everyone in the law enforcement community to support the brave officers who keep our city safe. They do an incredible job and deserve our unequivocal support. Our law enforcement officers can count on me to support them in Tallahassee.”

Montanari currently serves on the St. Petersburg City Council, where he is the only Republican elected to the council. He faces term limits and is not seeking re-election.

The Suncoast PBA is the union representing members of local law enforcement agencies in Pinellas County, including the St. Petersburg Police Department and Pinellas County Sheriff’s Deputies, who serve HD 60.

Montanari is running in a historically blue district against an incumbent candidate who has garnered broad support and a proven fundraising ability. Cross has about $315,000 on hand to take on Montanari through her campaign account and political committee, Helping Pinellas Move ForwardThat includes more than $8,000 raised through both accounts in the most recent fundraising period from July 13-19.

Montanari, meanwhile, raised only $1,625 during that period and has much less than his opponent in question, for approximately $186,000.

But the district in St. Pete is in favor of the GOP in recent months and years.

A look at historical voter registration data for the county, available on the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections website, shows that in 2020, the last presidential election year, Democrats outpolled Republicans by 7 percentage points. As of May 1, that advantage has shrunk to just under 3 percentage points.

When you plot the data on a graph, the trend lines are clear: Democrats are losing ground while the GOP is rapidly gaining ground. If the rate of change within the voter registration data remains relatively consistent, it’s reasonable to estimate that the Democratic advantage would shrink to just over 1 percentage point by the close of the books on the 2024 general election in November.

Montanari is an ideal candidate in the district where Democrats have a slight advantage in voter registration, with just under 40,000 voters compared to just under 37,000 Republican voters. according to the most recent voter registration data from the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections. And again, that’s a drop of about 1,000 voters for Democrats since the end of 2023 and an increase of just under 1,000 for Republicans, further bolstering claims that the district is changing.

Montanari is known for his calm demeanor, quiet nature, considered policy considerations and moderate approach to governance.

But Cross is also a formidable foe. Cross has served as a sympathetic legislator who, even in disagreements, has maintained good relations with Republican colleagues.

She also has a strong resume to run on, including work as an environmental scientist This fits well with a country that is particularly sensitive to the effects of climate change and sea level rise.

The changing trends in the district, combined with the presence of two strong candidates with high local name recognition on the ballot, make for a tight race. Endorsements from groups that represent a large portion of the potential voters are therefore of great importance in the race.

Montanari, who has no opponent in the Republican primary, has support from some top names in the GOP, including the future Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Daniel PerezSenator Nick DiCeglieDelegates Berny Jacques And Linda ChaneyPinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieriand others.

Cross now has strong support from local Democrats, but also has some bipartisan supportEarlier this month, she rolled out several endorsements, including four Republicans — Mayor of Largo Woody BrownMayor of Oldsmar Dan SarackiMayor of North Redington Beach Queen’s Account and former mayor of Redington Beach Nick SimonsMayor of Gulfport Sam Hendersona former Democrat turned independent and mayor of Indian Shores Pat Sorannowho are also not affiliated with any party, also supported Cross.

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