David Shoar, a Florida state Senate candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump, lost his Republican primary election to state Representative Tom Leek, who was backed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. With over 95 percent of the vote counted, Leek defeated Shoar by a significant margin. Shoar was endorsed by Trump, Senator Rick Scott, and other prominent figures in Republican Florida politics. Despite Trump’s endorsement, Shoar ended up in a close race with third-place finisher Gerry James.
Trump’s endorsement of Shoar was viewed by some as an extension of his feud with Governor DeSantis, who had challenged Trump in the GOP presidential primaries but later endorsed his bid for a return to the White House. Shoar and other opponents criticized Leek for his policies on property insurance in Florida, attributing high costs to measures he supported in the Legislature. Leek, however, attributed his victory to voters who did not fall for what he called “false attacks” from Democratic supporters and trial lawyers who opposed him.
Laura Loomer, a conspiracy theorist and Trump loyalist, urged Republicans to vote against Leek, calling him a “RINO” who contributed to the insurance crisis in Florida and betrayed President Trump. Loomer supported Shoar, who she claimed had Trump’s endorsement for the Florida Senate District 7 race. Leek is now heavily favored to win the general election in November, as District 7 has a strong Republican majority. He will face Democrat George “T” Hill, a former lifelong Republican and self-made millionaire who is running as a gender fluid transwoman.
Shoar’s loss marks another mixed result for Trump’s endorsements, as some of his chosen candidates have won while others have been defeated in primary elections. Trump’s office did not respond to inquiries about the outcome of Shoar’s race. Leek expressed gratitude to voters for their support and claimed victory over attempts by outside influences to sway the election. He denounced the efforts of Democrat supporters and personal injury lawyers who spent millions in trying to influence a local state Senate Republican primary election.
The defeat of Shoar highlights the complex dynamics within the Florida Republican Party as candidates vie for key positions in the state government. Leek’s triumph over a Trump-endorsed candidate underscores the influence of Governor DeSantis and his allies in shaping the party’s direction. With Leek now poised to secure a victory in the general election, the focus will shift to his platform and policies as he prepares to represent District 7 in the Florida State Senate.
