It remains a two-way contest for the Republican nomination for the East Hillsborough state Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Ronda Storms, R-Valrico with the qualifying deadline approaching next week.
Rep. Rich Glorioso, R-Plant City, said Thursday he won’t challenge former Senate President Tom Lee and Glorioso’s fellow House member, Rep. Rachel Burgin, in the GOP primary – a race that’s likely to decide who wins the seat. Glorioso had been planning to run for county supervisor of elections when Storms unexpectedly announced she’d be leaving two years early to run for Hillsborough County Property Appraiser.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to continue seeking the office of Supervisor of Elections,” he said in a statement. “My wife and I are extremely excited to continue my public service on behalf of all the residents of Hillsborough County.” Glorioso was first elected to the House in 2004, after eight years on the Plant City Commission, and is termed out this year.
Glorioso noted late Thursday that thanks to his prior service, he “was a part of our lawmaking process within the constitution, standing up for the rights and protecting the interests of my constituents. I look forward to bringing these experiences along with me as I work to safeguard the foundation of our Democratic Republic, the voting process.”
