Jennifer Carroll Backs Paige Kreegel's Bid to Succeed Connie Mack in Congress

Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll has endorsed state Rep. Paige Kreegel in southwest Florida's 19th Congressional District.

In a statement, Carroll applauded the state representative for his "leadership, cool temperament, out-of-the-box thinking and strong conservative principles."

"The citizens will be well-served having you in higher office to work and look out for their well-being and for this reason, I fully support your campaign, Carroll said to the Punta Gorda Republican.

Kreegel, physician and citrus grower, responded that he was honored to have Carroll's support.

She has been an inspiring leader for our party and has worked hard with Governor Rick Scott to reduce the size of government while finding ways to get our economy moving again and creating jobs for Florida families. I look forward to being a partner with the governor and lieutenant governor as a member of Congress.

CD 19 -- a strongly Republican district being vacated by Rep. Connie Mack, who is running for U.S. Senate -- has drawn more than a half-dozen GOP contenders in addition to Kreegel, including Gary Aubuchon, Chauncey Goss, Tammy Hall, Trey Radel and Joe Davidow.