Mike Giallombardo Ends CD 19 Bid, Backs Curt Clawson

Businessman Mike Giallombardo, a veteran of the Iraq War, announced on Monday he was ending his bid for the Republican nomination in a special congressional election in Southwest Florida and was endorsing businessman Curt Clawson for the congressional seat vacated when former U.S. Rep. Trey Radel, R-Fla., resigned after pleading guilty to cocaine possession.

Serious times call for serious people with experience from the real world and outside of the political process, said Giallombardo. Curt Clawson has experience from outside of the political establishment in running a $2 billion company and saving hundreds of American jobs. He is the leader that I want representing Southwest Florida in Washington, D.C.

Mike has served our country with honor and distinction and has a very bright future, said Clawson. This endorsement helps us continue to unite conservatives across Southwest Florida who want an outsider with business credentials as our next congressman.

Clawson will take on Florida Senate Majority Leader Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, and former Florida Rep. Paige Kreegel in the special primary on April 22. The special general election will be held on June 24.