Republican Party of Florida Chair Blaise Ingoglia is racking up the support of Florida congressmen for re-election bid as party chair.
In an announcement sent Tuesday morning, Ingoglia noted 11 congressmen or future congressmen from all over the state who were willing to go to bat for his second bid at party chair.
The congressmen had warm words on Ingoglia, who officially announced his candidacy for the position this week.
Many of them honed in on the pivotal role Ingoglia played in Florida's part of the GOP's successful election results earlier this month.
"The GOP enjoyed great success in Florida in 2016, and Blaise deserves credit for his leadership and vision," said U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis. "I believe he will be able to build on the success from the 2016 cycle and should be elected to another term."
Many of the wins -- especially Trump's -- were hard-fought battles for Republicans, but many ultimately emerged victorious to head to their offices in Tallahassee and in Washington.
Grassroots support has been at the forefront of Ingoglia's mission since taking the job and many attribute Ingoglia's grassroots movement as a crucial aspect to the GOP's overall success.
"The organization Chairman Blaise Ingoglia put in place this past election cycle was crucial in delivering big wins from President-Elect Trump and Senator Rubio, our Congressional delegation, and the State Senate and State House," said U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho. "I am proud to support his bid for re-election and with his continued leadership our party will be more than prepared for the 2018 cycle."
Earlier this week, Ingoglia flaunted the endorsements of 113 state committee members he says will support him for another two-year term. Among the names are 41 of the 67 county chairs. A total of 222 votes are up for grabs at the chairman selection Jan. 15.
"Through his commitment and hard work, the RPOF was able to deliver an unprecedented number of victories, The party's outreach efforts were extremely helpful to my re-election campaign, and I look forward to what the party will continue to do under Blaise's leadership," said U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo.
New congressmen agreed Ingoglia steering the GOP ship helped cast the sails in their favor this year.
"The operation that was built in Northwest Florida, under Chairman Blaise Ingoglia's leadership, was crucial in helping my team as well as delivering the State of Florida for President-Elect Trump," said Congressman-Elect Matt Gaetz.
Ingoglia has held the chairman position since January 2015, when he took the job from Gov. Rick Scott's hand-picked candidate, former RPOF chair Leslie Dougher.
Ingoglia isn't the only one with his eyes on the prize. Sarasota Republican Christian Ziegler will also be running for the state party's top job.
The election will be held in January.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
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