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Gov. Ron DeSantis has endorsed Heather Brofford and Sam Williams in two fiercely contested St. Johns County Commission races, the Citizen has confirmed.
Text messages announcing the endorsements began reaching voters earlier Thursday.
The Citizen confirmed both endorsements with a Tallahassee source close to DeSantis.
The source said robocalls have been recorded that will soon be reaching St. Johns County voters.
The governor’s intervention comes just five days before Tuesday’s Republican primary in two crowded races largely defined by growth, development and the county’s political direction.
Brofford is running in Commission District 2 against Tim Burres, Will McMullan and Martin Pyszczymuka. The candidates are seeking the seat held by Commissioner Sarah Arnold, who is not running for reelection.
Williams, a retired law-enforcement officer, is challenging incumbent Commissioner Krista Keating-Joseph and James Austin Galloway in District 4.
Both campaigns have grown increasingly combative as Election Day approaches, with candidates and their supporters sparring over development ties, campaign financing and who can best manage the county’s rapid population growth.
DeSantis remains highly influential among Republican voters in St. Johns County, making the endorsements potentially consequential in races that could reshape the five-member commission.
Early voting continues through Saturday. Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 18.
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DeSantis endorses Brofford, Williams in bruising St. Johns County Commission races – St. Johns Citizen
