Congressman Jason Crow Endorses Leela Gray for Florida’s 13th Congressional District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: May 22, 2026

St. Petersburg, FL – Today, Retired Brigadier General and Democratic congressional candidate Leela Gray announced the endorsement of Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06), former Army Ranger, Bronze Star recipient, and senior member of the House Armed Services and Intelligence Committees. Crow joins a growing coalition of national leaders who have recognized Gray as the battle-tested candidate best positioned to flip Florida's 13th Congressional District in November.

"As a fellow combat veteran, I recognize real leadership when I see it,” said Crow. “Leela Gray knows what it means to serve this country up close, on the front lines, where it counts. She spent over 30 years in uniform, rose to the rank of Brigadier General, and never stopped putting the mission and the people beside her first. The families of Florida's 13th district are ready for a leader who has earned their trust through service and sacrifice. Leela Gray is that leader, and I am proud to endorse her."

Gray, a third-generation veteran who completed two combat deployments and a peacekeeping mission during more than 30 years of military service, said Crow's endorsement reflects a shared understanding of what it means to put service over self.

“Jason Crow knows what it means to answer the call when it matters most, and he has done it both in uniform and in Congress," said Gray. "As someone who deeply respects those that step up to serve our nation, this endorsement is meaningful because he has been in the arena, made the hard calls, and never stopped fighting for the people counting on him. That is exactly the standard I intend to bring to Congress, and I am honored to have his support."

Congressman Crow joins a growing coalition of organizations and leaders that have recognized Gray as the battle-tested leader Florida needs in Congress. The list includes Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14), EMILY’s List, New Politics, and VoteVets.

About Leela Gray

Retired Army Brigadier General Leela Gray is a third-generation veteran, attorney, small business leader, and mother running for Congress in Florida's 13th Congressional District. The first in her family to attend college, Leela worked her way through school and served more than 30 years in uniform, including two combat deployments and a peacekeeping mission. She retired in 2018 as Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Central and subsequently advised U.S. Army Cyber Command on modernizing national cyberpolicy. After retiring from the military, Leela served on non-profit and private sector advisory boards, and earned her law degree to help veterans access healthcare and other critical benefits. Leela and her husband, Tony, have lived in the Tampa Bay area for more than 20 years and are proud parents of their adult daughter. Learn more at leelagray.com.

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