Congressman Pat Ryan Endorses Leela Gray for Florida’s 13th Congressional District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: June 18th, 2026

St. Petersburg, FL — Retired Brigadier General and Democratic congressional candidate Leela Gray received the endorsement of Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-18), Army veteran, West Point graduate, and member of the House Armed Services Committee. Ryan joins a growing list of veteran lawmakers and national leaders who have rallied behind Gray's campaign to bring accountable, grounded leadership to Florida's 13th Congressional District.

"There are people who talk about service and there are people who have lived it," said Ryan. "Leela Gray has lived it every day for 30 years, making hard calls under pressure and never once putting herself first. We need her in Congress and I am proud to stand with her."

Ryan's endorsement adds to a powerful coalition of combat veterans who have put their names behind Gray's campaign. Like Gray, Ryan served in the United States Army and deployed to conflict zones before bringing that experience to Congress. His endorsement reflects a shared conviction that the families of Pinellas and Pasco Counties deserve representation rooted in discipline, accountability, and a lifetime of putting others first.

"Pat Ryan has walked the walk in uniform and in Congress," said Gray. "He understands firsthand what it means to transition from service in the military to service in public office, and he knows the standard that demands. I am grateful for his trust and confidence."

Congressman Ryan 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), fellow veteran and U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, Former State Representative Ben Diamond, Ruth’s List founder Alex Sink, Safety Harbor Mayor Joe Ayoub, 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 cyber policy. 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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