PRESS RELEASE
Momentum Continues Building for Leela Gray as National Security Leaders for America Endorse In FL-13
Nonpartisan network of senior national security professionals backs retired Army Brigadier General Leela Gray in her race against Anna Paulina Luna
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2026
CONTACT: Sera Guerry | sera@leelagray.com
St. Petersburg, FL — Today, retired Army Brigadier General Leela Gray, the Democratic nominee in FL-13, announced the endorsement of National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A), a nonpartisan network of senior national security professionals, including retired admirals, generals, senior enlisted leaders, intelligence officers, and diplomats, from across the political spectrum.
“NSL4A supports candidates who demonstrate sound judgment, commitment to public service, respect for the Constitution and the rule of law, and an understanding that elected office carries obligations greater than personal or partisan interests,” the leaders said, in part. “Leela Gray has earned our endorsement because we are confident she will bring those principles to the United States House of Representatives.”
"I spent 30 years in uniform serving the Constitution, not a party or a person, so the support of fellow veterans and retired personnel means a great deal to me," said Gray. "The members of National Security Leaders for America have devoted their careers to this country, and they are united in defense of our democracy. I am honored to earn their endorsement, and I will bring that same service-over-self leadership to Congress for the families of FL-13."
Founded in 2021, NSL4A advocates for democratic values and leaders who uphold the Constitution and the rule of law. With this endorsement, NSL4A becomes the latest organization to back Gray, who served in the Army for 30 years and would become the first female general ever elected to Congress.
Read the full endorsement letter here.
NSL4A joins a growing coalition of leaders and organizations that have recognized Gray as the battle-tested leader Florida needs in Congress. The list includes Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Former House Majority Leader Congressman Steny Hoyer, Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Senator Mark Kelly, the Florida AFL-CIO, Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14), Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22), Former State Representative Ben Diamond, Ruth's List founder Alex Sink, fellow veterans and U.S. Reps. Jason Crow, Pat Ryan, and Ted Lieu, Safety Harbor Mayor Joe Ayoub, EMILY's List, New Politics, and VoteVets.
About Leela Gray
Leela Gray is a third-generation veteran, retired U.S. Army Brigadier General, 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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