Pinellas County School Board Member, Navy Veteran Laura Hine Endorses Leela Gray for Congress

Hine calls for thoughtful, country-first leadership to represent Floridians in Congress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 12, 2026

CONTACT: Sera Guerry | sera@leelagray.com

St. Petersburg, FL — Today, retired Army Brigadier General Leela Gray, the Democratic nominee in Florida’s 13th Congressional District, announced the endorsement of Pinellas County School Board Member Laura Hine, a Navy veteran and longtime St. Petersburg community leader. Hine currently represents District 1 at-large on the Pinellas County School Board.

“We need strength, stability and thoughtful leadership willing to stand up for America’s interests, not just political party interests in Congress,” said Hine. “Gen. Leela Gray is the right person at the right time.”

Hine's endorsement comes with a record of broad support across Pinellas County. Elected to the nonpartisan Pinellas County School Board, Hine has supported both Republican and Democratic candidates throughout her time in public life. In her 2024 reelection campaign, she won approximately 70% of the countywide vote and carried every precinct except one, where she tied. Her endorsement of Gray adds a cross-party dimension to the campaign's coalition, bringing the support of an elected official whose electoral success has extended well beyond traditional partisan lines.

Hine, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former surface warfare officer, was first elected to the Pinellas County School Board in 2020 and reelected in 2024. She has also served as Chair of the School Board. Her career in Pinellas County has spanned public education, business, the arts, and community service.

“Laura Hine spent her life serving our country and our community, from her time in the U.S. Navy to her work strengthening public education here in Pinellas County,” said Gray. “Her support demonstrates our shared a belief that public service has to be about putting people and country ahead of politics. I’m honored to have her trust as we work to bring steady, accountable leadership back to FL-13.”

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Hine served six years in the Navy as a surface warfare officer, completing two deployments to the Middle East and serving as one of the first women to integrate a U.S. warship. After returning to Florida, she worked in the construction industry before joining The James Museum. She later turned her focus full-time to public education and community service. Pinellas County Schools currently lists Hine as its District 1 at-large School Board member.

Laura Hine joins a growing coalition of leaders and organizations, available here, that have recognized Gray as the battle-tested leader Florida needs in Congress. 

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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.