Safety Harbor Mayor Joe Ayoub Endorses Leela Gray in Race for Florida’s 13th District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: May 11, 2026

St Petersburg, FL – Today, retired Brigadier General Leela Gray welcomed the endorsement of Safety Harbor Mayor Joe Ayoub. Mayor Ayoub joins a growing coalition of community leaders across Pinellas County who have rallied behind Gray's campaign to bring real leadership and results to a district that has been let down by the dysfunction and division in Washington.

“In Safety Harbor, we believe in community, accountability, and leaders who show up and get things done. Leela Gray shares those values," said Ayoub. “She understands the challenges our families and small businesses are facing, and I’m proud to support her for Congress."

“Mayor Ayoub is a tireless public servant for the City of Safety Harbor and I’m honored to have his support,” said Gray. “He sees every day how skyrocketing property and flood insurance rates and rising housing costs are squeezing working families in this district. Together, we’ll tackle the cost of living crisis and fight to grow opportunities for every family in Florida’s 13th.”

Mayor Ayoub joins a growing coalition of community leaders and national organizations that have recognized Gray as the battle-tested leader Florida needs in Congress. The list includes Veterans for Responsible Leadership, Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14), EMILY’s List, and VoteVets.

About Leela Gray

Retired Army Brigadier General Leela Gray is a third-generation veteran, attorney, business leader, and mother running for Congress in Florida's 13th Congressional District. Gray’s military career spanned 30 years of service, including two combat deployments and a peacekeeping mission. While serving in the Army Reserve, Leela built a successful civilian career in technology and strategic communications, growing businesses, managing budgets, and serving on advisory boards. After retiring from the military, she earned her law degree, helping Veterans access healthcare and other critical benefits. She and her husband Tony have called the Tampa Bay area home for more than 20 years and are the proud parents of their daughter, Bailly.

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