Six Current and Former Pinellas Leaders Endorse Leela Gray to Unseat Anna Paulina Luna

The latest endorsements bring together leaders from across Pinellas County who back Brigadier General (Ret) Leela Gray for FL-13

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 15, 2026

CONTACT: Sera Guerry | sera@leelagray.com

St. Petersburg, FL — Today, retired Brigadier General and Democratic congressional candidate Leela Gray announced the endorsement of six current and former local leaders from across Pinellas county, marking another major show of momentum in her campaign to unseat self-serving incumbent Anna Paulina Luna.

“These leaders know what it means to show up, listen to their neighbors, and have spent years putting their communities first,” said Gray. “Anna Paulina Luna has done the opposite — chasing headlines and serving herself while families across our district struggle with the rising cost of groceries, housing, and insurance. Local support is how we defeat Luna and bring accountability and leadership back to FL-13.”

The latest local leaders endorsing Gray include:

Janet Long, former Pinellas County Commissioner, Florida House of Representatives, Seminole City Council — A retired educator and well-respected champion for Pinellas County families and seniors, while fighting to lower the cost of insurance.
Patricia Barris, Belleair Town Commissioner — A current elected official and community advocate who serves on the Community Dental Clinic board and supports local youth initiatives.
Joanne “Cookie” Kennedy, former Mayor of Indian Rocks Beach — A longtime community leader and small-business advocate with a record of addressing coastal issues and protecting neighborhood quality of life.
Eric Gerard, former Largo City Commissioner — A former journalist and small-business owner who has championed affordable housing, sustainable growth, and community development.
Pat Gerard, former Pinellas County Commissioner and Mayor of Largo — A longtime public servant who has fought for affordable housing, economic opportunity, and stronger services for local families.
Patrick Soranno, former Mayor of Indian Shores — A U.S. Air Force veteran, former business executive, and longtime local leader with years of service to his coastal community.

The local leaders represent vast experience serving communities across Pinellas County, from county government to municipal and coastal commissions. Their support adds to the growing momentum behind Gray as voters look to Gray as a leader who will put Florida families first and service over self.

The new endorsements build on a growing coalition of local supporters, including Safety Harbor Mayor Joe Ayoub, former State Representative Ben Diamond, and a slate of local labor groups. With less than a month until Election Day, Gray's expanding local support underscores the growing appetite for change and accountable, service-driven leadership in FL-13.

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