In a dramatic turn of events echoing the fierce clash of titans in Florida politics, David Shoar, a candidate fiercely backed by former President Donald Trump, faced a daunting defeat in the Republican primary against Tom Leek, a contender buoyed by the support of Governor Ron DeSantis. As the electoral clock ticked down on Tuesday night, with 95 percent of the ballots tabulated, the air thickened with tension as the results revealed Leek’s commanding lead – a striking 47 percent to Shoar’s 28 percent, sparking conversations across the political landscape.
Shoar, who once held the sheriff’s badge in St. Johns County, found himself in a nail-biting race that saw him nearly neck-and-neck with Gerry James, a former professional wrestler vying for the same spot. Despite Trump’s fervent endorsement just weeks prior—calling Shoar a “tremendous America First Patriot”—the winds of political fortune swirled away from him.
“David Shoar, who is 100% MAGA, and has been with us from the very beginning, has my Complete and Total Endorsement – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Trump heralded, inspiring dreams of victory. Yet, as the dust settled, Shoar’s dreams faded amidst an unyielding reality.
This electoral saga paints a vivid picture of the complexities woven into Trump’s endorsement strategy, which, while yielding success for some, has also seen notable failures—culminating in a series of losses for his chosen candidates during a fateful night last June.
As the rivalry between Trump and DeSantis ignited a fierce debate, Leek—backed not only by DeSantis but also by Senate heavyweight Rick Scott—emerged as the champion of this round. Leek attributed his
“incredible victory” to the wisdom of voters who saw through the barrage of misleading attacks orchestrated by
“statewide Democrat, personal injury lawyers” determined to manipulate the local political arena.
In the background, Laura Loomer, a fervent Trump loyalist and controversial figure, mounted a campaign against Leek, branding him a
“RINO” (Republican in Name Only) and stoking the fires of loyalist fervor through a series of posts on social media. Her clarion call urged the Republican base to rally behind Shoar, emphasizing a perceived betrayal by Leek concerning Florida’s ongoing insurance crisis.
As the final votes rolled in, anticipation filled the air—while Shoar battled fierce opposition, Leek appeared poised to sail into the general election, facing off against Democrat George “T” Hill, a self-identified gender fluid transwoman and former Republican. The stage was set for a showdown in what is expected to be a heavily Republican district come November, potentially reshaping Florida’s political landscape once more.
