Board of Realtors backs only three incumbents in 2024 Tallahassee, Leon County races

The Tallahassee Board of Realtors announced its endorsements in seven city and Leon County political contests, choosing only three incumbents and no one from the Democratic Party's progressive wing.

TBR endorsed Isaac Montilla for Leon County Commission District 4; Rudy Ferguson for Tallahassee City Commission Seat 1; City Commissioner Curtis Richardson, who's running for re-election to Seat 2; Daniel Zeruto for Leon County School Board District 2; School Board member Laurie Lawson Cox, who's running for re-election; Ken Preston for property appraiser; and Leon County Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna, who's seeking a third term.

TBR, which has more than 2,000 members in the region, said in a Friday news release that it plans to support the candidates with PAC funds. In 2022, realtor political committees gave $11,000 to candidates running for city and county office, according to campaign finance reports.

Board President Jim Butler said TBR invited all local candidates to participate in endorsement interviews and supports those who improve quality of life "and promote policies that make homeownership more accessible." The candidates were questioned about a range of local issues by Will Shepherd, chairman of TBR’s Governmental Affairs Committee, and more than a dozen volunteers.

Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tallahassee.com or 850-599-2180.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Board of Realtors backs only three incumbents in 2024 Tallahassee, Leon County races