Photos from LinkedIn: Bill Conerly, Alyssa Gay, Rich Tatem.

Three candidates have already filed to succeed state Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Lakewood Ranch. Alyssa Gay on Friday announced she had filed in House District 72, making her the third Republican in the race.

“As a Manatee County native and small business owner, I understand the issues that my neighbors and I face on a daily basis,” Gay said. “Skyrocketing prices at the grocery store and at the gas pump are forcing hardworking Floridians to make difficult choices. I’m running for Florida House District 72, to give You a voice in Tallahassee that will ask the tough questions and hold special interests accountable. I will be attacking out of control cost-of-living increases and the housing and insurance affordability crisis issue by issue to ensure that Florida remains the number one place where people not only want to live, but will thrive.”

Gay is the founder of AG Creative, a marketing firm based in Bradenton.

She follows Manatee County School Board member Rich Tatem and Kimley-Horn shareholder Bill Conerly in filing for the open House seat.

The rush to the seat occurred after the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota offered the job of college president to Gregory. He announced immediately he will not seek re-election as a result. He was set to run for his last term before term limits precluded another run.

Tatem, a retired Air Force Colonel, said he wants to govern in the same way as Gregory.

“Tommy Gregory has been a strong leader for Florida and an effective leader for House District 72, and it is no surprise that he has this new opportunity,” Tatem said. “It is imperative that we elect someone who will carry on his legacy of conservative leadership that has helped brand our state as the Free State of Florida. After a lot of prayer, discussion with my wife, and encouragement from key supporters, I have made the decision to become a candidate for state representative and to continue that legacy.”

Tatem won his School Board seat in 2022, so a run required vacating him office early.

Conerly is running as an outsider ready to focus Tallahassee on important issues like immigration.

“Florida is at a crossroads. We can continue to kick the can down the road, year after year, on issues like immigration, insurance and our quality of life or we can act. I am running to take quick action, just like President Trump,” Conerly said.

“The politicians in Tallahassee should be on notice: I won’t be making excuses or empty promises on insurance rates, I will be lowering them come hell or highwater. Floridians can’t and shouldn’t be struggling to pay insurance premiums. That must change, starting now.”

All three Republicans are set to face off in an Aug. 20 Republican Primary. At the moment, no Democrats or candidates from other parties have filed. Candidates for the state House seat must qualify by June 14 at noon.

Photos from LinkedIn: Bill Conerly, Alyssa Gay, Rich Tatem.