By ANNE LINDBERG, TB Reporter

His departure leaves Jennifer Webb as the only Democrat in the race.

ST. PETERSBURG –  Javier Centonzio, a Democratic candidate for the Florida House of Representatives in District 69, today (April 6) announced his withdrawal from the race.

“I’ve always been driven by the desire to serve. That drive is the reason I enlisted in the Marines and the National Guard, the reason I fight for the elderly and disabled as an attorney, and the reason I decided to run to represent District 69 in the Florida State House,” Centonzio said. “Today, after carefully reflecting on my campaign, I’ve decided that the best way for me to serve our community right now is to withdraw from this race and support my fellow Democrat Jennifer Webb.

“I want to thank all of my supporters from the bottom of my heart. I am so humbled and impressed by your commitment to making District 69, Pinellas County, and Florida a better place to live, work, and raise our families. I look forward to continuing our work together to make a difference.”

Webb said Centonzio called her earlier in the day to tell her of his decision. The call, she said, was “gracious.”

“I’m grateful for his commitment to our community,” Webb said. “I look forward to hearing from him and his supporters. Now we will have a stronger team.”

If no one else enters the Democratic primary for HD 69, Webb will have a chance to concentrate on the November election while her Republican opponents, Ray Blacklidge and Jeremy Bailie, battle it out on the Republican side in the primary.

Webb said that’s both good and bad. A primary opponent, she said, can keep you on your toes. But not having an opponent allows a candidate an undivided focus on the ultimate goal.

“Now we’re just going to focus on the general [election and] knock on every door, talk to every voter,” Webb said. ‘This is the year to bring this home.”

The HD 69 seat is currently held by Republican Kathleen Peters who is running for the Pinellas County Commission.

HD 69 includes Redington Shores, North Redington Beach, Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, Tierra Verde, and the mainland communities of South Pasadena, Gulfport, Kenneth City and portions of St. Petersburg and the unincorporated Lealman area.

Qualifying for the race is noon June 18 through noon June 22. The primary is Aug. 28 and the general election is Nov. 6.

Photo shows Jennifer Webb, left, and Javier Centonzio.

Javier Centonzio | Jennifer Webb | Ray Blacklidge | Jeremy Bailie | Politics | Elections | Tampabay News

#JavierCentonzio #JenniferWebb #RayBlacklidge #JeremyBailie #Politics #Elections #TampabayNews