Thank You, Southern Diamonds Federated Republican Women / Lake Republican Federated Women's Club — "Meet & Greet" - An Event to Remember at The Venetian Center!

Here's the recap post:

What a night! On June 10th, I had the honor of joining the Southern Diamonds Federated Republican Women and the Lake Republican Federated Women's Club for their meet-and-greet at The Venetian Center in Leesburg, and I want to start with a simple message: thank you.

Thank you to both clubs for putting together such a meaningful community event — free and open to every resident of Lake County who wanted to learn more about the candidates asking for their vote this cycle. And thank you to everyone who came out on a weeknight to be part of it.

It was a privilege to share the stage with such a strong slate of Republican candidates — from the race for Governor to U.S. Senate, U.S. House Districts 6 and 11, State Chief Financial Officer, State Commissioner of Agriculture, Florida House District 26, and Lake County Commission Districts 2 and 4. Nights like this remind you that this movement isn't about any one race. It's about a whole team of candidates committed to the same fight, up and down the ballot.

I was grateful for the chance to step up to that table, look Lake County in the eye, and lay out exactly what I'll fight for in Washington:

Fighting for President Trump & America First

I told the room what I tell every audience: as one of the first people to campaign on stage with then-candidate Trump back in 2016, I will be a reliable vote for America First, and I will never back down.

Cutting Taxes and Growing the Economy

I talked about the hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars lost to fraud and waste, and the inflation and debt that come from printing money to cover for it. As a business owner who has actually balanced budgets, I committed to fighting fraud, waste, and abuse, and to growing the economy for everyone — not just the well-connected few.

Closing the Border and Lowering the Cost of Living

I spoke plainly about the cost of an open border — almost a trillion taxpayer dollars and rising crime — and my commitment to keep the border closed, continue deportations, stop H-1B visa holders from displacing American workers, and reduce the flood of foreign students crowding out spots for our own kids.

Making Healthcare Affordable Again

I shared my commitment to repeal and replace Obamacare once and for all, after watching insurance companies grow rich while families across Lake County struggle with the rising cost of care.

Faith, Family, and the Sanctity of Life

As a Christian conservative, husband, father of three, and grandfather of two, I told the crowd plainly: I believe every life is sacred, from conception to natural death, and I will always stand up for the unborn.

Backing the Blue and Defending the Second Amendment

I talked about the men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day, and my commitment to back the badge, push for real accountability for career criminals, and defend the Second Amendment.

Serving Veterans and Strengthening Our Military

I shared a piece of my own story — enlisting at 17 — and my promise to be the strongest advocate veterans have in Congress, fighting for fair disability ratings, faster access to care, real mental health support, and job training that leads somewhere.

Supporting Florida's Farmers

I spoke about the farmers and ranchers across Lake County and Central Florida battling citrus greening, canker, rising fuel costs, and crushing regulation — and my commitment to be a fighter for them in Washington, not another suit who's never set foot on a farm.

Standing Against Socialism and Anti-American Hate

And I closed with the same message I carry into every room: the time is now to stand up to socialism and the radical ideologies creeping into our institutions — clearly, consistently, and without apology.

It meant so much to see the Supervisor of Elections Office on hand registering voters that same evening — a great reminder that nights like this aren't just about candidates introducing themselves. They're about making sure every voice in Lake County is heard come Election Day.

To the Southern Diamonds Federated Republican Women and the Lake Republican Federated Women's Club: thank you for your tireless work organizing events like this for our community. And to everyone who stopped by my table, asked questions, and shared your concerns — thank you for trusting me with your time. I left The Venetian Center more energized than ever to bring this fight to Florida's 11th District.

— Tim Wilkins