Sanford, FL – Former Congresswoman and Orlando Chief of Police Val Demings announced her endorsement of Bale Dalton in Florida’s 7th Congressional District today, praising Dalton’s 24 years of military service and ability to bring together a winning coalition in November.
Former Rep. Demings expressed her support, saying:
“As a former Chief of Police and Member of Congress, I know first hand the need to support candidates who have the courage, experience, and integrity to serve during tough times. As a Navy helicopter pilot, Bale Dalton led combat missions against ISIS, al-Qaeda, and the Taliban, before coming back home to serve his community – working on behalf of Florida veterans with Senator Nelson, and helping lead NASA. I know leadership, resolve, and selflessness when I see it – and that’s exactly what Bale is ready to offer Central Florida. He’s bringing together the coalition we need to win in November and make life better for Floridians.”
Dalton expressed gratitude for the support:
“Val Demings has led by example for decades – keeping our communities safe, breaking glass ceilings as Orlando’s first female Chief of Police, and delivering for Florida in Congress. As a Central Floridian, I’ve admired her service and grit for a long time, and am so grateful to receive her endorsement. We’ll keep working every day to lower the cost of living, keep our communities safe, and restore integrity to our representation in Washington.”
In addition to this endorsement, Dalton has earned the support of prominent Florida leaders, including U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, former Rep. Stephanie Murphy, Rep. Kathy Castor, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, State Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis, State Rep. Rita Harris, and Commissioner for the City of Winter Springs, Sarah Baker. Dalton is the clear fundraising leader in the race, having outraised Congressman Cory Mills by over a 4:1 margin since launching in November.
ABOUT BALE DALTON:
Bale Dalton is a decorated Navy Captain and former NASA Chief of Staff who has always answered the call to serve America. One of four raised in a hardworking Central Florida family, Bale graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and has served in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve for 24 years. He deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, and the Pacific, flying Navy helicopters and directing air combat support with Navy SEALs in Afghanistan.
Following active duty, he worked for Senator Bill Nelson, helping Florida veterans access the care and benefits they had earned. After an additional stint on active duty, Bale returned to government service as NASA Chief of Staff. At NASA, he managed 16,500 employees and helped run one of the federal government’s most effective agencies.
After a lifetime of service, Bale is now running against Congressman Cory Mills in Florida’s 7th Congressional District. Mills is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for sexual misconduct, dating violence, and for improperly profiting from arms sales in government contracts. In October, a Florida judge issued a restraining order against Cory Mills, to protect his ex-girlfriend from blackmail and intimidation.
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