Longtime Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank Ortis endorsed State Senator Lauren Book on Tuesday. Book is facing a tough primary challenge from former Broward County Commissioner Barbara Sharief. Here’s the press release from the Book campaign:

DAVIE, Fla. – The campaign to re-elect Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book is proud to announce strong support and endorsement from Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank Ortis, who knows Senator Book’s proven track record delivering results for the City of Pembroke Pines and Broward County is exactly the kind of leadership our community needs in the Florida Senate.

“I’m proud to support and endorse Lauren Book as our State Senator because she’s a strong champion for Broward families,” says Mayor Ortis, one of South Florida’s most beloved and respected public servants. “She’s always fought hard to deliver results for Pembroke Pines and always stood strong to bring the greatest resources from the Legislature. She makes us proud and I’m excited to support her campaign.”

A champion for Broward County, Senator Book is a tireless and effective fighter and legislative leader who has made a real difference for families in our community and across the state – successfully fighting to keep children safe from sexual predators, make our schools and communities safer, protect seniors, reform the child welfare system, support first responders, and so much more — earning Senator Book praise and respect from Mayor Ortis and other local leaders.

“I am proud to have earned the support of Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank Ortis,” says Senator Book, who has represented Western Broward County — including Pembroke Pines — in the Florida Senate since 2016. “Together with strong local leaders like Mayor Ortis, we will continue to fight for policies that benefit Broward families and all residents, including tackling the ongoing affordability crisis and keeping our kids and communities safe.”