Endorsements

"I am pleased to support Travis Coy for County Court Judge, Group 17, in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit.

During my years on the bench, including my service on the Florida Supreme Court, I developed a deep appreciation for lawyers who possess true courtroom skill and who understand the responsibility that comes with it. Exceptional trial lawyers recognize that their knowledge and preparation do more than win cases. They shape outcomes that affect people’s lives, families, and futures.

His experience as a trial lawyer has given him a clear understanding of how the law operates in real time and how judicial decisions impact the fairness and efficiency of our courts.

The best judges are often those who have spent years in the courtroom mastering the craft of trial work and developing the wisdom to apply the law carefully and thoughtfully. Travis brings that depth of experience and perspective to his candidacy."

"Throughout my years of service on the Florida Supreme Court, I learned that those who sit on the bench must understand not only the law itself but also the communities whose lives are shaped by its application.

My own journey to the bench began in segregated schools in Virginia and continued through my legal education at Howard University and The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law. I later served in the Criminal Division of the Florida Attorney General’s Office, on the Florida Second District Court of Appeal, and ultimately on the Florida Supreme Court, where I had the honor of becoming the first African American woman to serve as Chief Justice.

Our judicial system relies on individuals who appreciate the gravity of the role they seek. Travis Coy has demonstrated that appreciation through his career, his character, and his dedication to the legal profession and the community he serves.

It is for that reason that I am pleased to offer my endorsement of Travis Coy for County Court Judge."

“Throughout my career in public service and the judiciary, I have come to appreciate that the strength of our legal system depends upon thoughtful and capable attorneys who understand both the responsibility and the privilege of serving the public through the law. A judge unequivocally must be prepared, fair-minded, and committed to the just administration of the law. Travis has demonstrated the professionalism, temperament, and dedication necessary to fulfill that role with distinction.

I believe Travis Coy will serve the people of Hillsborough County well, and I am pleased to offer him my endorsement for County Court Judge."

"Having spent a lifetime in the pursuit of justice, from the front lines of the civil rights movement to more than five decades in the practice of law and public service, I understand the profound responsibility carried by those who serve within our justice system.

Throughout my career, whether advocating for equality, serving in the Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate, or working to expand access to justice for all people, I have remained committed to the principle that our courts must be guided by fairness, integrity, and respect for the dignity of every individual.

It is in that spirit that I proudly endorse Travis Coy for Hillsborough County Court Judge.

Hillsborough County deserves judges who appreciate both the power of the law and the responsibility that comes with it. I am confident that Travis Coy will serve with the integrity, professionalism, and commitment to justice that this community expects."

“Having served on the bench in Hillsborough County and as one of the early African American judges in our community, I understand the responsibility and leadership that judicial service requires. Our courts depend on individuals who not only know the law but who also possess the character, temperament, and commitment necessary to uphold justice for all.”

"I am proud to support Travis Coy for County Court Judge.

Throughout my years serving in the Florida House of Representatives and working alongside leaders committed to strengthening our communities, I have come to deeply value individuals who combine legal excellence with a genuine commitment to public service. Travis Coy is one of those individuals.

Travis has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the people of Hillsborough County beyond the courtroom. His leadership, community involvement, and dedication to fairness reflect the qualities we should expect from those entrusted with judicial responsibility.

For these reasons, I am honored to endorse Travis Coy for County Court Judge and encourage the voters of Hillsborough County to support him."

"As an attorney and former member of the Florida House of Representatives, and as the son of a former Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, I have spent much of my life around the law and the responsibility that comes with public service in our courts.

For that reason, I am proud to support Travis Coy for County Court Judge.

Travis is a thoughtful attorney with the integrity, professionalism, and judicial temperament our courts require. He understands that the role of a judge is not simply to decide cases, but to ensure that every person who enters the courtroom is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.

Our community deserves judges who will uphold the law with wisdom and independence. Travis Coy has the character and commitment to serve honorably on the bench."

"I have had the privilege of working with Travis in his role as the Governance Committee Chairman, Board of Trustees, Abe Brown Ministries. He is a difference-maker; positively impactful!"

"As Sheriff of Hillsborough County for the past 9 years, and with more than three decades in law enforcement, I have spent my career working alongside professionals who understand that public safety depends on fairness, integrity, and a deep respect for the rule of law. Travis Coy exemplifies those values.

A judge must carefully balance the rights of the accused, the needs of victims, and the safety of the community. Throughout his career, Travis has demonstrated that he understands that responsibility and approaches the law with both strength and fairness.

I have seen firsthand how important strong partnerships between law enforcement and the courts are to maintaining public trust and protecting our communities. That is why it is essential that our judges uphold the law with integrity and a clear respect for the responsibility that comes with serving on the bench. Travis Coy is exactly the kind of leader we need on the bench.

I am proud to support Travis Coy for County Court Judge and encourage the citizens of Hillsborough County to do the same."

"I have known Travis for many years, and throughout that time I have consistently been impressed by his integrity, professionalism, and steady judgment. He approaches the law with preparation and discipline, treats people with respect, and understands the weight of serving on the bench. Travis has the character, temperament, and commitment to fairness that will represent our judiciary — and our community — exceptionally well."

"I am proud to endorse Travis Coy for County Court Judge.

As someone who has spent much of my career practicing in Florida’s trial and appellate courts, including before the District Courts of Appeal, the Florida Supreme Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, I have great respect for Travis’ legal acumen and public service.

Travis understands the responsibility that comes with serving on the bench. A judge must be impartial, disciplined, and committed to the rule of law. Travis has demonstrated those qualities throughout his career. His reputation among lawyers and judges alike reflects a deep respect for the legal system and for the role judges play in maintaining public confidence in our courts.

Hillsborough County would be well served by Travis Coy’s experience, integrity, and commitment to justice.

For these reasons, I strongly endorse Travis Coy for County Court Judge."

“I am proud to endorse Travis Coy for County Court Judge in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. As Managing Shareholder of my firm and President of the Board of Trustees for Abe Brown Ministries, I have had the privilege of working alongside Travis in a setting that reflects both professional leadership and community service. Through our shared service as trustees, I have seen firsthand Travis’ commitment to strengthening our community.

Travis approaches service with humility, integrity, and a genuine concern for people. He listens carefully, weighs issues thoughtfully, and consistently seeks solutions that are fair and grounded in principle.

I am honored to support Travis’ candidacy for County Court Judge.”

“Over the course of Travis’ career, he has developed a strong reputation as a prepared and principled attorney who approaches the practice of law with seriousness and respect for the judicial process. His ability to analyze complex issues, remain steady under pressure, and treat all participants in the courtroom with fairness reflects the temperament we expect from members of the judiciary.

The citizens of Hillsborough County deserve judges who are committed to upholding the law with integrity and who understand the responsibility that comes with serving in a judicial capacity.”

"I had the privilege of presiding over cases in which Travis Coy appeared before me for more than fifteen years. During that time, I observed firsthand not only his legal acumen but also his unwavering commitment to justice and the people he serves.

What sets Travis apart is his balance of intellect and humanity. He listens carefully, responds deliberately, and carries himself with the integrity that our justice system demands.

Having spent more than three decades in the criminal justice system as a prosecutor, public defender, and judge, I have seen attorneys at every stage of their careers. Travis Coy stands out as one who not only knows the law but honors it.

It is without hesitation that I offer my full endorsement of Travis Coy."

The Honorable Samantha Ward (retired)

“I have known Travis for more than 10 years, and throughout that time, I have seen his quiet leadership, integrity, and commitment to others firsthand.

He has been both a friend and a mentor, and I have no doubt he will be fair, thoughtful, and exceptional on the bench. I am proud to endorse Travis Coy for County Court Judge.“ - Joshua Monteiro, Esq.

"A true pillar of the Hillsborough County legal community, Julie brings the perspective of a distinguished four-decade career, including thirty years leading the Office of the Public Defender for the 13th Judicial Circuit. Having known Travis since his early days at the State Attorney’s Office, she has watched him grow through the ranks firsthand.

For Julie, this support is personal. Having seen Travis’ work across the aisle for years, she, and the colleagues who have worked against him in a court of law, can attest to his unwavering fairness, justice, and open-mindedness.

To have the validation of a leader who has spent decades protecting constitutional rights is more than just an endorsement; it is a testament to Travis’ character and his readiness to serve our community from the bench."

"Travis and Astrid share a unique bond of service to the legal community. While Travis was leading the George Edgecomb Bar Association, Astrid was serving as President of the Tampa Hispanic Bar Association. During those overlapping tenures, they worked toward a shared goal: expanding access to justice and championing diversity within the Tampa Bay legal landscape.

Today, they continue that partnership as members of the same practice group at Bush Ross. Having a peer of Astrid’s caliber, someone who has seen Travis’ work ethic in the office and his leadership in the community, stand behind this campaign means the world."

"These are the men and women who run toward danger to protect our families every single day. They know what true dedication to public service looks like. And they have chosen Travis Coy.

When the heroes who protect Hillsborough County put their trust in someone, that means everything.

Together, we will build a stronger, safer, and more just community for everyone."

"As a lifelong resident of Tampa and someone who has spent my career serving the children and families of Hillsborough County as an educator, School Board member, and community advocate, I have always believed that strong institutions are built by people of integrity who are committed to serving the public good.

Throughout my years in public service, I have worked alongside leaders who understand that the decisions made in our public institutions affect real people and real families. Our courts are no different. They require judges who approach their responsibilities with fairness, sound judgment, and a deep respect for the community they serve.

That is why I am proud to endorse Travis Coy for Hillsborough County Court Judge." -

Doretha Edgecomb

"Dr. Nero is a true trailblazer whose life has been defined by a relentless commitment to service, both to her country and to the health of our local community. Her career is a masterclass in leadership, spanning decades of high-level military service and a deep dedication to public health right here in Florida.

To have a leader of her caliber, who has operated at the highest levels of the U.S. Army and the healthcare system, put her trust in Travis is incredibly meaningful. It serves as a powerful validation of his character, his work ethic, and his readiness to serve as your next Hillsborough County Court Judge.

Dr. Nero has spent her life fighting for the well-being of others; Travis is honored to have her support as he fights for a fair and just bench."

"During my time serving as Chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission, I had the opportunity to carefully evaluate candidates seeking judicial appointment and to observe firsthand the qualities that distinguish lawyers who are truly prepared for the bench. Through that process, I came to know Travis Coy as a thoughtful, disciplined, and highly capable attorney. I believe Travis Coy will bring fairness, balance, and sound judgment to the bench, and I am confident he will serve the people of Hillsborough County well."

"I have known Travis for over a decade and in that time I have seen him authentically prepare to serve as a member our Judiciary.  He is even-tempered, kind, and a good listener.  He will make an excellent judge and will serve our community honorably.  I am very proud to support his candidacy" 

"After more than forty years practicing law, first as a felony prosecutor in Hillsborough County and later as a criminal defense attorney handling complex cases across the country, I have spent my career in the courtroom.

Our courts function best when the people on the bench respect the process, respect the lawyers before them, and respect the law. I am confident Travis Coy will bring that level of seriousness and commitment to the role.

That is why I am proud to support Travis Coy for Hillsborough County Court Judge."

"For the 21 years I’ve known Travis, his love for the law and community have always stood out. His calm demeanor and ability to read the room, listen, and then speak will serve him well as a judge, especially on the County Bench. I am proud to endorse and support him."

"I have known Travis for nearly 20 years now. He is an exceptional attorney and an even more incredible human being. His vast experience in both the criminal and civil arenas as well as his extensive trial experience make him perfect for the bench."

"While serving as court officer for Judge Ficarrotta I found Travis to always be prepared as a prosecutor as well as truth and justice seeking. He cares for and serves this community. We need Judges like him serving."

"I had the privilege of working under Travis and can confidently say he possesses the intellect, sound judgment, and critical thinking skills essential for a county court judge. Travis combines sharp legal acumen with natural leadership, earning respect through fairness, decisiveness, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. His integrity and ability to thoughtfully navigate complex issues makes him exceptionally well-suited for the bench."

"As a Florida Board Certified Specialist in Marital and Family Law and a longtime advocate for women in the legal profession, I am proud to support Travis Coy for Hillsborough County Court Judge.

I have had the opportunity to observe Travis’ professionalism and commitment to the legal community over the years. When I served as Chair of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, Travis appeared before the Commission while seeking judicial appointment. During that process, he demonstrated the preparation, thoughtfulness, and respect for the role of the judiciary that are essential qualities in a judge.

I also appreciate Travis’ commitment to supporting the advancement of women in the legal profession through his service on the Board of Directors for the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers (HAWL). His willingness to serve an organization dedicated to uplifting women attorneys reflects both his respect for the profession and his recognition of the importance of inclusive leadership within our legal community.

Travis brings integrity, professionalism, and a deep respect for the rule of law to everything he does. I am confident he will serve the people of Hillsborough County with fairness, diligence, and sound judgment, and I am honored to support his candidacy for County Court Judge.”

"Travis Coy is a person of integrity who approaches the law with discipline, fairness, and respect for the judicial process. He is a devoted family man whose character reflects the same commitment, responsibility, and steadiness he brings to his professional life. Through my experience working with him as a prosecutor and colleague, I have seen his sound judgment, strong work ethic, temperament and legal knowledge that the bench requires. He embodies all the ideals we want in our judiciary and I am honored to endorse him."

"Throughout my life in military service and in my continued work with veterans in Hillsborough County, I have remained committed to serving others. My work with the Veterans Treatment Court has shown me that our justice system is strongest when it is led with both integrity and compassion.

It is with that perspective that I proudly endorse Travis Coy.

As a mentor and leader within the Veterans Treatment Court, I have seen how important it is to have leaders who understand that the law is about people. Travis embodies that understanding. He leads with integrity, respects the Constitution, and is committed to fairness and service.

As a Liberty Bell Award recipient recognized for strengthening our legal system through community service, I do not offer my endorsement lightly. I believe Travis Coy has the character, judgment, and dedication to serve our community well.

Hillsborough County deserves principled leadership committed to justice for all.
Travis Coy is that leader. I encourage you to support his candidacy."

"As a Past President of the Hillsborough County Bar Association, I have had the privilege of working with many talented attorneys in our community. Travis Coy stands out as a lawyer of strong character, and a genuine commitment to the fair administration of justice.

Travis and I share the distinction of having served as Presidents of the George Edgecomb Bar Association, an organization committed to advancing diversity, leadership, and service within the legal profession. Through that shared commitment, I have seen firsthand Travis’ dedication to strengthening our profession and serving the community with purpose.

Our legal community has long played an important role in advancing justice and strengthening public trust in our institutions.  Travis Coy reflects those values, and I am confident he will serve Hillsborough County with honor and distinction.

For these reasons, I am proud to endorse Travis Coy for County Court Judge."