- May 14, 2026
Flagler Beach City Commissioner R.J. Santore III, a fourth-generation pyrotechnician and vice president of his family’s pyrotechnics manufacturing business, endorsed Charles Gambaro for the Republican nomination in Florida’s 6th Congressional District.
Santore praised Gambaro’s record of service to both his community and his country. In his endorsement, Santore stated: “I generally keep my focus on the work in front of me here at home, but this race is one I felt I needed to weigh in on. Charlie is a man I know from our parish and from the Knights of Columbus, and his wife is deeply involved with our youth ministry. That is the measure of a family that shows up for the people around them.
“Charlie has spent more than 26 years in uniform, has led American soldiers in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, and rose to Brigadier General. He has served on the Palm Coast City Council, where he has done the unglamorous work of reading the agenda packets and asking the hard questions. He sits in the room with the people he represents and answers to his neighbors face-to-face. That matters.
“Charlie is approachable, responsive, and prepared. His commitment to protecting our beaches, investing in critical infrastructure, and building real coastal resiliency makes him the right choice to represent us in Congress. I am proud to endorse him.”
Gambaro thanked Santore for the endorsement.
“It is an honor to receive the support of a proven community leader,” Gambaro said. “R.J.’s support is a big deal for our campaign, and together we will continue to fight for protecting and improving our beaches, investing in critical infrastructure projects, and placing our fellow residents first.”
