BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Calling himself a “fearless conservative,” Marshall Clayton Rawson of Hampton has entered the race as a Republican candidate for the District 10 seat in the Florida House.
A business owner, former law student, and member of the Florida Guard, Rawson brings a diverse background to his campaign, which he says centers on safeguarding Florida’s agriculture, defending individual freedoms and promoting responsible government.
“I’m running because every day, the Florida that I love loses another 800-1,000 acres of greenspace and agricultural land to soulless suburban development and shopping malls,” said Rawson, reflecting on his concern for the state’s rapid urbanization. “I will be Florida’s greatest advocate when it comes to conservation and Florida agriculture.”
Rawson is the owner of Free State Growers, a multi-county agricultural business in north Florida, and says he knows the challenges facing rural communities. He is also an advocate for preserving the state’s historic green spaces, which he believes are essential to Florida’s unique identity and quality of life.
“We need leadership that will protect Florida’s natural beauty and ensure our resources are safeguarded for future generations,” he said.
Rawson’s qualifications go beyond his work in agriculture. A graduate of Jacksonville University, he earned a degree in history and was an active member of several student organizations, including Phi Alpha Theta American History Honors Society and Young Americans for Liberty. He also earned a reputation for his achievements in track and field athletics.
He later earned his law degree from the University of Florida College of Law in 2023, focusing on corporate and land use law. Rawson’s professional experience includes roles as an intern for Republican Congressman Paul Broun, as a legal assistant to Secretary of State Cord Byrd and as a legal intern for the Florida Department of Agriculture.
Rawson’s political platform centers on issues that are important to both his personal values and the needs of District 10. He advocates for tax relief, with a strong stance against tax hikes by local governments. He is also passionate about defending Second Amendment rights, opposing “woke” educational policies, and protecting life.
“I’m sick of seeing local government take the fruits of our labor, taxing us to fund libraries and curriculums that push sick, woke, anti-Western, and anti-Christian propaganda on our youth,” Rawson said. “I will continue the fight I’ve started at the local level to remove these harmful influences and ensure that our children are raised with the values that made this country great.”
Rawson opposed a constitutional amendment to restore abortion rights, working to help defeat Amendment 4. He pledges to continue supporting the prolife cause.
Additionally, Rawson has been vocal in defending Florida’s historic monuments, including veteran memorials and the Ten Commandments.
“Tallahassee desperately needs the courage to stand up against the radical left and their efforts to erase our history,” Rawson said. “I have defended our historic monuments all across Florida, and I will continue that fight in the legislature.”
On national security, Rawson said he has served on the Texas/Mexico border to help secure the nation.
“On Day 1, I will work to support our governor and president to ensure we have the safest and most secure border on the planet,” he said.
Rawson is a married father of four and a member of Grace Life Baptist Church in Lake City. His conservative values are earning him endorsements from local government officials, including Kenny Thompson in Bradford County, Mac Johns in Union County and Tim Marden in Newberry.
The District 10 seat is currently held by Rep. Chuck Brannan, whose final term is ending in 2026. Currently, the only other declared candidate in the race, according to the state, is Brannan’s son, Chase Brannan.
