Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and Mike Huckabee are one step closer to appearing on the Florida primary ballot in March, according to an announcement made Thursday by the state Republican party on Thursday.
“I am excited to welcome Mr. Trump and Gov. Huckabee to the growing list of presidential candidates speaking at the Sunshine Summit in Orlando,” said Florida GOP chairman Blaise Ingoglia in a statement. “The road to the White House goes through Florida, and our grassroots leaders and volunteers are ready to hear the candidates share their vision for the future of our nation.”
The event is a must-do for candidates seeking to appear on the ballot in the delegate rich state. The Republican Party of Florida mandated last week that any candidate who would like to appear on the March primary ballot must either pay a $25,000 fee, attend the Sunshine Summit or provide a petition signed by 3,375 registered Republican Florida voters.
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Lousiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham have already committed to attend the Sunshine Summit, which is scheduled from Nov 12-14 in Orlando.