TAMPA, Fla. -- Members of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce were in Tampa this week, endorsing Dana Young as she defends her District 18 state Senate seat. 

  • Dana Young facing Janet Cruz in November election
  • Hispanic businesses make up 25 percent of all businesses in state
  • Cruz campaign responds to Young's endorsement

"We've endorsed only a few candidates throughout the state. Dana Young is the only state senator that we are endorsing," said chamber president Julio Fuentes.

Fuentes said they're endorsing Young because of her work with Hispanic businesses, which make up 25 percent of all businesses in the state. 

"We look at (candidates') business platform and where they stand on taxes, for example, and regulations. Obviously, Dana Young has a proven track record to being a pro-business legislator," Fuentes said.

Young is running against Florida House Minority Leader Janet Cruz.

"One of the most important things is legislation that helps all businesses and that's keeping our taxes low, supporting reduced regulation, less government red tape that helps these small businesses grow and thrive here in our state," Young said. 

Cruz's campaign team responded to the endorsement with this statement:

"It's horrible that Dana Young would campaign with a front group for offshore oil drilling advocates, for-profit corporate schools, and alcohol. This was a special interest endorsement of a special interest candidate. Janet Cruz is leading this race because she's a fighter for public education, affordable health care, and keeping Tampa Bay safe."

District 18 consists of part of Hillsborough County. Cruz and Young will face off in the November elections.