Adam Putnam

releases his first TV ad in the GOP race for governor, a message designed to show his rural roots and promote his campaign slogan of “Florida first.”

Adam Putnam released his first ad Monday in the GOP race for governor, a message designed to show his rural Polk County roots.

“I’m Adam Putnam,” the state agriculture commissioner says in the ad, a 60-second version of which was available online Monday. “For me, it’s always been Florida first.”

A variation of the ad is scheduled to run on broadcast, cable and satellite TV over the next week in eight markets, including Orlando, Smart Media Group reported. The Putnam campaign did not release details of the ad buy, but Smart Media reported the total is about $627,000.

In the ad, Putnam is seen walking through a stable, talking about growing up in Bartow and being a fifth-generation Floridian.

“It was here that I learned my faith, responsibility, perseverance and hard work,” Putnam says. “Today, those values are missing. Even looked down on by liberal elites.”

The ad also includes scenes from the rally where he announced his run for governor last year.

“I’ve spent my life fighting back,” Putnam says. “And as your governor, I won’t back down. Together, we will put ‘Florida First’ and make Florida the launch pad for the American Dream.”

Putnam is running for the GOP nomination for governor against U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Palm Coast. GOP House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’Lakes, is considering a bid, as well.

The winner of the Aug. 28 primary will face the Democratic candidate who emerges out of a field of Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, Winter Park businessman Chris King and former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine.