LEELA GRAY

Retired Army Brigadier General Leela Gray is a third-generation veteran, attorney, business leader, and mother running for Congress in Florida's 13th Congressional District. Throughout a 30-year military career, General Gray commanded at every echelon, from company to division, and climbed the ranks to become Brigadier General. A veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Joint Endeavor, she retired in 2018 as Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Central and subsequently advised U.S. Army Cyber Command on modernizing national defense policy. While serving in the Army Reserve, Leela built a successful civilian career in technology and strategic communications, growing businesses, managing budgets, and advising companies of all sizes as they navigate complex regulatory and tech landscapes. After retiring from the military, Leela attended law school and graduated from Stetson University at age 55 so that she could better advocate for veterans' healthcare and disability benefits. Leela and her husband, Tony, have called the Tampa Bay area home for more than 20 years and are the proud parents of their daughter, Bailly.