The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) is lining up behind two Republicans running in a pair of Special Elections set for early next year.
In House District 51, the business lobby is throwing its support behind Hilary Holley, who went unopposed for GOP nomination and will go head-to-head with Democratic nominee Edwin Pérez on March 24. In House District 87, the group is backing Jon Maples, who will be on a Jan. 13 Special Primary ballot, with a March 24 Special General Election scheduled.
AIF President and CEO Brewster Bevis said Holley’s “dedication to fiscal responsibility, small-business growth, smart development, and protecting Florida’s agriculture and quality of life makes her an ideal candidate for the Florida House. Her Florida-first, conservative approach will help ensure Florida remains competitive and prosperous. We are proud to support her campaign.”
Holley is the favorite for HD 51, the northern Polk County district ceded by Rep. Josie Tomkow when she entered the race for the Senate seat previously held by Lt. Gov. Jay Collins.
According to the most recent L2 voter data, the northern Polk County seat has an advantage for Republicans, with nearly 34% of the electorate registered to the GOP, compared to just 31% who are Democrats. Tomkow won her most recent re-election last year with 57% of the vote over Democrat Octavio Hernandez. The same cycle saw President Donald Trump carry the district with 56% of the vote.
Bevis said Maples earned AIF’s nod because he “understands the real pressures facing Florida’s families — from affordability challenges to infrastructure strain — and is committed to finding practical solutions. His background in small business, his dedication to community, and his focus on strengthening Florida’s families make him the voice we need for the business community in the Florida House. AIF is proud to endorse his campaign.”
Maples is running to replace former Rep. Mike Caruso, whom Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed in August to serve as Palm Beach County Clerk, setting up the Special Election. Maples entered the race in April, before Caruso left the Legislature, expecting to run in the 2026 cycle.
Maples, who is also being backed by the Florida House Republican Campaign Committee, will face Gretchen Feng in the Primary. The winner of the Jan. 13 contest will be the overwhelming favorite in March — Republicans account for more than 39% of the electorate, compared to less than 29% who are Democrats, according to the most recent L2 voter data.
