Americans for Prosperity Action backs Melton Little in HD 71 race

Conservative political group Americans for Prosperity Action is throwing its support behind Republican Melton Little’s campaign to succeed term-limited Bradenton Republican Rep. Will Robinson in House District 71.

The endorsement comes as the Republican Primary, set for Aug. 18, draws near. AFP Action Senior Adviser Skylar Zander said Little is aligned with core priorities for the group, including fundamental belief in limited government and free-market policies. AFP Action, the political arm of Americans for Prosperity, is known for deploying significant grassroots and financial resources in Republican Primaries.

“Little will be a principled state representative, planning to prioritize expanding workforce education through trade schools and safeguarding Education Savings Accounts,” Zander said in a statement announcing the endorsement. “He also will work to ensure long-term economic stability in Florida by keeping taxes low and implementing pension reforms. We look forward to leveraging our grassroots capabilities to support Little.”

The HD 71 seat is expected to draw significant attention during the Primary as an open race in a reliably Republican area. The HD 71 Republican Primary is scheduled for Aug. 18, with the winner advancing to the November General Election to replace term-limited Robinson. Little faces Republican Jordan Varnadore in the Primary, with the winner currently slated to meet Democrat Marie Masferrer in the General Election.

Little has raised just over $311,000 toward the election bid and still maintains about $265,000 in cash on hand in his campaign account. The Make Manatee Great Again PC, which supports Little’s campaign, has raised just over $30,000 for the race and still maintains over $27,000 in cash on hand headed into the next quarter. 

Meanwhile, Varnadore has raised just over $51,000, with roughly $41,000 in cash on hand heading into the upcoming quarter.

A native of Manatee County and longtime lawyer, Little grew up in Bayshore Gardens, attended Bayshore High School and established his law practice in Palmetto, where he has worked for nearly four decades. 

His campaign is rooted with experience as a small-business owner and his involvement in the local community. Little is a devoted father and husband who has dedicated significant time to youth sports, scholarship, and education. His community service has earned him numerous accolades, including the highest honors from both the Manatee County Boys & Girls Club and the Manatee County Bar Association.

Little said the AFP endorsement reflects his conservative credentials in the race. 

“I am a Ronald Reagan conservative when it comes to government interference in business and the markets,” Little said. “It is an honor to gain the support of the Americans for Prosperity. I look forward to working with them to keep Florida businesses free from government interference.”