Big-name GOP leaders back Randy Maggard for re-election

State Rep. Randy Maggard is picking up support from some of the biggest names in Republican politics as he seeks another term representing House District 54.

Maggard’s campaign announced endorsements from House Speaker-designate Sam Garrison, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, state Sen. Danny Burgess and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.

“I’m humbled by the support of those our district knows and trusts,” Maggard said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing to fight for President (Donald) Trump’s agenda during my last term in the Florida House.”

Garrison called Maggard “an outstanding and accomplished legislator,” saying he has seen him “fighting for the conservative policies his district and our state expect from us.”

“He has my full support, and I look forward to serving with him during our final terms in the Florida House,” Garrison added.

Bilirakis described Maggard as “a steadfast advocate for Pasco County — leading with fiscal responsibility, a tireless work ethic, and a clear, common sense vision for how to improve the lives of the people he serves.”

Simpson commended Maggard as “a genuine conservative” and “an outstanding partner in protecting Florida agriculture and our state’s farming families.”

And Burgess — who, like Maggard, hails from Pasco — also had plenty of praise.

“I’ve known Randy Maggard my entire life, and he’s the real deal — a lifelong East Pasco conservative who never backs down from fighting for our values. In Tallahassee, Randy stands firm for faith, family, and freedom.”

Maggard, a Pasco County native and local business owner, was first elected in a 2019 Special Election. He currently serves as Deputy Majority Leader and Republican Chief Whip and is Vice Chair of the State Administration Budget Subcommittee. He also serves on the Commerce, State Affairs, Natural Resources & Disasters, and Health Professions & Programs committees.

Before joining the Legislature, Maggard chaired both the Pasco County Republican Party and the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

The new round of endorsements comes just under two weeks since Charlene Joyce entered the race to challenge Maggard in the Republican Primary.

But Maggard is already out to a significant fundraising lead. He holds more than $48,000 in his 2026 campaign account. Maggard also chairs a political committee, PASCO PAC, that has more than $63,000 available.

House District 54 covers the eastern portion of Pasco County, including Dade City, Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel. Republicans make up about 43% of the district’s registered voters, compared to 28% Democrats and 29% who are unaffiliated or registered with a minor party.