Politics
Carmine Marceno backs Susan Frantz in HD 78 bid
Her campaign emphasizes her work with families in crisis, cancer patients, small-business owners and young leaders in the region.
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno is endorsing Susan Frantz in the race to claim the House District 78 seat being vacated by outgoing Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka.
The endorsement gives the Fort Myers Republican an early law enforcement boost as she campaigns for the Southwest Florida seat.
“Lee County loves candidates that back the blue, support law and order and who uphold our laws and defend the Constitution — Susan Frantz is that candidate and she has my full endorsement and support to become the newest state legislator from Lee County,” Marceno said.
“Susan will make sure we continue to deport illegal aliens in the jail and that Lee County has the resources it needs to fight criminals.”
The endorsement comes after Frantz transferred her candidacy to the 2026 cycle for HD 78, which will be vacated by Persons-Mulicka to accept an appointment by Gov. Ron DeSantis as Lee County Supervisor of Elections, creating an opening in the Fort Myers-area district. Persons-Mulicka has resigned from the seat and transferred her candidacy to the upcoming SOE election as well.
Frantz enters the race with nearly $130,000 in cash on hand, according to her campaign.
“Sheriff Marceno is America’s favorite Sheriff. He’s tough on crime and protects our community relentlessly. I am honored and humbled to have his trust and support,” Frantz said.
Frantz is a business owner and longtime Lee County resident. She is the founder and CEO of Frantz Marketing Solutions, a Fort Myers-based marketing and public relations firm that has served clients across Southwest Florida for more than 15 years.
Her campaign emphasizes her work with families in crisis, cancer patients, small-business owners and young leaders in the region. She has been recognized as a Gulfshore Business 40 Under 40 honoree and has received multiple statewide honors from the Florida Public Relations Association.
The endorsement gives Frantz an early conservative law-and-order boost in a race where Democrat Cindy Banyai is the only other candidate filed for the seat so far.
