Republican Melton Little has picked up a high-profile endorsement from U.S. Rep. Greg Steube in the race to succeed term-limited state Rep. Will Robinson in House District 71.
Steube has known Little for more than 20 years and describes him as a reliable conservative voice for Manatee County in Tallahassee, according to a press release from the Little campaign.
“I’ve personally known Melton for over two decades and Melton Little is the America First Patriot I trust to represent Manatee County in the Florida House,” Steube said. “I know Melton will fight for our constitutional rights, especially the right to bear arms and the right to life.”
The Republican Primary field for HD 71 seat, which covers parts of Manatee County, includes Little, Kristen Truong and Jordan Varnadore. The winner of that contest is expected to face Democrat Marie Masferrer in the General Election, barring additional candidates.
The Steube endorsement adds to a growing list of institutional support for Little, who has already emerged as the early fundraising leader in the race. Little outraised his Republican opponents combined during the final quarter of 2025 and entered the 2026 election cycle with a significant cash advantage.
Overall, Little has raised nearly $188,000 via his campaign account and more than $30,000 through his PC. Truong’s campaign has raised nearly $41,000 and another $67,000 through the Sun Coast Conservative Alliance PAC. Varnadore’s campaign has raised nearly $32,000, plus another $3,000 through the Protecting Manatee Values PC, while Masferrer’s campaign has raised just over $2,100.
Little is a Manatee County native who grew up in Bayshore Gardens and attended Bayshore High School before establishing a law practice in Palmetto nearly four decades ago. His campaign biography highlights his work serving local residents, involvement in youth sports, and recognition from the Manatee County Boys & Girls Club and the Manatee County Bar Association.
“I am humbled to earn the Congressman’s endorsement,” Little said. “I had told the Congressman one of the first bills I want to file is the State of Florida Employee Personal Protection Act to allow state employees to take their handguns to work once they pass a competency test.”
