House Republicans back Samantha Scott in HD 52 Special Election

The Florida House Republican Campaign Committee (FHRCC) is backing Samantha Scott in the Special Election for House District 52.

“Samantha has a proven record as a successful business leader, job creator, and community advocate and embodies the conservative, pro-family, pro-business values that will enable her to hit the ground running as a member of the Florida House of Representatives,” said Speaker-designate Sam Garrison, the FHRCC Chair.

“I look forward to enthusiastically supporting her efforts on the campaign trail in both the Primary and General Elections.”

Scott is running to replace John Temple, who is not seeking re-election after being appointed President of Lake-Sumter College this Summer. Both are Republicans.

A lifelong Sumter County resident, Scott is a member of several local organizations, including the Realtor Association of Lake and Sumter Counties, Sumter County Farm Bureau, and Sumter County Fair Association. She is also a member of the Lake-Sumter State College District Board of Trustees as a Gov. Ron DeSantis appointee.

Scott previously worked as Executive Director for the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce. In 2023, she was appointed to the Make America Florida Committee by then-Florida GOP Chair Christian Ziegler.

Scott is a graduate of Leadership Sumter and received “Top 40 Under 40” from Lake Sumter Style Magazine before turning 40; she’s now 44.

Scott also serves as Chair of the Republican Party of Sumter County and Vice President of the Sumter County Republican Club.

The latest endorsement builds on a growing array of support from local leaders, groups and advocacy organizations, including U.S. Rep. Dan Webster.

Other endorsers include:

— Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia.

— State Rep. Yvette Benarroch.

— State Rep. Ryan Chamberlin.

— State Rep. J.J. Grow.

— State Rep. Jeff Holcomb.

— State Rep. John Temple.

— Former State Sen. Carey Baker.

— Sumter County Sheriff Pat Breeden.

— Sumter County Superintendent Logan Brown.

— Sumter County Tax Collector Randy Mask.

— Sumter County Clerk of Court Erin Munz.

— Sumter County Commissioner Andy Bilardello.

— Sumter County Commissioner Jeff Bogue.

— Sumter County Commissioner Deb Butterfield.

— Sumter County Commissioner Todd Coon.

— Sumter County Commissioner Don Wiley.

— Hernando County Tax Collector Amy Blackburn.

— Hernando County Commissioner Brian Hawkins.

— Hernando School Board Chair Shannon Rodriguez.

— Vice Mayor of Brooksville Thomas Bronson.

— Associated Industries of Florida.

— Florida Fraternal Order of Police.

Scott is so far the only candidate filed for the HD 52 seat. The district covers Sumter County and parts of Hernando.

The Special Primary is scheduled for Jan. 13, and the Special General Election will be held on March 24.