Melton Little leads the field in fundraising for the open HD 71 race to succeed Will Robinson

Republican House District 71 candidate Melton Little is reporting another strong fundraising quarter as he heads into the 2026 election cycle.

Little is facing Kristen Truong and Jordan Varnadore in the Republican Primary as the seat becomes open with Bradenton Republican Rep Will Robinson hitting term limits.

Little’s campaign and his affiliated political committee, Make Manatee Great Again PC, raised more than $87,000 during the fourth quarter of 2025. The total is more than double what his opponents raised combined during the same period.

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.

“It is humbling to have the support of so many folks on so many levels in the community contributing to the campaign,” Little said in a statement. “Our momentum is gaining every day.”

Little is running for the House on a platform centered on conservative economic principles, small-business experience and community involvement. He said his campaign has focused on meeting voters while continuing to build grassroots financial support. According to the campaign, roughly 93% of the 220 contributors live within the district and Manatee County.

Little has also secured the support of Donna Hayes, a longtime Republican organizer in Manatee County who previously served as Chair of former President Donald Trump’s local campaigns in 2016, 2020 and 2024, according to the campaign.

A Manatee County native, Little grew up in Bayshore Gardens and attended Bayshore High School before establishing a law practice in Palmetto nearly four decades ago. His firm has represented thousands of local residents, the campaign said.

Little has also been active in youth sports, education, and scholarship efforts in the community. His community service has received recognition from the Manatee County Boys & Girls Club and the Manatee County Bar Association, according to campaign materials.

The winner of the GOP Primary will face Democrat Marie Masferrer in the General Election unless another Democrat challenges her in the Primary.