Samantha Scott lands trove of endorsements in HD 52 Special Election

Republican Samantha Scott is building momentum in the race to replace former state Rep. John Temple in House District 52, announcing a long list of endorsements from federal, state and local officials.

Backers include U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster and Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia. Temple resigned in September to become President of Lake-Sumter State College. The Special Election to fill his seat will feature a Jan. 13 Primary and a March 24 General Election.

Scott, a businesswoman and lifelong Sumter County resident, framed the endorsements as proof of a campaign rooted in “faith, family and freedom.”

“I’m deeply humbled by the confidence so many trusted leaders and organizations have placed in our campaign,” she said. “Together, we’re building a movement focused on protecting our communities, strengthening our schools and defending our way of life.”

Webster called Scott “a proven conservative leader who will serve our families and communities with integrity.”

Ingoglia and sitting House Republican state Reps. Yvette Benarroch, Ryan Chamberlin, J.J. Grow and Jeff Holcomb, along with former state Sen. Carey Baker, also threw their support behind Scott’s bid.

“Thrilled to see my friend Samantha Scott announce her run for State Representative! She’s exactly the kind of leader we need — hardworking, committed to her community, and guided by strong conservative principles,” Benarroch said.

At the local level, Scott’s backers include Sumter County Sheriff Pat Breeden, Superintendent Logan Brown, Tax Collector Randy Mask, Clerk of Court Erin Munz and County Commissioners Andy Bilardello, Jeff Bogue, Deb Butterfield, Todd Coon and Don Wiley.

Scott has also earned endorsements from the Associated Industries of Florida and the Florida Fraternal Order of Police, citing her pro-business record and support for law enforcement.

The HD 52 seat covers Sumter County and part of Hernando County.