The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) announced an additional round of endorsements for several House candidates in the 2026 general election through a press release this week.
“We’re proud to announce AIF’s 2026 General Election endorsements for Florida House candidates,” AIF President and CEO Brewster Bevis said in a statement. “These endorsements add to the strong slate of candidates we have supported throughout this election cycle—leaders who understand the challenges facing Florida’s employers and are committed to fostering economic growth, expanding opportunity, and helping keep lower costs for hardworking Floridians. We are confident these candidates will work tirelessly to strengthen Florida’s business climate, protect our state’s economic competitiveness, and ensure Florida remains a place where families, workers, and job creators can thrive. Voters can feel confident in the leadership and vision of these candidates and casting a ballot for them as they head to the polls this November.”
The AIF's endorsements include the following:
- Republican Matt Woodside (House District 31)
- Republican Erin Huntley (House District 45)
- Republican Brian Hawkins (House District 53)
- Republican Melissa Rutland (House District 60)
- Republican Dan Weldon (House District 64)
- Republican Jordan Varnadore (House District 71)
- Republican Cathy Higgins (House District 89)
- Republican Yoni Anijar (House District 100)
- Republican Mery Lopez-Palma (House District 102)
- Republican Bruno Barreiro (House District 113)
- Republican Nick Pachota (House District 74)
Behind the endorsements, The AIF's Center for Political Strategy, launched in 2023, aims to elect pro-business candidates of either party to the Florida Legislature.
Known as "The Voice of Florida Business," the AIF has represented the principles of prosperity and free enterprise before the three branches of state government since 1920.
The AIF also endorsed several Senate and House for the 2026 general election in July.
In addition, the AIF has endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) for governor, U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL) for Senate, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier for attorney general, Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia for chief financial officer, and Florida Agricultural Commissioner Wilton Simpson for agricultural commissioner.
The general election is Nov. 3.
