Kelly Ann Walker, a Republican vying for House District 74, highlighted her "America First" approach and conservative values in a campaign advertisement released this week.
"Walker is Florida first. America forever. She'll deport criminal illegals. Fight the woke left. Protect our rights. And stop the sprawl," the 30-second advertisement says.
"Walker won't let the left drag us back. She'll lead us forward. And unlike the politicians running, Walker's a real fighter, who's real conservative," the ad continued.
Her campaign website specifically lists supporting agriculture, cutting property taxes, protecting small businesses, and championing school choice as some of her top priorities.
HD 74 covers part of Sarasota County.
Walker is looking to replace Rep. James Buchanan (R-Sarasota) who is term-limited and cannot seek reelection. Buchanan was first elected in 2018.
Rep. Buchanan won HD 74 by 29 points over Democrat Nancy Simpson in 2024. He also won by 24 points over Democrat Lisa Stortstrom in 2022.
While likely a safe Republican seat, Walker faces a number of challengers the Republican primary. Chris Felder, Carl Goodrich, Carlton Nichols, Nick Pachota, and Jennifer Winkler are all on the Republican ticket. Nancy Simpson is on the Democratic ballot.
Walker, raised on a farm, grew up in Manatee County and attended Lakewood Ranch High School. At Lakewood, Walker participated in FFA, an agricultural career development organization and the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC), a military style program teaching leadership, personal responsibility, community involvement, and other life skills to students.
She later graduated with a bachelor's degree and her master's degree from Stetson University.
No stranger to politics, Walker was a congressional staffer for U.S. Reps. Greg Steube (R-FL) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL), the father of Rep. James Buchanan. Walker also serves as secretary of the Sarasota-Manatee Young Republicans, and sits on the board of Central Florida Warriors Hockey, a nonprofit helping disabled veterans.
The primary is Aug. 18, 2026.
