News Summary
The Associated Industries of Florida has endorsed Republican candidate Emily Duda Buckley in the race for House District 38. Buckley, praised for her understanding of business and agriculture, is competing against two other Republicans in a highly competitive primary. With a strong fundraising lead, she aims to address numerous issues impacting families, including rising costs in housing and child care. Buckley’s platform focuses on enhancing government efficiency and improving access to healthy meals in underserved areas as she campaigns in a district where voter registration is almost evenly split.
Florida — The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) has officially endorsed Emily Duda Buckley in the competitive race for House District 38. Buckley, a Republican candidate vying to replace term-limited incumbent Rep. David Smith, has demonstrated an understanding of both business and agriculture that has led to praise from AIF leaders. The organization highlighted her potential to be a strong ally for Florida families and job creators as she moves forward in her campaign.
As one of three Republicans running for the seat, Buckley is competing against Marcus Hyatt and Austyn Cydney Spell in the GOP primary scheduled for August 2026. AIF President and CEO Brewster Bevis commended her commitment to local business and community issues, noting that Buckley’s ties to Florida’s agricultural sector stem from her status as a fifth-generation Floridian.
In terms of campaign finances, Buckley is leading her Republican counterparts by a significant margin. She raised $75,000 in the most recent reporting period, increasing her total fundraising to nearly $147,000. In contrast, Marcus Hyatt has reported approximately $20,000 in raised funds, along with a personal loan of the same amount to his campaign, while Austyn Cydney Spell has not reported any fundraising activity thus far.
The open seat in House District 38 is anticipated to be highly competitive, characterized by an almost equal voter registration split: approximately 34% of the district identifies as Democrats, 33% as Republicans, and nearly 30% as unaffiliated voters. Recent electoral history also underscores this competitiveness; in the last elections, Rep. David Smith won his seat by a narrow margin of fewer than 700 votes against his Democratic opponent.
Emily Duda Buckley launched her campaign in April 2025, articulating her focus on enhancing government efficiency and promoting the welfare of families. Her experience as a Guardian Ad Litem and as a licensed foster parent showcases her dedication to child welfare issues, complementing her work with the Florida Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents and the 4Roots Foundation. Buckley’s platform emphasizes agricultural education and improving access to healthy meals in underserved communities.
Understanding the financial pressures faced by families, she has expressed a commitment to addressing challenges such as rising costs in housing, childcare, and elder care through legislative action. Buckley currently resides in Oviedo, Florida, with her two children, Jack and Keira June.
House District 38 encompasses parts of southwest Seminole County, including various cities such as Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, and Winter Springs. The AIF, which has been a fixture in Florida state politics since 1920, advocates for pro-business candidates and policies, aiming to influence the direction of state governance.
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