Why It Matters
The race for Florida House District 71 is shaping up as one of the more competitive Republican primaries in Manatee County heading into the 2026 election cycle. The seat, which covers the Bradenton area, is open for the first time in years due to term limits, making endorsements and early fundraising critical factors in determining which candidate can consolidate conservative support before the primary.
For Florida Republicans, HD 71 represents a seat the party intends to hold. The outcome of the primary will likely determine the district’s next representative, as the general election matchup currently favors the Republican nominee in this reliably conservative Manatee County district.
What Happened
Republican candidate Melton Little announced on March 23, 2026, that he has secured the endorsement of Jack May, a prominent conservative grassroots leader in Manatee County, Florida. May serves as President of the Manatee County Patriots Club, TEA Party Manatee Inc., and Victims of Communism Florida, giving him a strong organizational footprint among the county’s conservative activist base.
May announced his support through a statement released by the Little campaign, describing Little as a candidate who understands constitutional values and is committed to protecting the priorities of hardworking families. “I am proud to support Melton because I know he will fight for conservative principles and put the people of Florida first,” May said.
Little is running to succeed term-limited state Rep. Will Robinson, a Bradenton Republican who currently holds the HD 71 seat. Little faces two other Republicans in the primary — Kristen Truong and Jordan Varnadore. The winner is expected to face Democrat Marie Masferrer in the November 2026 general election.
Growing Endorsement List
The May endorsement is the latest in a string of institutional and political backing that Little has assembled since entering the race. He has previously secured the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, a prominent Florida Republican who represents the region in Congress.
Little has also earned the backing of former Manatee County Sheriff Charlie Wells and Donna Hayes, a veteran Republican organizer in Manatee County with deep ties to former President Donald Trump’s political operation. Hayes served as Chair of Trump’s local campaign efforts in 2016, 2020, and 2024, giving her endorsement significant weight among the district’s Republican base.
Together, these endorsements reflect a coordinated effort by Little’s campaign to lock in support from both elected officials and grassroots conservative networks ahead of the primary.
By the Numbers
- Little has raised nearly $188,000 through his campaign account heading into the 2026 election cycle.
- He has raised an additional $30,000 through his affiliated political committee.
- Little outraised his two Republican primary opponents combined during the final quarter of 2025.
- Opponent Kristen Truong has raised approximately $41,000 through her campaign account and roughly $67,000 through a political committee.
- Little’s total fundraising haul gives him a significant cash advantage entering the primary season, with the primary scheduled as part of the broader 2026 Florida election cycle.
Zoom Out
Open legislative seats created by term limits have become increasingly contested battlegrounds in Florida, particularly in suburban counties like Manatee where population growth has expanded the local Republican electorate. Candidates in these races typically move quickly to lock in endorsements from local party figures, grassroots organizations, and allied elected officials, as name recognition outside of political circles is often limited in down-ballot state House races.
Nationally, grassroots conservative organizations such as Tea Party-affiliated groups have continued to play an influential role in Republican primaries, particularly at the state legislative level, where candidate alignment with constitutional and limited-government principles often carries decisive weight with primary voters.
What’s Next
The Florida primary election for HD 71 is expected to take place in August 2026, with the general election to follow in November. Little’s campaign is expected to continue building out its endorsement roster and fundraising operation in the months ahead.
Truong and Varnadore will need to close a significant fundraising gap and generate their own institutional support to remain competitive against Little’s growing organizational advantages. The general election matchup between the Republican primary winner and Democrat Marie Masferrer will come into sharper focus once the primary field is settled.