AFP-FL releases new round of legislative endorsements

by | Jun 30, 2022



Americans for Prosperity Action Florida (AFP-FL) rolled out another round of Florida Legislative endorsements on Thursday.

The conservative advocacy group announced that it is backing four more Republican candidates, including Alexis Calatayud in Senate District 38, Rep. Alex Andrade in House District 2, Chet Stokes in House District 16, and  Vienna Francois in House District 45.

“What happens in the state legislature is critical to the lives of Floridians. That’s why AFP Action supports candidates who will support policies that provide children a quality education, create a strong state economy that helps businesses grow and create good-paying jobs, and increase access to high-quality health care,” said AFP Action Florida Senior Advisor Skylar Zander. “These and other endorsed candidates are critical to our state’s future, and we’ll be working hard to help them achieve victory in November.”

In a press release, the AFP-FL touted the GOP candidates, detailing the reason why each earned the political action committee’s seal of approval.

Calatayud is the only Republican running for SD 38. She is set to face Democrat Janelle Perez in November.

“Alexis Calatayud will be an advocate in the State Senate for expanding educational opportunities for Florida children through universal education savings accounts and other programs that give parents greater control over their children’s education. Calatayud will work to expand health care access by reforming laws and regulations like those governing telehealth,” AFP-FL said.

Andrade has represented HD 2 since 2018 and is seeking another term this November. He faces Jordan Karr and Greg Litton in the Republican Primary, with Democrat Carollyn Taylor waiting in the wing.

“Rep. Robert Andrade has been a strong leader advancing educational freedom for Florida parents and children, including support for universal education savings accounts. He understands that reforming aspects of our criminal justice system can help formerly incarcerated individuals successfully return to their communities, ensure sentences are fair and fit the crime, and save taxpayers money,” AFP-FL noted.

Stokes is in a three-way race against former Rep. Lake Ray and “Angel Mom” Kiyan Michael in a safe Republican seat.

“Chet Stokes understand that government regulations, no matter how well intentioned, can create barriers—such as burdensome and unnecessary red tape—that prevent people, businesses, charities, and other organizations from succeeding. In the State House, he will work to break down these barriers to create an environment where people can succeed. Stokes will also work to create education opportunities for Florida families through the expansion of charter schools and education savings accounts,” they added.

Francois is one of five well-funded GOP candidates squaring off in what appears to be the most competitive House district this cycle. Other Republicans eyeing the seat include Christian college executive Carolina Amesty, retired law enforcement officer Janet Frevola, businessman Bruno Portigliatti, and former congressional candidate Mike Zhao.

“Vienna Francois will be an advocate in the state legislature for expanded educational opportunities for Florida children. She understands that government policies impact our state’s labor market and the ability of Floridians to secure rewarding and good-paying jobs. That’s why she will support the reform of state occupational licensure regulations that essentially force people to get a government permission slip to hold certain jobs or open a business,” AFP-FL concluded.

The new round brings the total number of AFP-FL legislative endorsements to 30.

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