Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) announced Monday an additional slate of endorsements in 11 Florida House races ahead of the 2026 general election.
The business advocacy organization endorsed Matt Woodside in House District 31, Erin Huntley in District 45, Brian Hawkins in District 53, Melissa Rutland in District 60, Dan Weldon in District 64 and Jordan Varnadore in District 71.
AIF also backed Nick Pachota in District 74, Cathy Higgins in District 89, Yoni Anijar in District 100, Mery Lopez-Palma in District 102 and Bruno Barreiro in District 113.
AIF President and CEO Brewster Bevis said the endorsements expand the organization’s slate of candidates supported throughout the 2026 election cycle.
“These endorsements add to the strong slate of candidates we have supported throughout this election cycle,” Bevis said, describing the candidates as leaders who understand issues facing Florida employers and support economic growth and competitiveness.
AIF said its Center for Political Strategy is involved in the organization’s endorsement process. Launched in late 2023, the center interviews candidates for state House and Senate races about their reasons for seeking office, priorities if elected and positions on issues affecting Florida businesses.
As part of the endorsement process, candidates for state House and Senate races were interviewed about their reasons for running, priorities if elected and positions on issues affecting Florida businesses.
AIF said it does not issue endorsements in every legislative contest and does not endorse candidates in races that are unopposed.
The organization, founded in 1920, represents businesses and advocates for policies it says promote free enterprise, economic development and a favorable business climate in Florida.
