The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) on Monday endorsed Republican Emily Duda Buckley in the race for House District 38, backing her bid for the Seminole County-based seat in the 2026 election cycle.
AIF President and CEO Brewster Bevis said Duda Buckley’s experience in business and agriculture, along with her policy views, align with the organization’s priorities. The group, which represents a cross-section of Florida’s business community, cited Buckley’s support for free enterprise and her opposition to regulations and taxes it views as burdensome.
“As a fifth generation Floridian with deep roots in our state’s business and agriculture communities, Emily Duda Buckley has a unique understanding of what is needed to help keep Florida’s industries thriving,” said Bevis. “With conservative principles that closely align with AIF’s priorities, we believe she will be a strong ally in the Florida Legislature who will fight for both Florida’s families and job creators. That’s why AIF is proud to endorse her campaign today.”
Duda Buckley formally filed to run in April, to succeed term-limited Rep. David Smith in Florida’s House District 38, a central‐Seminole County seat that includes Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, and Winter Springs. She was the third Republican to enter the race, following candidates Marcus Hyatt and Austyn Cydney Spell.
“I’m a conservative business owner and single mother of two beautiful children. I was raised by a family of farmers who instilled in me the values of hard work and sacrifice, and now I’m ready to take my experience to the Florida House.” she said on X in April.
According to campaign finance data, Duda Buckley’s campaign has $70,122.27 in cash in hand, as of July 10.