Representative Joe Harding is endorsing Carolina Amesty‘s bid for Florida’s 45th House District.

Amesty announced the endorsement from Harding, who sponsored Florida’s Parental Rights in Education legislation (HB 1557), in a press release on Friday. The bill was signed into law on Monday by Governor Ron DeSantis and has sparked a firestorm of national attention and outrage over the primary rights of parents in their children’s education.

Harding, who recently returned campaign contributions from Disney over the company’s stance on the measure, pointed to Amesty’s Venezuelan heritage and touted her record on school choice and promoting parents’ role in their children’s education.

“I wholeheartedly endorse Carolina Amesty for State House in District 45 because she is a strong conservative who will govern with integrity,” Harding said. “Carolina is a proven champion for school choice and she knows that parents must be in the driver’s seat when it comes to their children’s education. She is a successful business owner in her own right, and because of her Venezuelan heritage she can speak firsthand about the loss of freedom when government takes too much control.”

Amesty earned degrees in undergraduate studies in Political Science and graduate studies in International Relations. She is currently the vice president at Central Christian University and serves as a board member for Chaplains of Florida, American Chaplains, and Central Christian Academy. Amesty is also a local business owner.

In a statement, Amesty noted the fallout from HB 1557, vowing to fight alongside Harding and Republicans in the Florida House if elected.

“I thank Rep. Harding for his full support and endorsement,” said Amesty. “He has been fighting courageously for our values in the Florida House, taking on the large corporations and the liberal media who are trying to distort the Parental Rights in Education legislation. I hope to serve alongside Rep. Harding next year and join forces in defending the rights of parents and families.”

Other Republicans eyeing the seat include former congressional candidates, Vennia Francois and Mike Zhao, as well as businessman Bruno Portigliatti. The only Democrat that has filed to run is Allie Lee Braswell Jr.

HD 45 encompasses southwestern Orange County, including Disney, Windermere, and Winter Garden.