• Richard Corcoran is backing Carolina Amesty in HD 45
• Since launching her bid, Amesty has picked up endorsements from a host of state and local leaders
• Amesty is one of five well-funded GOP candidates squaring off in the August matchup

Former State Education Commissioner and Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran is backing Republican Carolina Amesty for House District 45.

“Carolina Amesty has been a hands-on leader in our schools, overseeing both K-12 and post-secondary education,” said Corcoran. “She is a passionate supporter of school choice and stood with Governor DeSantis in his effort to protect parental rights in the classroom. It is my pleasure to endorse Carolina as the right choice and best conservative candidate for state representative in House District 45.”

First elected to the Florida House in 2010, Corcoran served as Speaker from 2016-2018, and was then appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to be the state’s next education commissioner. After holding the commissioner position for over three years, he stepped down in April 2022 and currently serves on the Board of Governors of the State University System.

Amesty, of Windermere, 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. She is also a local business owner.

Since launching her bid for HD 45, Amesty has picked up endorsements from several lawmakers and local leaders. Those backing her campaign include State Senator Danny Burgess, State Representative Joe Harding, soccer star Aurélien Collin, Flagler County Chair Joe Mullins, Bertica Cabrera Morris, and a host of other local leaders.

In a Wednesday news release, Amesty thanked Corcoran for his support, touting his role protecting parental rights.

“As Education Commissioner, Richard Corcoran fought to defend parental rights in Florida and protect our students from Washington’s radical, left-wing agenda,” said Amesty. “It is an honor to have his endorsement and support for my campaign in HD 45, and in Tallahassee, it will be my top priority to fight alongside Gov. DeSantis to promote transparency and meet the needs of every child in our Florida school system.”

Amesty 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 former congressional candidates, Vennia Francois and Mike Zhao, businessman Bruno Portigliatti, and retired law enforcement officer Janet Frevola. The only Democrat that has filed to run is diversity consultant Allie Lee Braswell.

HD 45, one of the most diverse in the state, encompasses southwestern Orange County, including Walt Disney World, Windermere, and Winter Garden.