Samantha Scott Elected Unopposed to Florida House District 52 After Qualifying Deadline Passes

Samantha Scott will become the next state representative for House District 52 after no candidate filed to run against her before Friday’s qualifying deadline, resulting in her automatic election to the Florida House.

The district, which covers Sumter County and part of Hernando County, became open following the resignation of Rep. John Temple.

Scott, a business owner and community advocate, secured broad support from Republican officials and local leaders ahead of the qualifying period. The Florida House Republican Campaign Committee congratulated her on Friday, noting that she entered the race with no primary or general election opposition.

House Speaker-Designate and FHRCC Chairman Sam Garrison said Scott’s background as a business leader and job creator positions her to step into the role quickly. He said she reflects the conservative, pro-family and pro-business values prioritized by the Republican majority in the Legislature.

“I am pleased to welcome State Representative-elect Samantha Scott to the Florida House, District 52,” he said. “Samantha has a proven record as a successful business leader, job creator, and community advocate and embodies the conservative, pro-family, pro-business values that will enable her to hit the ground running as a member of the Florida House of Representatives. Congratulations Samantha.”

Scott had amassed endorsements from a wide range of elected officials and organizations, including Congressman Daniel Webster, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, multiple state lawmakers from Central Florida, constitutional officers in Sumter and Hernando counties, county commissioners and local school and law enforcement leaders.

She was also endorsed by key statewide groups such as the Associated Industries of Florida, who issued a statement welcoming Scott as the district’s next representative.

AFP-FL State Director Skylar Zander said Scott’s focus on expanding economic opportunity and supporting policies that assist families and small businesses will make her a strong leader. The organization said it looks forward to working with her in the upcoming legislative session.

“Samantha Scott’s commitment to serving her community and championing the principles that help Florida thrive makes her a strong leader for House District 52,” said Zander. “Her dedication to expanding economic opportunity, protecting individual freedoms, and supporting policies that help families and small businesses succeed will be an asset in the Legislature. Americans for Prosperity-Florida looks forward to working with Representative Scott to advance commonsense solutions that continue to build a stronger, more prosperous Florida for all.”

Scott will take office later this year and is expected to participate fully in the 2026 legislative session.