A Snapshot of Support for Melton Little

Endorsements are most meaningful when they come from people who know a candidate's character, work, and history of service. Melton Little has earned support from leaders and organizations whose experience spans public safety, medicine, real estate, small business, faith, veterans' service, youth programs, and conservative advocacy.

That range reflects the life Melton has built in Manatee County. He has spent decades working with families, business owners, nonprofit organizations, professionals, and volunteers across the community. The coalition behind his campaign is local, broad, and grounded in confidence that he is prepared to represent Florida House District 71.

Public-safety and civic leaders

Melton is supported by Congressman Greg Steube; former Manatee County Sheriff Charles “Charlie” Wells; former Manatee County Sheriff W. Brad Steube; retired Florida Highway Patrol Major and former Manatee County Commissioner Ron Getman; and former Bradenton City Council member and fire chief Gene Gallo.

These leaders understand the demands of public service and the importance of dependable leadership. Their support reflects trust in Melton's judgment, preparation, and longstanding commitment to Manatee County.

Conservative and community leadership

Conservative and community supporters include Donna Hayes, a former chair of the Manatee County Republican Party and a former Manatee County Trump presidential campaign chair; Kevin Wright, regional director of the Florida Liberty Caucus; Jack May, president of Manatee Patriots, Tea Party Manatee Inc., and Victims of Communism Florida; and Marnie Matarese.

Their support adds to a campaign focused on constitutional freedom, fiscal responsibility, public safety, parental rights, and accountable state government.

Business, health care, faith, and youth

Local business and professional supporters include John Rice of Rice's Appliance; Allstate agent George Najmy; former Pittsburgh Pirates catcher and Manatee Little League leader Mike LaValliere; Bowes Imaging Center owner Matt Bowes; Ken Christy of Ken Christy Insurance; and CPA Jim Gentile.

Health-care, faith, veterans, and youth-community voices include emergency-room physician H.B. White; Navy veteran and physician assistant John Deal; the Rev. Dennis Kezar of Christ Episcopal Church; and Carl Weeks, retired from the Boys & Girls Club.

Organizations and professional groups supporting Melton

Melton has also received support from Americans for Prosperity Action, the Manatee Patriots, the Florida Medical Association PAC, and the Florida Realtors PAC. The Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee has publicly highlighted the Florida Realtors-backed candidates in the region.

The Florida Chiropractic Association's ChiroPAC has named Melton a preferred candidate, and the America First Party of Florida has also selected him as its preferred candidate for House District 71. Those designations are stated separately from formal endorsements so voters can clearly understand each organization's level of support.

A campaign built on local relationships

Melton has never treated community involvement as something that begins when a campaign starts. His relationships have been built through years of professional work, volunteering, coaching, service on nonprofit boards, and participation in local life.

This is a snapshot of a growing coalition. Voters can review the campaign's current endorsement list, learn more about Melton's record, and join the Manatee County residents supporting experienced conservative leadership for Florida House District 71.