Chamber of Commerce Backs Buckley in Key House District 38 Race!

Chamber of Commerce Backs Buckley in Key House District 38 Race!

The race for the Florida House District 38 seat is heating up as Emily Duda Buckley stands out among the candidates vying to replace term-limited David Smith. With a firm backing from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Buckley is making waves as she gears up for her campaign, promising to bring proactive solutions to the table for the residents of Seminole County.

Emily Duda Buckley, a Republican with deep roots in the community, has been endorsed by the Florida Chamber of Commerce thanks to her strong ties to the area and her leadership at A. Duda and Sons, a prominent agribusiness. Florida Chamber President Mark Wilson has expressed confidence in her dedication to fostering a vibrant free market and creating jobs. Buckley’s campaign, which she launched in April, emphasizes lowering costs for families while enhancing Florida’s business climate, an endeavor that aligns with her conservative values aimed at empowering job creators and streamlining regulations. This support from a respected business entity speaks volumes about her potential as a candidate.

Background and Community Roots

But who is Emily Duda Buckley beyond her political pursuits? She comes from a family that has farmed in Florida for five generations, specializing in cattle and crop production. This agricultural heritage informs her commitment to ensuring government serves its citizens effectively. Buckley considers community involvement crucial, which is reflected in her initiatives regarding child welfare and access to healthy meals.

After studying at Florida State University, she became a Guardian Ad Litem and a licensed foster parent, demonstrating her commitment to social issues. Her involvement doesn’t stop there; Buckley is also affiliated with the Florida Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents and the 4Roots Foundation, reinforcing her focus on improving the lives of children and families in the community.

Current Landscape of House District 38

The stakes are high in House District 38, a region encompassing Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, and Winter Springs, which has recently grown more competitive. In the last election, David Smith won with just under 51% of the vote, and District-level data shows that Kamala Harris outperformed Donald Trump in the district during the last presidential election, raising expectations for a vigorous race ahead. This competitive dynamic has Democrats eyeing this seat closely for the upcoming 2026 election, indicating that Buckley’s campaign will face substantial challenges.

Fundraising has been a strong point for Buckley, as she leads her peers in this essential aspect of campaigning. Since the 2012 cycle, candidates in this district have collectively amassed over $3 million, with significant contributions reported in the recent election cycle—over $1 million raised by two candidates alone. This underscores the increasing focus and financial stakes involved in the race for this seat.

As Buckley continues her campaign, she focuses on pressing issues like soaring housing costs, rising insurance premiums, and the demand for affordable elder and child care. Her ambitions align with the popular sentiments among constituents, making her a candidate to watch as the election approaches.

With the Florida Chamber’s endorsement and her family’s longstanding local ties, Emily Duda Buckley has laid a foundation that may prove beneficial as she seeks to navigate the increasingly competitive political landscape of Seminole County, all while ensuring government truly serves its citizens.

For further details about her campaign, you can visit her official website at emilydudabuckley.com. For local political insights, check out the coverage by Florida Politics and a detailed profile from Ballotpedia on House District 38.