On May 21, 2026, the political landscape of Lee County took a significant turn as Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka as the new Supervisor of Elections. This announcement came from the Governor’s Office on a Wednesday afternoon, although, interestingly, there was no direct comment from DeSantis himself. Those in the know, however, are well aware of his support for her; back on May 1, he had already dubbed her the “leader in the clubhouse” for the position, despite the delay caused by an upcoming Special Session on property taxes.
Jenna Persons-Mulicka is not just a name in the political world; she brings a wealth of experience to the table. With a background as a lawyer, she has also made her mark on the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. Her commitment to the community is evident. In 2022, she was honored with the Autism Acceptance Awards “Champion of the Year.” Plus, she’s deeply involved with the neurodivergent community, making her appointment particularly poignant for many. Her focus in the Legislature has been on election law, government accountability, and state security, which is critical for her new role.
A Look at Her Legislative Journey
Persons-Mulicka has been serving in the Florida House of Representatives for six years, which has given her a solid foundation in legislative matters. Holding a prominent budget position as Chair of the PreK-12 Budget Subcommittee, she’s been instrumental in shaping educational funding. She also serves on the House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting, which adds another layer of expertise as she steps into her new role. A key part of her legislative work is the comprehensive election package she sponsored, known as HB 991, which aims to tighten voter ID standards and expand citizenship verification.
And that’s not all. The 2026 election bill she filed is particularly noteworthy. It requires additional documentation for citizenship verification and removes certain IDs from the list of acceptable voter IDs. This move is part of her broader initiative to ensure election integrity, a hot-button issue these days. Her predecessor, Tommy Doyle, recently retired, leaving Chief Deputy Bernie Feliciano to fill in as acting Supervisor. With her appointment, the seat in House District 78 is now open, and it looks like Democrat Cindy Banyai is the only remaining candidate vying for that spot.
Community Engagement and Accomplishments
Jenna’s contributions extend beyond politics. She co-founded Strayhorn & Persons-Mulicka, a law firm, and has actively participated in her local legal community as the co-chair of the Lee County Bar Association’s history committee. Her accolades don’t stop with the Autism Acceptance Award; she also received the Community Impact Award from the Fort Myers Housing Authority. Talk about a busy and impactful career!
Jenna is academically accomplished as well. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Government from Evangel University and earned her Juris Doctor from the George Washington University. This educational background, combined with her practical experience, makes her well-equipped for the challenges ahead as Supervisor of Elections.
As Lee County prepares for this transition, the community is eager to see how Jenna Persons-Mulicka will shape the electoral process moving forward. With her focus on accountability and integrity, there’s a sense of optimism in the air. For those interested in more details about her appointment, the full announcement can be found here. Additionally, further insights into her qualifications can be accessed here.