A member of a longtime farming family in Seminole County and a former state prosecutor are the two Republican candidates vying for their party’s nomination to succeed outgoing GOP state Rep. David Smith in Seminole County.
Read more Out of the panko, a menu of fire at Yumee Katsu | Review
The top issues for both Emily Duda Buckley and Marcus Hyatt are lowering insurance costs, inflation and taxes — but neither candidate could be reached for comment, nor do they explain in their campaigns how they would accomplish those objectives or whether they would introduce any legislation if elected.
Buckley is a descendant of the Duda family, Slovak immigrants who first settled near Oviedo in the early 20th century and began farming celery and citrus. Today, A. Duda & Sons is a large agricultural and real estate company with land and farming interests around the country.
Buckley grew up in east Seminole and attended Florida State University. She has served as a Guardian Ad Litem and later became a foster parent. She also worked with 4Roots Foundation, a non-profit organization and urban farm that harvests pesticide-free vegetables.
On her campaign website, Buckley, 35, says she decided to run for the Florida Legislature “to fight for struggling Floridians facing sky high housing and insurance prices, rising costs of child and elder care.”
The website also states that “she’ll follow President Trump and Governor DeSantis’ lead by putting an end to waste, fraud and abuse that’s causing it.”
On financial disclosure forms as of last April, Buckley reported her net worth at $869,540, including $504,000 in stock in A. Duda & Sons, and a four-bedroom home in Tallahassee she purchased in 2022 that is now valued at $534,100. Buckley also stated she owes $346,322 on a mortgage.
She earns $145,483 a year with her family’s Oviedo business. Buckley lives in Oviedo with her two children, according to her campaign.
As of June 26, Buckley’s campaign had raised nearly $163,000 in contributions, including the allowable $1,000 limit each from Universal Studios, Florida Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Sugar Growers, Comcast and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
Her opponent, Hyatt is a Daytona Beach native and was raised in Miami. He is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and Barry University School of Law.
Hyatt worked as an assistant state attorney in the 18th Judicial Circuit, which covers Brevard and Seminole counties, from 2011 until 2019, when he became an officer with the Orlando Police Department.
Read more Gaylord Palms bringing back ‘Polar Express’ for holiday ice exhibit
As an officer, Hyatt worked as a youth outreach coordinator before he was promoted to detective in the agency.
“I became a police officer because I wanted to have more of a direct impact on people’s lives,” Hyatt said in a promotional video for OPD about two years ago. “I really like getting out in the community, talking to people, getting to know their stories and trying to prevent crime from happening.”
Hyatt left OPD in 2023 and joined the DSK Law Group in Lake Mary as an associate attorney. He currently lives in Winter Springs with his wife and four children.
According to his campaign website, Hyatt said he wants to reduce inflation “by supporting policies that stabilize prices, strengthen local businesses and put more money back in your pocket.”
He also advocates for lower taxes and introducing “stronger resources” and “parental involvement” in schools.
Hyatt reported his net worth at $107,320, according to state financial disclosure forms. He listed a home valued at $535,000. His liabilities total $553,028, including a mortgage, according to the disclosure statement. He earns $130,578 a year in salary.
As of June 16, Hyatt had raised $72,029 in political contributions, including the maximum allowed $1,000 from the Friends of David Smith political action committee.
House District 38 stretches across south central Seminole County, between State Road 417 and just west of State 434 in Altamonte Springs. It mostly includes the communities of Winter Springs, Casselberry, Fern Park and Goldenrod.
The winner of the Aug. 18 primary election will face Democrat Michelle DeJesus in the Nov. 3 general election. The district is nearly equally divided politically among Democrats, Republicans and voters registered without party affiliation.
Smith, of Winter Springs, is term limited after four terms and is not able to seek reelection.
Read more Tropical Storm Bertha hugs Louisiana coast, targets Texas, NHC says