Lauren Melo, a business owner and former state representative from Southwest Florida, has received the endorsement of the Florida Chamber of Commerce for her campaign in Senate District 28 for the 2026 election. Melo has experience in both the trucking and real estate industries and currently operates a real estate brokerage firm.
During her tenure in the Florida House of Representatives, Melo was recognized by the Chamber with multiple “Distinguished Advocate” awards for her leadership. She focused on policies that support job creation, workforce development, and tax relief.
Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, stated: “The Florida Chamber of Commerce is proud to join Florida Senate leaders in endorsing Lauren Melo as Senate District 28’s next senator. Lauren is a Florida Chamber two-time ‘Distinguished Advocate,’ a lifetime A-rated legislator, and as a small business owner and pro-jobs advocate, we are confident that she will fight to create good-paying jobs to make Florida even more competitive.”
Melo responded to the endorsement by saying: “Florida businesses are the backbone of our economy. Their hard work, investment and innovation drive our economy, support good-paying jobs for hard-working Floridians and build a brighter future for our great state. I am honored to have earned the endorsement of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and I will continue to fight for policies that enable businesses, workers and families to prosper.”
Senate District 28 covers part of Volusia County and is considered a strong Republican district based on recent voting patterns; both Donald Trump in 2024 and Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022 received over 65 percent of votes there.
The Florida Chamber emphasized its commitment to supporting Melo’s campaign with its extensive political experience.
