Lauren Melo, a business owner and former member of the Florida House of Representatives, has received the endorsement of the Florida Chamber of Commerce for her candidacy in Senate District 28 for the 2026 election. Melo, who is from Southwest Florida, has experience running multiple companies, including a trucking business and a real estate brokerage firm.
During her time in the state legislature, Melo was recognized by the Florida Chamber of Commerce with several “Distinguished Advocate” awards. She has focused on policies that support job creation, workforce competitiveness, and tax relief for families.
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 expressed her appreciation for the endorsement. “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,” said Lauren Melo. “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 Volusia County and is considered a strong Republican district according to the Florida Chamber’s Partisan Performance Index. In recent elections, both Donald Trump in 2024 and Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022 won over 65 percent of votes in this district.
The Florida Chamber says it will use its extensive political experience to support Melo’s campaign.
