FORT MYERS, Fla. – Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno is eyeing a run for Congress in Rep. Byron Donald’s Southwest Florida District 19, his marketing campaign marketing consultant instructed Florida’s Voice.
The event comes as Donalds runs for Florida governor within the 2026 election.
“In speaking about his political future, the sheriff requested I put collectively a presentation of what a run for Congress would take,” marketing campaign marketing consultant Anthony Pedicini instructed Florida’s Voice. “I’m excited for the chance and look ahead to his eventual resolution.”
Marceno instructed Florida’s Voice in response to a possible run: “I really like President Trump and his agenda. Something is feasible and who is aware of what the long run holds.”
Florida’s Voice requested Pedicini if the latest FBI investigation into the company’s funds would possibly hurt his possibilities.
“As soon as he’s cleared it’ll be outdated information,” Pedicini stated.
The marketing consultant additionally responded to how he views Marceno’s odds in a Congressional election.
“The final polling we had, the Sheriff is the preferred determine within the area by far and is sitting on virtually $1.5 million in PC cash,” Pedicini stated. “He could be a formidable candidate and the entrance runner from day one.”
The Lee County sheriff confronted a simple reelection bid in 2024, garnering 90% of the vote, or 300,123 votes, and going through no actual challenger.
That vote whole for Marceno – over 300,000 – is increased than the quantity of votes Donalds himself obtained in his Congressional reelection in 2024 of 275,708.
Gov. Rick Scott appointed Marceno to the place in 2018, and he gained the race with 67% of the vote in opposition to a Democrat. Marceno amassed 253,664 votes in that race.
Marceno has constructed a model for himself within the area as a preferred “legislation and order” sheriff, and even has a robust following on social media with over a million followers on TikTok.
“‘Florida police don’t be taking part in,’” one viewer remark learn in a viral video, as Marceno learn it aloud. “Properly, we positively don’t play in Lee County, Florida.”
Although Donalds’ District 19 covers Lee County, it additionally consists of parts of Collier County to the south. Each areas are reliably Republican, with Donalds successful the district by 33 factors in 2024.
With Marceno’s robust identify recognition in particularly Lee County but additionally within the area, the sheriff would instantly change into a primary contender in a Republican main contest.
In the meantime, Donalds’ gubernatorial marketing campaign has the backing of President Donald Trump, and as of now, he faces no different viable contender.
But to be seen is whether or not Florida First Woman Casey DeSantis will launch her personal marketing campaign – and if that’s the case, when.
