BusinessVoice Announces Candidates for Endorsement for 2026 Election Cycle
BusinessVoice, Inc., is pleased to share its endorsements for the Aug. 18, 2026, Florida primary election following an extensive candidate review and interview process.
Filed and qualified candidates in local and state races under consideration received an invitation to participate in the BusinessVoice interview process in August, including candidates competing for the same office. Candidates were also invited to complete a questionnaire designed to highlight their knowledge of the issues facing the office they are seeking as they relate to the business community. Some candidates did not respond to invitations to participate.
Following those interviews and consideration of candidates’ experience, qualifications, positions and approach to issues affecting the Lakeland business community, BusinessVoice endorses:
• Colleen Burton — Florida Senate, District 12
• Jennifer Canady — Florida House, District 50
• Jennifer Kincart Jonsson — Florida House, District 49
• Rick Wilson — Polk County Commission, District 2
• Omar Arroyo — Polk County Commission, District 4
• Kate Wallace — School Board, District 3
• Kay Fields — School Board, District 5
• Justin Sharpless — School Board, District 6
• Chris Spath — Circuit Judge, 10th Judicial Circuit, Group 23
• Andrea DeMichael — Circuit Judge, 10th Judicial Circuit, Group 24
“BusinessVoice takes the endorsement process seriously,” said Joshua Borem, Chairman of BusinessVoice, Inc. “Our members had the opportunity to sit across the table from candidates, ask substantive questions and hear directly from them about their priorities and approach to public service. These endorsements reflect the candidates BusinessVoice believes are best positioned to serve our community and support a strong environment for businesses, families and continued economic growth.”
BusinessVoice’s endorsement process applies the same review and interview standards to candidates regardless of their affiliation with the organization, including candidates who are BusinessVoice members.
About BusinessVoice, Inc.
BusinessVoice, Inc. was created by a group of Chamber members in 2000 to act specifically as a political organization. The Chamber advocates on issues affecting the business community but does not engage directly in candidate elections. The PAC offers members of the Chamber who choose to also join BusinessVoice the opportunity to have a direct influence on state and local elections. Since membership in BusinessVoice is limited to Lakeland Chamber member companies, the Chamber serves as administrator.
Primary elections will be held statewide in Florida on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.