Melton Little Joins House D71 2026 Republican Primary

BRADENTON — Local attorney Melton Little has announced he will join the Republican primary for the 2026 Florida House District 71 race. The seat is currently held by Will Robinson, who is ineligible to run again due to term limits.

Little was a lifelong Democrat who unsuccessfully ran for Manatee County Commission in 2018. He has published an essay on his reasons for switching to the Republican Party. Little grew up in Bradenton, graduating from Bayshore High School in 1979. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Samford University, a law degree from Cumberland Law School, and a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from Hofstra.

Little then returned to Bradenton to practice law and work in real estate. He has practiced with Schofield, Spencer & Little, as a solo practitioner, and with Kallins, Little, and Delgado. He is currently the managing partner of Kallins, Little, and Brosious (Hardball Law), located in Palmetto.

"I am honored to announce my candidacy for the Florida House of Representatives, District 71," said Little in his campaign announcement. "This decision comes from a deep commitment to serve our community and advance conservative principles that will benefit all Floridians.'

Kristen Truong, wife of Manatee County Commissioner Tal Siddique, has also announced her candidacy for the District 71 Republican Primary race. Like Little, Truong is a Bradenton native, having earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies at the University of South Florida and a master’s in public administration at American University.