Incumbent Rep. Amber Mariano poised for third term in Florida House

HUDSON — Republican State Rep. Amber Mariano is poised for a third term in the District 36 seat of the Florida House, taking 63 percent of the vote against Democrat Daniel Endonino.

All 32 precincts voting in the race had reported results 9 p.m. Mariano did not return a call for comment.

The District 36 seat covers all of west Pasco County, where Mariano, a 24-year-old Realtor, has been a resident most of her life. She campaigned saying she wants to fight for a smart state budget that will “protect the things that help make our state unique."

Some cuts will be necessary, she added, but lawmakers should also work to find more money for critical programs like public schools, health care and infrastructure. Mariano said she will push for additional raises for veteran teachers.

Unlike her opponent, Mariano said she supports expanded transportation infrastructure, like roads and highways, in Florida. Endonino, a repair technician for Pinch A Penny, said he would increase public transportation options, such as high-speed rail.

Mariano was most recently in the news for trying to dissolve the city of Port Richey after a string of scandals there. She later retreated and agreed instead to a legislative audit of the city’s financial history.

Mariano will serve a two-year term with a salary of $29,697.

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