Election 2024: Persons-Mulicka vs. Sapp for Florida House District 78 seat

Republican incumbent Jenna Persons-Mulicka and Democratic challenger Howard Lee Sapp both qualified to run for the Florida House District 78 seat. Unopposed in their respective political parties, they will compete in Florida's general election on Nov. 5.

The district covers the city of Fort Myers and parts of Lee County, with a population of nearly 180,000 residents.

All eligible voters, regardless of party affiliation, can cast their ballots in the general election.

State House representatives serve two-year terms and may serve up to four consecutive terms.

The House seat pays $18,000 per year, plus a per diem established by the speaker of the House and the president of the Senate.

In the last election in 2022, Persons-Mulicka defeated Sapp for the district seat. It was Sapp’s first run for public office.

First, the primary: Mail and early voting for Lee County 2024 primary election: Here's what you need to know

Meet the candidates:

Jenna Persons-Mulicka (Republican)

• Age: 41

• City of residence: Fort Myers

• Her work and political background: Persons-Mulicka was first elected to the Florida House in 2020, which at the time included more of southeastern Lee County. She's an attorney in Fort Myers by profession. She also serves on the health and human services and state affairs committees among others.

• For more information on Jenna Persons-Mulicka and her campaign, visit jennapersons.com.

Howard Lee Sapp (Democrat)

• Age: 60

• City of residence: Fort Myers

• His work and political background: Sapp, a Fort Myers native, is competing for the District 78 seat in the Florida House of Representatives. Sapp first ran for public office in 2022. He’s a retired air traffic controller with over 30 years of federal service.

• For more information on Sapp and his campaign, visit votehowardsapp.com.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: District 78 House Election: Jenna Persons-Mulicka vs. Howard Lee Sapp