Florida State House District 78

Tue, Nov 3 · Vacant. The member list we use shows no one in this seat.

No published poll names both candidates.Last result · 2024 general (different candidates): Jenna Persons-Mulicka (R) 59.9, Howard Sapp (D) 40.1No current holder is listed. This is the last result, not who sits there now.

Susan FrantzRepublican

Last election: Jenna Persons-Mulicka (Republican) won by 19.8 points, 2024
On the 2026 ballot: 2 candidates

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Candidates on the ballot

Vacant seat

The member list we use shows no one in this seat.

Cindy BanyaiDemocratic
Susan FrantzRepublican

Source: dos.elections.myflorida.com, dated Oct 28

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Official results for Florida

History (27 elections for this seat)

Votes for listed candidates: 82,037
Election day: November 5, 2024
District map: Older district map (2022 to 2024)

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 2024, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanJenna Persons-MulickaWon	Republican	49,12959.9%	59.9%
DemocraticHoward Sapp	Democratic	32,90840.1%	40.1%

Votes for listed candidates: 62,817
Election day: November 8, 2022
District map: Older district map (2022)

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 2022, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanJenna Persons-MulickaWon(incumbent)	Republican	39,41662.8%	62.8%
DemocraticHoward Sapp	Democratic	23,40137.3%	37.3%

Votes for listed candidates: 91,256
Election day: November 3, 2020
District map: Older district map (2012 to 2021)

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 2020, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanJenna PersonsWon	Republican	52,46457.5%	57.5%
DemocraticShawn Michael Williams	Democratic	38,79242.5%	42.5%

Votes for listed candidates: 68,915
Election day: November 6, 2018
District map: Older district map (2012 to 2021)

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 2018, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanHeather FitzenhagenWon(incumbent)	Republican	40,89359.3%	59.3%
DemocraticParisima Taeb	Democratic	28,02240.7%	40.7%

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 2016, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanHeather D. FitzenhagenWon(incumbent)	Republican	——	—

Votes for listed candidates: 36,418
Election day: November 4, 2014
District map: Older district map (2012 to 2021)

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 2014, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanHeather FitzenhagenWon(incumbent)	Republican	36,35699.8%	99.8%
OtherBates McLeod Haney	Other	620.2%	0.2%

Votes for listed candidates: 56,033
Election day: November 6, 2012
District map: Older district map (2012 to 2021)

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 2012, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanHeather FitzenhagenWon	Republican	37,73567.3%	67.3%
IndependentKerry Babb	Independent	18,29832.7%	32.7%

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 2010, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
DemocraticSteven M. PermanWon	Democratic	——	—

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 2008, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
DemocraticKevin GreensteinraderWon	Democratic	——	—

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 2006, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
DemocraticRichard MachekWon(incumbent)	Democratic	——	—

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 2004, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
DemocraticRichard MachekWon(incumbent)	Democratic	——	—

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 2002, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
DemocraticRichard A. MachekWon(incumbent)	Democratic	——	—

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 2000, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanRichard MachekWon	Republican	——	—

Votes for listed candidates: 35,311
Election day: November 3, 1998
District map: Older district map (1992 to 2001)

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 1998, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
DemocraticO. R. Minton Jr.Won(incumbent)	Democratic	19,95956.5%	56.5%
RepublicanSteve Hoskins	Republican	15,35243.5%	43.5%

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 1996, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
DemocraticO. R. Minton Jr.Won(incumbent)	Democratic	——	—

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 1994, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
DemocraticO. R. Minton Jr.Won(incumbent)	Democratic	——	—

Votes for listed candidates: 39,709
Election day: November 3, 1992
District map: Older district map (1992 to 2001)

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 1992, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
DemocraticO. R. Minton Jr.Won	Democratic	20,00550.4%	50.4%
RepublicanRick Stopek	Republican	19,70449.6%	49.6%

Votes for listed candidates: 38,389
Election day: November 6, 1990
District map: Older district map (1982 to 1991)

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 1990, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanCharles W. Sembler IIWon	Republican	21,08554.9%	54.9%
DemocraticRichard Graves	Democratic	17,30445.1%	45.1%

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 1988, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanR. Dale PatchettWon(incumbent)	Republican	——	—

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 1986, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanR. Dale PatchettWon(incumbent)	Republican	——	—

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 1984, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanR. Dale PatchettWon(incumbent)	Republican	——	—

Votes for listed candidates: 24,702
Election day: November 2, 1982
District map: Older district map (1982 to 1991)

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 1982, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanR. Dale PatchettWon(incumbent)	Republican	15,46562.6%	62.6%
DemocraticVictor Culbertson	Democratic	9,23737.4%	37.4%

Votes for listed candidates: 1,388,288
Election day: November 4, 1980
Seats: 6
District map: Older district map (1972 to 1981)

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 1980, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanFrank S. MessersmithWon	Republican	139,49560.2%	60.2%
RepublicanJim WattWon(incumbent)	Republican	139,06460.2%	60.2%
DemocraticRay LibertiWon(incumbent)	Democratic	130,75057.0%	57.0%
DemocraticEleanor WeinstockWon(incumbent)	Democratic	130,00555.2%	55.2%
RepublicanBernard KimmelWon	Republican	126,99755.1%	55.1%
RepublicanReid Moore Jr.Won	Republican	123,60653.7%	53.7%
DemocraticEdward Healey(incumbent)	Democratic	106,66446.3%	46.3%
RepublicanRichard L. Krob	Republican	105,57744.8%	44.8%
DemocraticGene Campbell(incumbent)	Democratic	103,27644.9%	44.9%
RepublicanMitch Mannin	Republican	98,66643.0%	43.0%
DemocraticMack Freeman	Democratic	92,25239.8%	39.8%
DemocraticGary Steven Israel	Democratic	91,93639.8%	39.8%

Votes for listed candidates: 927,096
Election day: November 7, 1978
Seats: 6
District map: Older district map (1972 to 1981)

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 1978, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanTom LewisWon(incumbent)	Republican	95,86463.0%	63.0%
DemocraticEleanor WeinstockWon	Democratic	80,22250.6%	50.6%
DemocraticGene CampbellWon	Democratic	79,73852.3%	52.3%
RepublicanJim WattWon	Republican	79,09450.7%	50.7%
DemocraticEdward HealeyWon(incumbent)	Democratic	78,77651.0%	51.0%
RepublicanReid Moore Jr.(incumbent)	Republican	78,45649.4%	49.4%
DemocraticRay LibertiWon	Democratic	78,09550.9%	50.9%
DemocraticCarol A. Roberts	Democratic	76,79749.3%	49.3%
RepublicanR. S. Nichols	Republican	75,61549.0%	49.0%
RepublicanFrank S. Messersmith	Republican	75,38049.1%	49.1%
RepublicanAnita K. Mitchell	Republican	72,75347.7%	47.7%
DemocraticJ. Justin Findley	Democratic	56,30637.0%	37.0%

Votes for listed candidates: 982,317
Election day: November 2, 1976
Seats: 6
District map: Older district map (1972 to 1981)

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 1976, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
DemocraticDonald F. HazeltonWon(incumbent)	Democratic	97,06557.5%	57.5%
RepublicanTom LewisWon(incumbent)	Republican	97,05659.8%	59.8%
DemocraticJohn J. ConsidineWon(incumbent)	Democratic	93,72158.0%	58.0%
DemocraticEdward HealeyWon(incumbent)	Democratic	89,96055.5%	55.5%
RepublicanWilliam G. JamesWon(incumbent)	Republican	87,78453.6%	53.6%
RepublicanReid Moore Jr.Won	Republican	82,41150.2%	50.2%
DemocraticGene Campbell(incumbent)	Democratic	81,79849.8%	49.8%
DemocraticMichael B. Small	Democratic	75,84446.4%	46.4%
RepublicanC. C. Robinson	Republican	72,10244.5%	44.5%
RepublicanWilliam A. Cruickshank	Republican	71,63042.5%	42.5%
RepublicanJ. Reeve Bright	Republican	67,73542.0%	42.0%
DemocraticJoseph A. Vassallo	Democratic	65,21140.2%	40.2%

Votes for listed candidates: 556,655
Election day: November 4, 1974
Seats: 6
District map: Older district map (1972 to 1981)

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 1974, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanDonald F. HazeltonWon(incumbent)	Republican	64,73457.8%	57.8%
RepublicanTom LewisWon(incumbent)	Republican	62,07056.2%	56.2%
DemocraticGene CampbellWon	Democratic	58,52552.1%	52.1%
DemocraticJohn J. ConsidineWon	Democratic	58,08352.1%	52.1%
DemocraticEdward HealeyWon	Democratic	56,49351.2%	51.2%
RepublicanRaymond J. Moudry(incumbent)	Republican	53,77147.9%	47.9%
RepublicanDavid C. Clark(incumbent)	Republican	53,76548.8%	48.8%
RepublicanJay J. Reynolds(incumbent)	Republican	53,40047.9%	47.9%
DemocraticEdward F. Oconnor	Democratic	48,45243.8%	43.8%
DemocraticJoseph C. Ferrara	Democratic	47,36242.3%	42.3%
RepublicanWilliam G. JamesWon(incumbent)	Republican	——	—

Votes for listed candidates: 697,804
Election day: November 7, 1972
Seats: 6
District map: Older district map (1972 to 1981)

Florida House of Representatives District 78, 1972 to 2024, 1972, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanDonald F. HazeltonWon(incumbent)	Republican	80,43567.7%	67.7%
RepublicanThomas LewisWon	Republican	76,23365.8%	65.8%
RepublicanRaymond J. MoudryWon(incumbent)	Republican	75,46764.2%	64.2%
RepublicanDavid C. ClarkWon(incumbent)	Republican	73,29964.2%	64.2%
RepublicanWilliam G. JamesWon	Republican	72,39562.0%	62.0%
RepublicanJay J. ReynoldsWon	Republican	68,97060.2%	60.2%
DemocraticEdward Healey	Democratic	45,56739.8%	39.8%
DemocraticMalcolm Anderson	Democratic	44,38438.0%	38.0%
DemocraticJ. D. Langley	Democratic	42,17135.9%	35.9%
DemocraticJoseph E. Martin	Democratic	40,96535.9%	35.9%
DemocraticAngela Ford	Democratic	39,57334.2%	34.2%
DemocraticBilly Ray Jackson	Democratic	38,34532.3%	32.3%

2024: MEDSL 2024 official precinct returns (individual_states zips), retrieved Oct 28, 2026. Compiled by MIT Election Data and Science Lab (MEDSL) from official returns; not an official source
1972 to 2022: State Legislative Election Returns, 1967-2022 (Carl Klarner, Harvard Dataverse), retrieved Oct 28, 2026. Compiled by Carl Klarner (Harvard Dataverse) from official returns; not an official source

Last contest in this district on file: 2024.

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Election Wrld. (2026). Florida State House District 78, election results 1972 to 2024. https://www.electionwrld.com/fl/house/78. Retrieved October 31, 2026.

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Sources

Sources: Census TIGERweb Legislative MapServer (120th CDs layer 0, 119th CDs layer 4, 2026 SLD upper layer 1 and lower layer 2) (US Census Bureau, public domain), retrieved Oct 28, 2026; Open Civic Data division identifiers (census_autogenerated us_sldl/us_sldu and openstates state files); also (sld-recent.json): Open Civic Data division identifiers (country-us) (CC0 (repository); also (sld-recent.json): CC0 1.0), retrieved Oct 28, 2026; Open States people (current) CSVs (CC0-1.0 (Open States people data)), retrieved Oct 28, 2026, compiled by Open States volunteers and staff (rosters from state legislature sites) from official returns, not an official source; MEDSL 2024 official precinct returns (individual_states zips) (Not stated in the GitHub repository (an earlier label said "MIT (repo)", which the repository does not support). MEDSL's Harvard Dataverse records are CC0 1.0, but these GitHub files were not checksum-matched to the Dataverse files, so CC0 is not claimed for them.), retrieved Oct 28, 2026, compiled by MIT Election Data and Science Lab (MEDSL) from official returns, not an official source; State Legislative Election Returns, 1967-2022 (Carl Klarner, Harvard Dataverse) (CC0 1.0), retrieved Oct 28, 2026, compiled by Carl Klarner (Harvard Dataverse) from official returns, not an official source.

District id: ocd-division/country:us/state:fl/sldl:78

DataState data (JSON)Sources: State Legislative Election Returns, 1967-2022 (Carl Klarner, Harvard Dataverse), MEDSL 2024 official precinct returnsData as of Oct 28, 2026