For Immediate Release
Monday, August 24, 2026
Contact:
Sarah Bascom, sarah@bascomllc.com
Lyndsey Brzozowski, lyndsey@bascom.group
AIF Center for Political Strategy to Host Statewide Candidate Forum Featuring AIF-Endorsed Candidates
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) today announced it will host the AIF Center for Political Strategy Statewide Candidate Forum on Monday, October 12, 2026. This premier event will bring together AIF-endorsed candidates for statewide and federal offices for a series of in-depth conversations focused on the issues shaping Florida’s business climate and economic future. The forum will be held in Orlando at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort in conjunction with the AIF Fall Political & Policy Retreat on Tuesday, October 13.
The forum will feature exclusive, one-on-one discussions between AIF President and CEO Brewster Bevis and the candidates. The featured lineup includes:
- Byron Donalds, candidate for Governor
- James Uthmeier, candidate for Attorney General
- Blaise Ingoglia,, candidate for Chief Financial Officer
- Wilton Simpson, candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture
- Ashley Moody, candidate for U.S. Senate
The conversations will provide Florida's business community with a deeper understanding of the candidates’ approaches to critical economic issues, including workforce development, infrastructure, insurance, energy, and regulatory policy.
“Florida’s continued success depends on leaders who understand the needs of employers, entrepreneurs, and job creators,” said Bevis. “This forum will give our members and the broader business community the opportunity to hear directly from candidates about how they plan to keep Florida competitive, attract investment, and create opportunities for businesses of every size.”
The AIF Center for Political Strategy serves as AIF’s platform for engaging business leaders in the political process. The 2026 Statewide Candidate Forum is part of AIF’s broader effort to connect policymakers with the employers who drive economic growth across the state.
Known as “The Voice of Florida Business” in the Sunshine State, AIF has represented the principles of prosperity and free enterprise before the three branches of state government since 1920. A voluntary association of diversified businesses, AIF was created to foster an economic climate in Florida conducive to the growth, development, and welfare of industry and business and the people of the state. For more information on AIF, please visit AIF.com and follow @VoiceofFLBiz.
# # #
