Florida election workers contradict Stark's (R) claims as she seeks ballot spot

Five state election workers contradicted the testimony of Rep. Paula Stark’s treasurer in court Wednesday as she sought to win a spot on the 2026 ballot, stating she clearly failed to meet the requirements to qualify.

The state officials said Stark, a two-term Republican from St. Cloud who wanted to run again for the Florida House, is not on the ballot because her campaign did not turn in all the required paperwork before noon on June 12, the deadline for the 2026 candidate qualifying period.

Her treasurer disputed that, saying he turned in the paperwork, including the Form 6 financial report, but a clerk erroneously handed it back to him. There is no evidence of a time-stamped form, however, filed with the state’s Division of Elections.

A week after she was bumped, Stark sued the state to try to get back on the ballot. If she can’t convince a judge she’s right, the seat will end up represented by a Democrat, as two candidates from that party are the only qualified candidates.


https://www.clickorlando.com/election-2026/2026/07/08/florida-election-workers-contradict-starks-claims-as-she-seeks-ballot-spot/