Upton Fisher to Join Darling, Newton in HD62 Race

With Rep. Michele Rayner not seeking re-election to the Florida House, the race to represent District 62 is heating up. On Monday, Upton Fisher announced his intention to file, joining a Democratic primary that includes former Harris staffer Kyandra Darling and perennial candidate Wengay Newton.

Fisher, who cares for his grandmother in addition to his work as a Legislative Aide in Tallahassee, says this gives him an understanding of the needs of people in the district. “I know the importance of Social Security and Medicaid, and seeing those things played with is a problem,” he said. Fisher emphasized that Republicans are responsible for Florida’s growing affordability problems.

Fisher, a US Navy Veteran, is Michele Rayner’s Legislative Aide. While the incumbent has not endorsed him, public perception is that he would be her successor should he defeat frontrunner Kyandra Darling.

Darling, who launched her campaign in April, is also a former legislative aide, having worked for both Lisa Wheeler-Bowman and Steve Kornell on the St Pete City Council. She raised more than $32,000 in her first month on the campaign trail, a strong showing that has helped establish early momentum. Her campaign finance filings also showed broad support from individual donors in the South St. Pete community, suggesting grassroots strength.

In addition to her fundraising edge, Darling has been highly visible across the district, attending community events, planning a listening tour, and building a base of support on both sides of the bay in this cross-bay district. Darling has also secured a growing list of endorsements, including Ruth’s List Florida, Rick Kriseman, and Frank Peterman.

Wengay Newton has reported only $1,000 raised in this safe Democratic seat, meaning this race is likely to come down to whether Fisher can catch up with Darling in terms of name recognition, funding, and, ultimately, votes.

The primary election will take place on August 20, 2026.