Congressman Donalds Endorses Benarroch For District 81 House Seat

It was an enthusiastic crowd who joined Yvette Benarroch as she kicked off her campaign for the State Representative’s seat for District 81. That seat, which is presently held by Bob Rommel who is termed out at the end of 2024. The seat encompasses Marco Island and much of Collier County.

The event on Sunday featured United States Congressman Byron Donalds and his wife Erika, both who endorsed Benarroch. “When I needed to get help when I served in the Florida Legislature or even in the U.S. Congress, I knew I could count on Yvette to assist in any way she could. She is a tenacious and a steadfast believer in the conservative values we all so dear in our hearts,” said Donalds.

Erika Donalds echoed her husband’s endorsement, going further. “She is a patriot and Veteran,” Erika Donalds said. “She is a ‘get-it-done girl,’ and how much better it will be when we have a ‘get-it-done girl’ in the state legislature, getting things accomplished for us on behalf of our community and our constitution.”

During her announcement speech Benarroch spoke with emotion in her voice, recalling her arrival on our shores with nothing but a love for the opportunity to make something of herself. She believed in the American dream and today she stood before a packed crowd in East Naples to declare it still existed and she was proof of it.

She spoke about her father. “I know my father who is in heaven today always told me, ‘daughter, integrity is what you take to the grave, and that is not for sale.’”

“I stand before you today to announce my candidacy,” Benarroch said. “I know the struggles you go through today, as a mom as a business owner and an Air Force Veteran, I see you and I hear you and I promise you I’ll be a strong voice for our conservative values up in Tallahassee.”

Benarroch is a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served in both Desert Shield and Desert Storm. She and her husband have two sons and are local business owners.