Carey Baker

Carey Baker served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1981 to 2013. He earned a high school diploma from Tavares High School. His career experience includes working as a businessman.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Republican for Congress | Iraq War Veteran | Small Business Owner | Former State Senator

HIGHLIGHTS

Military Service

- Retired First Sergeant, Florida Army National Guard (31+ years)

- Iraq War Veteran and Combat Infantry Badge recipient

- State National Guard Marksmanship Champion

Conservative Leadership

- Florida House of Representatives (2000-2004)

- Florida Senate (2004-2010)

- Consistently ranked among the Legislature's most conservative members

- Earned top ratings from Second Amendment, pro-life, business, law enforcement, and agricultural organizations

Business Experience

- Co-owner, The A.W. Peterson Gun Shop (1981-Present)

-NRA Life Member and Certified Instructor

Taxpayer Advocate

Lake County Property Appraiser (2012-2024)

- Maintained one of Florida's lowest per-capita office budgets

- Led efforts supporting property tax relief for homeowners

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

- Scoutmaster, Troop 43 Tavares, FL

- Chairman, Lake Co. Golden Eagle Boy Scout Dinner (20+ years & $2 million raised)

- Lifetime Member, VFW

- Member, American Legion

- Former President, Golden Triangle Kiwanis Club

- Member Eustis Elks Lodge, Golden Triangle D.U. Chapter, & Sons of American Revolution

- Frequent speaker for patriotic and military celebrations

- Member 1st Baptist Umatilla

PERSONAL

- Graduate, Tavares High School

- Attended Lake-Sumter Community College

- Married to Lori Baker

- Three adult children

- Republican since 1981

A lifetime of service to his community and country!!

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I have a lifetime of experience and knowledge to well represent the citizens of House District 11. Small business owner of 45 years, retired Army National Guard Soldier of 31+ years and Iraq War Veterans, and an accomplished Constitutional conservative member of the Florida House and Senate.I will fight every day for the security and strength of America. Secure our borders by finishing the border wall, fully fund the border patrol, support our law enforcement at all levels, maintain our Armed Forces as the strongest and most capable military in the world, secure energy independence through maintaining dependable energy sources such as oil, natural gas, and nuclear, strengthen our economy through less regulations and less taxes, protect our nation's financial future through budget reductions and a balanced federal budget, guarantee another 250 years of American Freedom by protecting and preserving our U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and keeping our eyes on the Lord.In a political world of empty promises, have trust that this Gun Shop owner will defend to his death our Constitution and our God given rights, that this Iraq Combat Veteran will never fail to provide for the proper defense of this nation and the well-being of those who serve in uniform, trust that this small business owner will understand how we can no longer continue to bury our businesses under excessive taxes, crushing regulations, and mountains of red tape, and trust that this former State Representative and State Senator who successful fought for you in Tallahassee, who earned the reputation as one of the absolute most Constitutional, Christian, and Conservative member of the legislature, will continue this fight in Congress.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I believe America's prosperity and freedom depend on a smaller, more limited federal government. By focusing on fewer responsibilities and doing them well, we can strengthen our military, secure our borders, balance the budget, protect Social Security and Medicare, reduce dependence on federal welfare, and invest in critical infrastructure like roads and ports. We must restore American manufacturing, expand skilled trade jobs, and achieve lasting energy independence to secure our nation's future.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I am endorsed by the Family and Faith Coalition of Florida.

Endorsed by these Florida Senate Presidents and President Pro Tempores

Presidents

Bill Galvano

Joe Negron

Andy Gardiner

Don Gaetz

Jeff Atwater (also former CFO of Fl)

Ken Pruitt

Presidents Pro Tempore

Dennis Baxley

Mike Fasano

The entire City Commissions of City/Towns of Tavares and Minneola

Plus numerous other City Commissioners and former elected officials.