Wayne Richter

Wayne Richter (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Florida House of Representatives to represent District 85. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. The Democratic primary for this office on August 18, 2026, was canceled.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Wayne Richter, and I have been married to my wife, Katie, for nearly 22 years. We live in Palm City, FL with our 3 teenage children and 2 dogs. The Treasure Coast has been my home since 2004.

I was born in Lexington, Kentucky where my father attended Asbury Theological Seminary. My parents were raised in Miami, FL and returned to Florida after his graduation to begin his career as a United Methodist minister.

I graduated from Florida Southern College (Lakeland, FL) in 1999 with a B.A. in political science. I graduated from South Texas College of Law - Houston in 2002 with a J.D.

I am a solo lawyer with offices in Palm City and West Palm Beach.

I’m the past president of the Martin County Bar Association. I serve on The Florida Bar Criminal Practice Rules Committee, as well as its Voluntary Bar Liaison Committee. I also chair the Bar’s 19th Circuit Grievance Committee “A”.

I’m active with the Justice Major B. Harding chapter of the American Inns of Court - a national, non-partisan association of judges, lawyers, law professors, and students dedicated to the professionalism, ethics, and skills of the legal profession.

I have a passion for service to the legal and civic community. My family and I are members of First United Methodist Church of Stuart.

I am an avid, though suffering, Miami Dolphins fan. My family enjoys spending time on the Treasure Coast’s waterways and traveling.

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?

Affordability.

We need to tackle the rising costs that affect the middle class like groceries and health, property, and auto insurance. These escalating costs make it extremely difficult for families to get ahead and invest in their children’s education and to save enough money for retirement.

These runaway costs create obstacles to attaining the American dream of home ownership.Common sense leadership.

The majority of us are tired of the political theater that takes place in the Florida legislature. We need sensible leadership to address the real issues that that affect our lives. Issues like rapid growth and ensuring that infrastructure and public safety can keep up with overdevelopment, and protecting the Indian River Lagoon that so many depend upon for business and recreation.Stewardship.

We need leaders who will oppose government fiscal irresponsibility such as embarking on projects that our communities don’t want and which are created at great expense to taxpayers.

We need leaders that serve their communities, not their own interests.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Affordability, public education, criminal justice, public safety and infrastructure.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

My campaign consists of individual grassroots contributions from friends and family and colleagues.