Elizabeth W. Porter | |
---|---|
Member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 10th district |
|
Assumed office November 20, 2012 |
|
Preceded by | Leonard Bembry |
Member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 11th district |
|
In office November 16, 2010 – November 20, 2012 |
|
Preceded by | Debbie Boyd |
Succeeded by | Janet H. Adkins |
Personal details | |
Born |
Lake City, Florida |
November 18, 1964
Political party | Republican |
Spouse(s) | Andrew Porter |
Children | Erin, Drew |
Alma mater |
Lake City Community College (A.A.) Florida State University (B.A.) |
Profession | Medical billing and consulting |
Religion | Christianity |
Elizabeth Whiddon Porter (born November 18, 1964) is a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing the 10th District, which includes Alachua, Baker, Columbia, Hamilton, and Suwannee Counties, since 2012, previously representing the 11th District from 2010 to 2012.
Porter was born in Lake City, Florida, and attended Lake City Community College, from which she received her associates degree. After graduation, she was a student at Florida State University, where she graduated with a degree in communications. Following graduation, she worked in medical billing and consulting. Porter was elected to the Columbia County Commission, and served as the Chairwoman of the Commission.
In 2008, Porter ran for the Florida House of Representatives as a Republican in the 11th District, which included Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, and Suwannee Counties, against incumbent Democratic State Representative Debbie Boyd. Porter narrowly lost to Boyd by 179 votes, prompting an automatic recount, which upheld Boyd's victory. In 2010, Porter ran against Boyd again, winning the Republican nomination against Paul Watson, Terry Rauch, and Charles E. Underhill. She faced Boyd and Tea Party candidate John Ferentinos in the general election, and campaigned on her opposition to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and her support for a Florida version of Arizona SB 1070. Porter ended up winning the election handily, receiving 54% of the vote to Boyd's 40% and Ferentinos's 6%.