Luther Wilkins seeks rematch in Florida House District 70 race

Democrat Luther Keith Wilkins is running for Florida House District 70, setting up a rematch against Republican incumbent Michael Owen in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Wilkins lost to Owen in 2024, receiving 41.2% of the vote (45,620 votes) to Owen's 58.8% (65,037 votes), according to Pulse of Manatee. Both candidates are certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data.

Owen is the incumbent. Wilkins' campaign reported raising $50 through the first quarter of 2026, while Owen raised $93K in the same period, Florida Politics reported.

Candidate information

Party: Democratic
Office sought: Florida House of Representatives, District 70
Residence: Parrish, Florida
Birthplace: Spartanburg, South Carolina
Family: Married with six children, according to his campaign website

Experience and public service

Wilkins said on his campaign website that he spent 12 years in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard, holding leadership roles in personnel, logistics and mission readiness. He said he was assigned to support the nation's nuclear defense program during his service.

After the military, Wilkins worked in automotive sales management from 1995 to 2001 and as director of sales marketing at Tempo News from 2001 to 2013, according to BallotReady. He then worked as a realtor at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Atchley Properties, where he said he was named salesperson of the year three times.

Wilkins worked as a logistics specialist at Smurfit Westrock from 2020 to 2025, according to BallotReady. He is a producer at Globe Life's Liberty National Division, according to BallotReady. His campaign website describes him as a licensed insurance professional who works with employers across Florida on voluntary workplace benefits.

Wilkins serves as president of the Manatee County NAACP, a role he has held since 2022, according to BallotReady. He also serves as a precinct committeeman for the Manatee County Democratic Party and is a member of the Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce and Great Kids of Sarasota, according to his campaign website.

On the issues

Wilkins outlined his positions on his campaign website and in a Manatee Chamber of Commerce questionnaire.

Public education: Wilkins said he supports increasing teacher pay, modernizing school buildings and expanding career and technical education. He said he opposes diverting taxpayer dollars to voucher programs and privately operated schools.

Affordable housing and growth: Wilkins said new development should be matched by investments in transportation, roads, schools, public safety, utilities and environmental protection. He said he supports expanding the supply of workforce and affordable housing.

Water quality and environment: Wilkins said he supports stricter regulations on industrial discharges and agricultural runoff, increased funding for water treatment facilities and wetlands restoration projects. He said he supports strengthening land-use regulations and promoting renewable energy.

Infrastructure: Wilkins said he supports road expansion and maintenance, expanded public transportation, upgraded water infrastructure and broadband access for rural and underserved areas.

Local control: Wilkins said he supports home rule and opposes state preemption laws that limit local control over land use and growth management.