Peggy Simone

Simone is from Champaign, Illinois. She graduated from Rosary College in 1956 with a B.A. in economics. After graduating she worked for the federal government for year. Then she worked for a few magazines eventually becoming the editor of Better Homes and Gardens magazine for 3 years in the 1960s.[1] From 1965 to 1975 she worked in real estate development with her husband John. In 1977 she retired with her husband to Bradenton, Florida, moving there from Topeka, Kansas.[2]

Simone started her political career in 1980 when she ran for election supervisor of Manatee County. She lost the election to incumbent H. Jerome Davis.[3]

In 1982 Simone would run for the newly created house district 68 covering Bradenton, Florida.[1] During this election she would be endorsed by The Bradenton Herald.[4] However she would run in a tough primary race where she originally lost to Dave Wilcox but a runoff of triggered where Simone was able to win. After this she cruised to an over 15% victory and used a catchy song to help get voters out.[5]

In 1984 she would cruise to a victory as the incumbent in the 68th district.

In 1986 she would she would draw criticism for comments made about stopping state funds from helping those with AIDS.[6] However, she would still win reelection 30%.

In 1988 Simone drew no democratic challengers so the race was declared a Republican Primary. Simone won reelection by almost 20%.[7]

In 1990 Simone won reelection by 14%.

In 1992 Simone originally planned to run for reelection, however her husband had a surgery and she decided to forgo reelection.[8][9]

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