Nick Pachota
Mayor of Venice and a career EMT, paramedic, firefighter and SWAT medic who co-owns the Venice Pier Group, including Sharky's on the Pier, and teaches in Sarasota County Public Schools' EMS program. A Cardinal Mooney High School graduate, he is married with two grown daughters. Won the Aug. 18, 2026 Republican primary.
Campaign finance: state and county candidates file with the Florida Division of Elections or the county Supervisor of Elections. Search contributions ↗
Sources last checked 2026-10-18. Report an error ↗
Positions on the major issues
Compare with opponents →Each entry describes what the candidate has said or done, and what they say they will do, in neutral terms with sources. The chip shows how that relates to the statement voters rate in the matching tool.
Taxes & spending Strongly agrees· stated position
His website pledges to cut taxes and add accountability measures so tax dollars are used conservatively.
Property taxes Leans agree· stated position
Lists lowering property taxes, along with insurance premiums, as a top affordability goal.
"We must lower insurance premiums and property taxes so that those who have worked so hard to earn a living can continue to afford to live here."
Abortion Strongly disagrees· stated position
His website says he will protect the right to life against policies that disregard the value of human life.
"Protecting the right to life"
Guns Strongly disagrees· stated position
His website pledges to defend Second Amendment rights he describes as constantly under siege.
"defending our constantly under siege Second Amendment rights"
Growth & development Leans agree· stated position
His website says he will stand up to developers and special interests.
"standing up to developers and special interests"
Crime & policing Leans agree· stated position
His website pledges support for local law enforcement, firefighters and paramedics.
"supporting local law enforcement, firefighters and paramedics"
Gender identity laws Leans agree· stated position
His website pledges to banish political and social agendas from libraries and classrooms; it does not name specific laws.
"banishing political and social agendas from our libraries and classrooms"
No public position found on 11 issues
We searched campaign sites, questionnaires, interviews, votes and official actions and did not find a clear stance on: Property insurance, Housing affordability, Immigration, Health care, Education & school choice, Environment & water, Marijuana, Elections & voting, Energy & utilities, Trump administration, Veterans. This is reported as unknown rather than guessed from party affiliation; these issues are excluded from this candidate's match score.
Other issues this candidate has raised
No additional issues found in public statements as of the last data review.
Endorsements (as reported)
- Associated Industries of Florida