Peggy Simone

Peggy Simone is an American politician from Bradenton, Florida, who served five terms in the Florida House of Representatives.

Personal life
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. 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.

Political career
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.

In 1982 Simone would run for the newly created house district 68 covering Bradenton, Florida. During this election she would be endorsed by The Bradenton Herald. 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.

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. 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%.

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.