If you enjoy your morning coffee with TV news programs, you might have come across a surprisingly aggressive attack ad against Lake County’s perpetually smiling Carey Baker, a former property appraiser and state legislator who’s reportedly in the lead for U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster’s District 11 seat as the longtime congressman retires.
To many locals on social media, the ad comes across as jarring and over the top.
Calling out Baker with aggressive language is akin to shouting at Mayberry Sheriff Andy Taylor in “The Andy Griffith Show.” It’s a bit random and maniacal, like a “Saturday Night Live” political sketch — even if you don’t agree with Baker’s stance on issues.
To put it as objectively as possible, Baker is a widely beloved military veteran, family man, civic leader and gun shop owner in Lake County. He’s a former civil servant and scoutmaster who shows up at the pancake breakfasts and local fundraisers. To his supporters, he represents the old-fashioned values, Southern grit and wholesomeness Lake County residents hold dear.
Baker talked to the Daily Commercial about the ad and WESH Channel 2 News fact-checking segment, which researched all of competitor Joe Strada’s claims and found most of the accusations to be blatantly false, and the true claims came with some crucial caveats and nuance.
“We had some polling that showed we were ahead, and obviously Mr. Strada had seen the same polls,” Baker said.
A FutureSearch analysis from late June 2026 confirms Baker is considered the “clear establishment frontrunner.”
Here is an outline of the disputed claims made by congressional candidate Strada against his opponent Baker, as fact-checked in the WESH 2 News segment:
Claim 1: Baker is a ‘career politician desperate to stay in office’
Claim 2: Baker is ‘running for Congress in a seat he doesn’t live in’
Claim 3: Baker ‘voted for higher taxes and spending’
Claim 4: Baker ‘donated to anti-Trump politicians’
Baker emphasizes local ties
Baker felt somewhat vindicated by the WESH newscast, but he said it diminished a salient point: that he has lived and breathed the Lake County-dominated district his entire life, even if he lives just outside its boundary. He lives in Eustis and has worked in the district. He’s been publicly endorsed by Webster to represent it, along with a procession of local legislators.
“I mean, my whole life has been in this district, and his has not at all,” Baker said of the Seminole County competitor.
“I know this district. I’ve seen it grow. I know the problems with transportation issues in this district. I’ve fought for clean water in this district. … My whole life has revolved around this district, and his has not at all whatsoever. He literally just came over here to run for office and spend $5 million and try to buy his way in.”
Daily Commercial reached out to Strada’s campaign for comment, but we haven’t heard back yet. An update will be provided if a statement is provided.
According to Strada’s website, State Attorney Bill Gladson, Sen. Keith Truenow and Rep. Taylor Yarkosky have publicly endorsed him.
Yarkosky, a GOP state representative and Chair of the Republican Party of Lake County, endorsed Strada, calling him a “principled man” and praising his efforts in creating jobs and addressing skilled-worker shortages.
In a Facebook post, Baker wrote the following:
“My parents moved to this congressional district in 1946. I grew up here. I learned to waterski and boat on these lakes, hunted dove and quail here, was a Boy Scout here, and today I serve as Scoutmaster of Tavares Troop 43. I graduated from Tavares High School. My wife graduated from Leesburg High School. My wife, our children, and I all attended Lake-Sumter State College. I deployed to Iraq with the Leesburg National Guard infantry company. We own a home in the district. I’m a member of the Leesburg and South Lake Chambers of Commerce and a Life Member of our local gun club. I represented both Lake and Sumter counties in the Florida Senate and later served as Lake County Property Appraiser. Even my gun shop, like my home, has been in and out of the district over the years as the lines have been redrawn.
“My oldest brother lives in the district. My in-laws live here. Many of my closest friends and many of my gun shop customers live here.
“In short, I’ve lived, served, and fought for this community my entire life.
“My opponent, Joe Strada, lives east of I-4 in Seminole County. He’s never lived here, never raised a family here, doesn’t drive our roads every day, and doesn’t know the history or the people of this district. After our first debate, where he struggled to answer basic questions, he has refused to participate in additional debates and public appearances.”
Replied one commenter on Baker’s Facebook post:
“I’ve grown up in Lake County and have known you and your family for many years. Your word is your bond, and I pray that you win this election because you really deserve this, and we deserve someone like you who listens and fights for our rights!” said one commenter on Baker’s Facebook post.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Carey Baker speaks out against congressional competitor’s attack ad
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial | USA TODAY Network
