Senator Rick Scott has announced changes to his Senate office staff. Paul Bonicelli will serve as Chief of Staff, while Stu Sandler, the outgoing Chief of Staff, will continue as Senior Advisor and return to his position as Executive Director of Project Rescue America.
Scott expressed appreciation for Sandler’s work, stating, “I want to thank Stu for his service to our state and nation as my Chief of Staff. He has been an integral part of my team over the last five years since first serving as political director at the National Republican Senatorial Committee when I was chairman. The upcoming November 2026 midterms are vitally important to our country’s future, and I look forward to continuing working with him as we fight to support Conservatives who are running for vital seats in Congress. Stu will join my longtime advisor and former Chief of Staff Jackie Zeckman in this effort.”
Paul Bonicelli has worked with Scott since 2018 during his first campaign for U.S. Senate. Since 2019, he has served as National Security Advisor in the Senate office, focusing on defense, foreign policy, veterans affairs, and education. Bonicelli’s background includes roles in President George W. Bush’s administration, experience on the House Foreign Affairs Committee staff, positions at higher education institutions such as provost and dean, and work as a foreign policy advisor for presidential campaigns.
Scott commented on Bonicelli’s new role: “Paul has been a critical and trusted member of my team for many years and since Day 1, has brought invaluable experience to my Senate office. Over the years, his hard work and dedication to our military community and national security have helped bring big wins to both Florida and the United States in the annual National Defense Authorization Act and is tireless fighter for the people of our state. Paul has already become a respected leader on my team and will be a great Chief of Staff in my Senate office.”
