Sen. Rick Scott Announces Paul Bonicelli as Chief of Staff; Stu Sandler to Serve as Senior Advisor

Sen. Rick Scott Announces Paul Bonicelli as Chief of Staff; Stu Sandler to Serve as Senior Advisor
January 28, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC
— Sen. Rick Scott announced today that Paul Bonicelli has been named Chief of Staff. Stu Sandler, who has been serving as Chief of Staff since last year, will continue working for Senator Scott as a Senior Advisor and resume his role as Executive Director of Project Rescue America, a role he had during the 2024 election cycle.
Senator Rick Scott
said, “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.”
The Honorable Paul Bonicelli, Ph.D. began working for Senator Scott in 2018 during his first campaign for U.S. Senate and has served as Senator Scott's National Security Advisor in the United States Senate with a focus on defense, foreign policy, veterans affairs, and education since 2019. Bonicelli brings decades of experience to the role, from serving in President George W. Bush’s administration, as a professional staff member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and at a number of higher education institutions in the role of provost, dean, and professor, and a foreign policy advisor for several presidential campaigns.
Senator Rick Scott
said, “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.”
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https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/1/sen-rick-scott-announces-paul-bonicelli-as-chief-of-staff-stu-sandler-to-serve-as-senior-advisor