After being driven past two businesses relevant to the narrative of the January 2023 killings, jurors were escorted in groups of six to view the inside of the house, including the basement where the children died. During the roughly 40-minute visit, the jury also saw the yard where Clancy was found after jumping from a second-story window.

Journalists were kept away by a police barricade, but court officers could be seen through the trees escorting jurors to and from the bus along the site of the Clancy family’s former driveway. The home now has a new owner.

Clancy herself did not attend the visit to the home, which she hasn't seen since the day of the killings. Her lawyers argue she was in the grip of postpartum psychosis, a rare mental illness linked to the stress, sleep deprivation and hormonal changes that follow childbirth.

___

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.

___

Jurors in U.S. criminal cases often are expressly told not to visit the scene of the events in question. There are a number of rationales for not doing so — among other things, the site may have changed in the interim between an alleged crime and a trial.

But courts sometimes allow juries to make a supervised excursion as a group, for reasons that can include assessing distances or features that aren’t thought to come across fully in photos.

Such excursions have happened in a number of high-profile cases, including the 2023 murder trial of South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh, the 2022 sentencing trial of Parkland, Florida, school shooter Nikolas Cruz, the 2015 Massachusetts murder trial of former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez and the 1995 murder trial of O.J. Simpson.

Jurors in Clancy's trial retraced the route her then-husband, Patrick Clancy, took when she asked him to pick up takeout food and medicine for daughter Cora on the night of the killings. He returned to find the children dead and his then-wife badly injured and bleeding in the yard.

The panel was driven past the restaurant — about 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) from the family’s former home in Duxbury, a town south of Boston — and the pharmacy, about a mile (1.6 km) from the house.

Prosecutors say the errands were a ruse to get her husband out of the house. They say Lindsay Clancy, a former labor and delivery nurse, acted intentionally and is criminally responsible for the deaths of children Cora, 5; Dawson, 3; and Callan, 8 months.

Her lawyers don't dispute that she killed the children, but they say she had bipolar disorder and her condition worsened while she was on antidepressants prescribed after the birth of her third child. She believed a voice was telling her to “kill the children so you can kill yourself,” according to her lawyers.

Lindsay Clancy remains paralyzed from the waist down after using multiple methods to try to end her life that night.

If convicted of murder, she faces life in prison without parole. If found not guilty due to a lack of criminal responsibility, she would be committed to a state mental health facility.

___ Associated Press writer Jennifer Peltz contributed from New York.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Orange County School Board District 3

All school board races are nonpartisan elections, which means all voters can vote in the election, regardless of party affiliation.

Since there are three candidates in the race, the top vote-getter must get more than 50% of the vote (50%+1) in order to win outright. Otherwise, the top two candidates will go to a runoff in November.

There are seven school board districts in Orange County, with a board member representing each one. District 3 in Orange County covers much of South Central Orange County, including Hunter’s Creek, Meadow Woods, Conway and Belle Isle. A map of the school districts is available HERE.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our partners at the Orlando Sentinel compiled the candidate responses for the Orange County school board races, emailing and calling the candidates over several weeks.

You can see the full Orlando Sentinel Voting Guide HERE.

Ilia Adorno

WEBSITE: iliaadorno.com/

NOTE: This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites to answer questions about their candidacy.

Her priorities, according to her campaign website, are protecting students, listening to parents and giving teachers the support needed to create safe schools with a focus on learning. If elected, she will work closely with parents and strive for transparency in her decision-making. She is committed to creating fiscally responsible policies and finding local solutions for local schools, according to her website.

Adorno’s website did not say how she thinks the district should handle teacher shortages, how she would improve Florida’s low level of academic growth in reading, what changes, if any, she would make to school safety policies, how she feels book challenges and library removals should be handled, nor what policy she would try and pass in her first year.

Adorno is endorsed by Alicia Farrant, School Board Member, District 3.

Diana Moore

WEBSITE: votefordianamoore.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Parental Choice-Parents should have the right to choose the best learning environment for their child. For example, virtual education works for many students but others need the social interaction and structure of the traditional model. We have research on school start times but the buses dictate the school schedules, so a parent may want the flexibility of virtual courses for their child based on research. Magnet schools encourage specific areas of study like STEM, or Financial studies and allow students college credit while in high school. So why are parents choosing the vouchers? Can we do better in specific areas? Let’s find out by doing an exit survey for the families that leave. Let’s ask the teachers who are fleeing as well. Let’s look inward instead of making excuses for low birth rate, immigration laws, stagnant housing turnover, or the vouchers. We had 208,000 students and are looking at 180,000 in the coming year. What accounts for that loss beyond the usual excuses? I believe we can do better.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Teacher compensation has been a huge concern. We need professional pay for professional work and year after year, we see Orange County getting an A but we hear more excuses on why we can’t pay them a living wage. Florida is 50th in teacher pay in the US. OCPS has taxpayer money from the extra one mil property tax that was sold to the public to attract and retain quality teachers. They do neither. They do not have a citizen oversight committee to watch how the money is spent, unlike the 1/2 penny sales tax. The COVE committee watches that money. OCPS Board members had a chance to change the language to specify a portion of the extra one mil be designated for teacher pay raises and only 3 board members voted in favor of the language change so it failed. The budget shows $129 million in an unassigned fund. The health insurance should have had a Stop Loss policy to protect it from higher claims, but instead the increases are being passed along to all employees. The board offers a less-than-cost-of-inflation increase so employees make less than last year. We are not attracting and retaining quality teachers and I vow to be a voice that reviews the budget to find savings. For example, why are there 20 OCPS District Police officers to be liaisons with local jurisdictions? Could we move staff from the downtown building to the closed schools and rent that building for recurring income to pay for raises? Let’s find more solutions and make less excuses to employees. Our taxpayers want us to be better stewards of their money.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Discipline is a recurring issue. Parents are given a digital copy to sign off on at orientation to save paper. When students disrupt the learning environment, teachers take the time to write a referral and the student comes back to class with a lollipop. When children are witnesses to an allegation, they are interviewed without a parent present because you must opt in for that right. I believe parents should know when their child is questioned and the reason. While they are getting stricter about sexual harassment, I’ve witnessed a principal interview a student and not require a referral be written for documenting the incident, so a discussion or call to parents follow-up is not given to teachers like a referral. Another example is vaping on campus. We need stricter policies to put students in PASS or suspend them for first violations. We passed a policy on restricting cell phone use that reduced distractions, so let’s do the same for bullying, vaping and other classroom distractions to support letting teachers teach and students have the learning environment they deserve.

How should the district handle teacher shortages? Pay them professional salaries for professional work. We are an A district because of the hard work of our students, teachers, principals, classified staff and our parents. Let’s be the district that truly attracts and retains their highly qualified and successful teachers. Let them teach, treat them like the professionals they are, and let them choose the professional development they need versus putting everyone in the same training. Survey teachers before making changes to their classroom curriculum, software, and other resources. There is a toxic culture of retaliation that means fear is pervasive, so teachers do not speak up. I’ve personally seen this culture ruin teaching careers and it falls on the Superintendent who implements the Board policies. Get rid of principals or middle management who have high turnover at specific schools. Retrain them instead of a lateral move. Review the Office of Professional Standards and their practices. If you don’t take a hard look inward, we will continue to bleed our workforces to other careers.

Florida ranked last for academic growth in reading. How would you improve that? We are an A district. Where is the information supporting this claim? How large was the study? Did it include private, charter and home-schooled students? I’ve talked to parents who homeschool their children and there is very little accountability compared to students in traditional schools. The charter and public schools receive the same taxpayer money but have different levels of accountability in Florida so I would need more information to truly answer this question.

What changes, if any, would you make to school safety policies? First, I support a School Resource Officer on each campus. I also think they need training to develop appropriate relationships with the students at their school, so students can come to them when they see something and say something. Checking doors is very important, but some officers lack the personality to get the trust needed to have students share info to prevent bigger problems on campus. Maybe it’s something to look for when recruiting resource officers. I also think we could ask our students in a survey, where they see vulnerable security issues. Thankfully, we have been safe but we can’t let our guard down. Parents want to know they drop their child off and we will keep them safe. Let’s always make this a priority and area to improve.

How should book challenges and library removals be handled? The committee established should continue to review requests but I suggest giving parents the right to review and decide for their children what books they can read. Students can get books from the public library or Amazon if they want to read it, so decisions to ban books for all students takes away each parents’ choice to decide what is appropriate for their children.

What outside organizations or endorsements are supporting your campaign? I have not sought endorsements. I believe each voter decides who will best represent them as this is a non-partisan race. I believe we can work on solutions instead of making excuses. If we as elected officials don’t do something well, we can own it and improve it. I don’t want anyone to think I am beholden to one group or party based on their financial contributions. I stand on my experience, my integrity, my previous leadership, my successes as well as mistakes, and my passion in this work for all stakeholders who have an interest in a star public school system that can always do better, especially when you know better. Thank you for your vote on August 18, for Diana Moore for District 3 School Board member.

If elected, what policy would you try to pass in your first year? Improving the Office of Professional Standards practices and procedures.

Susanne Peña

WEBSITE: www.vote4pena.com/

OUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Strengthening Academic Excellence.

Every student deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for college, careers, and civic life. I will support evidence-based instruction, expand access to bilingual education, STEAM, and career pathways, and ensure students have the academic and support services they need to succeed.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Recruiting and Retaining Outstanding Educators.

Strong schools begin with great teachers. I will advocate for competitive salaries, meaningful professional development, leadership opportunities, and supportive working conditions that help recruit and retain highly qualified teachers and staff while reducing turnover.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Protecting and Strengthening Public Schools.

Our public schools must remain the cornerstone of our community. I will advocate for responsible funding, greater accountability for schools receiving public dollars, proactive planning to address enrollment challenges, and transparent decision-making that keeps students and families at the center.

How should the district handle teacher shortages? Addressing teacher shortages requires a comprehensive approach to both recruitment and retention. While competitive compensation is essential, educators also need meaningful professional development, mentorship, opportunities for career growth, and supportive working conditions that allow them to focus on teaching and learning. Districts that invest in their educators are better positioned to retain experienced teachers, reduce turnover, and provide students with the continuity and high-quality instruction they deserve.

Florida ranked last for academic growth in reading. How would you improve that? Improving reading achievement requires a sustained commitment to evidence-based literacy instruction, early intervention, and supporting educators. We must ensure teachers have access to high-quality professional development grounded in the science of reading, identify struggling students early, and provide targeted interventions before learning gaps widen. We should also strengthen family engagement and ensure schools have the instructional resources necessary to support literacy development. Reading proficiency is the foundation for success across every subject, and improving outcomes must remain one of the district’s highest academic priorities.

What changes, if any, would you make to school safety policies? School safety requires continuous evaluation, not a one-time solution. I support regularly reviewing and strengthening safety protocols based on best practices and the evolving needs of our schools. While physical security is important, we must continue investing in threat assessment, mental health services, bullying prevention, and strong partnerships among schools, families, and law enforcement. The most effective school safety strategies combine prevention, early intervention, and a positive school climate so every student feels safe, supported, and able to learn.

How should book challenges and library removals be handled? Book challenges should be addressed through a transparent, consistent review process that follows state law and district policy. Decisions should involve qualified educators, librarians, and appropriate review committees, with meaningful opportunities for parent input. Individual concerns deserve thoughtful consideration, but instructional materials should be evaluated based on educational value, age appropriateness, and established academic standards—not political pressure. Our goal should be to provide students with access to high-quality learning materials while maintaining transparency and respecting the role of families in their children’s education.

What outside organizations or endorsements are supporting your campaign? U.S. Congressman Maxwell Frost; Florida State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith; Florida State Representative Anna Eskamani; Orange County Classroom Teachers Association (Teachers’ Union); Former Assistant Deputy Secretary and Director at the U.S. Department of Education Montserrat Garibay; Florida State Representative Rita Harris; Florida State Representative Johanna Lopez; Florida State Senator Victor Torres; Orange County School Board Member Angie Gallo; Orange County School Board Member Maria Salamanca; Orange County School Board Member Anne Douglas; Orange County School Board Member Stephanie Vanos; Orange County Property Appraiser Amy Mercado; Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph; Orange-Osceola Public Defender Melissa Vickers; Orange County Commissioner Kelly Semrad; Equality Florida Action PAC; Network for Public Education Action; Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) Action Fund; Ruth’s List Florida; Emgage Action; Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida; Rainbow Democrats; Hispanic Chamber of Florida.

If elected, what policy would you try to pass in your first year? I would work to establish a districtwide strategic plan for multilingual learner success, expanding access to dual language programs, strengthening support services for English learners, and increasing professional development for educators. Orange County is home to a diverse student population, and every student should have access to programs that build academic success while preparing them to thrive in a multilingual, global workforce.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Orange County School Board District 2

All school board races are nonpartisan elections, which means all voters can vote in the election, regardless of party affiliation.

There are seven school board districts in Orange County, with a board member representing each one. District 2 in Orange County covers much of Central Orange County, including Lake Nona, Narcoossee, Rio Pinar, and part of Azalea Park. A map of the school districts is available HERE.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our partners at the Orlando Sentinel compiled the candidate responses for the Orange County school board races, emailing and calling the candidates over several weeks.

You can see the full Orlando Sentinel Voting Guide HERE.

Marisol Lugo

WEBSITE: votemarisollugo.com/

NOTE: This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites to answer questions about their candidacy.

Her priorities are supporting teachers and giving parents a voice, according to her campaign website. She believes teachers deserve competitive pay and quality healthcare, according to her campaign Facebook page. With more than a decade of experience working in the mental health field, she understands the importance of reducing stress in the classroom and protecting a teacher’s well-being so they can better serve students. She will bring faith-centered leadership to the district, according to her website.

Lugo’s website did not say how she thinks the district should handle teacher shortages, how she would improve Florida’s low level of academic growth in reading, what changes, if any, she would make to school safety policies, how she feels book challenges and library removals should be handled nor what policy she would try and pass in her first year.

There were no official endorsements featured on Lugo’s website.

Gloria Reina O’Neal

WEBSITE: votegloriareina.com/

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Teacher Pay / Insurance Benefits: As a School Board member, my top priority would be to ensure that Orange County attracts and retains world-class educators by offering highly competitive compensation and affordable, stable health benefits. We must actively collaborate with our teachers’ union and external vendors to assess a path forward for competitive insurance coverage options.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Fiscal Management and Declining Budget for the district: First, we must cut administrative waste to ensure every tax dollar goes straight to the classroom, not bureaucracy. Second, instead of letting empty school spaces drain our budget, we will launch innovative public micro-schools and utilize partnerships and additional grants to bring in other financial money. Finally, we must protect our local tax renewal one-mill referendum, which is directed to a sizeable portion of the district’s current budget.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Declining enrollment: To solve the challenge of declining student enrollment in Orange County, reliance on the status quo or reactively addressing why students are leaving, I believe OCPS should out-innovate the competition by transforming underutilized campus space into district-run micro-schools—small, specialized, interest-driven learning environments tailored to what families actually want. By pioneering models like our new baseball and softball micro-school at Cheney Elementary, gifted magnet programs, upskilling and advertising technical program offerings, OCPS can combine the safety and resources of a large public district with the highly personalized, niche curriculum that will attract students and parents back to our public schools.

How should the district handle teacher shortages? We cannot solve the teacher shortage by just asking educators to continue to do more with less. In Orange County, our challenges are not distinct from larger urban school districts in Florida. OCPS is facing enrollment dips that threaten the budget, yet the affordability continues to be a larger factor for teacher shortages. I believe we should work collaboratively within the school board to implement a fiscally responsible strategy that maximizes our resources. By streamlining administrative overhead and reducing district-level operational costs, we can direct more funding straight into our classrooms where it matters most. This approach will allow us to maintain a balanced budget while prioritizing competitive compensation for our educators and directly addressing teacher pay compression and shortages.

Florida ranked last for academic growth in reading. How would you improve that? First point: Build Focus with Great Books: OCPS students need interesting, age-appropriate books to build up their attention spans and reading stamina. Getting lost in a great story teaches them how to concentrate, which helps them move past the short distractions of cell phones and social media and increase focus on reading.

Expanding the usage of Poetry: Poetry is a fun and powerful tool for teaching rhythm, rhyming, and vocabulary. Because poems are short, they help struggling readers practice tricky words and catch on to deeper meanings without feeling overwhelmed.

Have more frequent intervention for reading gaps by increasing curriculum with Short Stories: Short stories are perfect for building confidence because a student can read and finish one in a single class period. They still get to learn about plot and characters, but they get a quick win that makes them want to keep reading.

All in all, academic growth comes from using different mediums to increase access and sustained academic growth in reading.

What changes, if any, would you make to school safety policies? When we talk about school safety in Orange County, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. True safety means our OCPS schools and structures are physically secure, our students have the mental health support they need so they don’t look to harm themselves or others, and our daily logistics—like traffic corridors and the rise of microbility safety that carry over to the schools—are actively managed. As a board member, my priority is ensuring our policies evolve as quickly as the challenges our students face

How should book challenges and library removals be handled? Accountability demands that book challenges and district decisions be completely transparent and publicly accessible on the district webpage. When materials such as a book challenge or library removals are formally questioned or removed from Orange County Public Schools, parents, taxpayers, and educators have a fundamental right to know what changes are being made to the local curriculum and library collections via online publication on the district’s website.

What outside organizations or endorsements are supporting your campaign? Endorsement Organizations: Orange County CTA, Orlando Regional Realtors Association; Equality Florida Action PAC, NOW PAC. Endorsements: Victor Torres. Dr. Anna Eskamani, Rep. Rita Harris, Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith. City of Orlando Commissioner Tom Keen. Additional endorsements are pending finalization.

If elected, what policy would you try to pass in your first year? OCPS Assessment of vacant land/ schools for adaptive reuse for affordable housing with a strategic implementation plan.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Orange County School Board District 1

All school board races are nonpartisan elections, which means all voters can vote in the election, regardless of party affiliation.

There are seven school board districts in Orange County, with a board member representing each one. District 1 in Orange County covers much of east Orange County, including Union Park, Waterford Lakes, Avalon Park, Bithlo and Wedgefield. A map of the school districts is available HERE.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our partners at the Orlando Sentinel compiled the candidate responses for the Orange County school board races, emailing and calling the candidates over several weeks.

You can see the full Orlando Sentinel Voting Guide HERE.

Melissa Lopez Marantes

WEBSITE: www.melissaforkids.com/

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: I see the first two major issues as interrelated: retaining high-quality educators and declining enrollment. To address these two issues, I believe we have to look at root causes, ask why these challenges exist, and identify creative solutions. Florida being 50th in the country for educator pay is a clear sign that teacher compensation is a priority. Many talented teachers are exploring other career options and we need to keep educators in the field. One teacher shared an innovative idea with me: rather than sending students to local colleges or universities for dual enrollment courses, we could partner with those institutions to have qualified high school teachers serve as adjunct professors and offer college-credit courses on our high school campuses. We could negotiate with the universities in our area; they keep the student enrollment and educators can get compensated. Homeschool or other students could also be given the option to take advantage of this opportunity. Our educators and families have valuable ideas that deserve this consideration.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Declining enrollment is closely tied to the first issue. One way to strengthen our schools is to better understand why families are choosing homeschooling or other options, especially if that research hasn’t already been done. Learning what parents value or feel is missing could help us identify opportunities to improve public education and attract more students. We should also look at what other school districts, both within Florida and across the country, are doing successfully and explore whether those strategies could work in our community.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Student success is fundamental. Every child deserves an education that meets their unique needs and prepares them for future success. I plan to support policies and programs that strengthen literacy, math, and keep arts in education. A well-rounded education helps students build the problem-solving and other skills they need to thrive.

How should the district handle teacher shortages? The priority is to have competitive compensation to attract and retain quality teachers. We can also explore strategies such as leveraging block scheduling, increasing flexibility, and other tools that support both educators and students. It is also important to foster a school environment where teachers feel valued and supported while giving them room to teach.

Florida ranked last for academic growth in reading. How would you improve that? Student engagement is key. Partnering with local businesses to provide positive incentives and recognition for reading achievements can encourage students. Non-traditional approaches, such as pairing older and younger students as reading buddies, can also make reading more engaging and enjoyable. Additionally, involving students by asking what would make reading more interesting for them and turning their ideas into a reading challenge can increase ownership and enthusiasm for reading.

What changes, if any, would you make to school safety policies? Mental wellness is an important part of our school safety plan. While I understand that budget constraints have required difficult decisions, I am concerned about the reduction in School SAFE Coordinators and the impact it may have on students. One opportunity worth exploring is partnering with the major healthcare systems in the Orlando area to help supplement some of the student mental health and support services that have been reduced. Strong community partnerships could help fill some of those gaps.

How should book challenges and library removals be handled? Libraries are for all students, so I believe for an item to be removed from a library, it must be a concern for more than one or two parents. There is currently a process for a parent to have a child opt out of a book they don’t want their child to read. Since parents have access to syllabi for their child’s classes at the beginning of each year, I believe the opt-out system is the most effective way to allow parents to have a say in what their child reads.

What outside organizations or endorsements are supporting your campaign? Orange County Classroom Teachers Association, Ruth’s List Florida, National Organization for Women FL Pac, Equality Florida Action Pac, current school board member for District 1-Angie Gallo, Rep. Dr. Anna Eskamani.

If elected, what policy would you try to pass in your first year? I would try to implement a policy that can support increasing educator compensation and/or support student engagement for success.

David Shepard

WEBSITE: electdavidshepard.com/

David Shepard, Orange County School Board District 1

NOTE: This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites to answer questions about their candidacy.

Student safety is one of his top priorities, according to his campaign website. As a firefighter and a paramedic, he has first-hand knowledge of emergency response, prevention and preparedness and will draw upon that to enhance student safety.

Another top priority is ensuring students have access to trade and vocational education to gain practical, in-demand skills and understand that college is not the only path after high school, his website says. He supports partnerships with local businesses to create internships and mentor programs for students.

He believes students are better served when their teachers are in communication with parents, according to his website. He will look to nurture stronger parent-teacher relationships.

Shepard’s website did not say how he thinks the district should handle teacher shortages, how he would improve Florida’s low level of academic growth in reading, what changes, if any, he would make to school safety policies, how he feels book challenges and library removals should be handled nor what policy he would try and pass in his first year.

According to Shepard’s website, his campaign is endorsed by the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association, Central Florida American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization, Orlando Regional Realtor Association, Apopka Firefighters Associations, Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, Reedy Creek Professional Firefighters, Orlando Professional Firefighters, West Orange Political Alliance, Orange County Firefighters Local 2057 and Florida Professional Firefighters.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Orange County School Board Chair

Unlike most counties in Central Florida, Orange County has an elected school board chair. This person sets the board’s meeting agendas, runs the meetings, and holds a tie-breaking vote on issues.

All school board races are nonpartisan elections, which means all voters can vote in the election, regardless of party affiliation.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our partners at the Orlando Sentinel compiled the candidate responses for the Orange County school board chair race, emailing and calling the candidates over several weeks.

Alicia Farrant

WEBSITE: www.votealiciafarrant.com/

NOTE: This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites to answer questions about their candidacy.

A member of Moms for Liberty, the conservative parent group, she won a seat on the board in 2022 and is now finishing her first term representing District 3. In a July interview with the Orlando Sentinel, she said she hopes winning the countywide chair election will show people that “God always gets the victory.”

A top priority is improving the district’s academic achievement, she said in an interview, and her campaign website stated she supports “a return to phonics-based literacy instruction.” Her website also says she supports the “highest standard of safety measures” in schools by “keeping boys out of girls’ sports and bathrooms” and removing “pornographic” books from school libraries.

Her campaign website does not address her views on resolving the teacher shortage or on the property tax amendment that will be on the ballot in November.

Angie Gallo

WEBSITE: www.voteangiegallo.com/

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Student achievement is my top priority. It’s important to continue improving literacy outcomes, expanding academic support, and ensuring every student has access to high-quality instruction. I plan to continue supporting evidence-based practices, such as the science of reading, and strengthen early literacy programs. Additionally, I aim to conduct targeted, research-based interventions to help students succeed. We need to be less dependent on technology and put textbooks back in the classrooms. I support a hybrid model of teaching. We need to be at the forefront of AI literacy and continue to remove programs that don’t support student learning. I believe that learning should be challenging and that students should graduate with critical thinking skills needed to compete in a global economy.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers and staff is critical to student success. I will continue advocating for competitive compensation, professional development opportunities that serve the needs of our educators, and support policies that will attract and retain the best talent in our classrooms. When elected, I will lead the effort to ask Orange County voters for an additional .25 mil for teacher pay via referendum on the 2028 ballot.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Innovating public schools. We need to be more innovative in our approach to student learning. We must meet students where they are and engage them in the classroom. I support micro-schools, schools within schools, co-ops, and more private-public partnerships that will increase student enrollment. Public schools need to look more like 2050 and less like 1950.

How should the district handle teacher shortages? Teacher shortages cannot be solved with short-term fixes. They require a sustained commitment to making teaching a profession that talented people want to enter and experienced teachers want to stay in. Florida has ranked near the bottom nationally in average teacher pay, and districts across the state are competing for a shrinking pool of educators. If we want the best teachers in our classrooms, we must be willing to invest in their pay, benefits, and professional development.

I will champion an additional .25 mil referendum in 2028 to let Orange County voters choose to improve compensation and benefits. I will work with higher education partners to create clear career pathways into the profession and expand teacher residency and mentorship programs. And finally, I will work with the Superintendent and School Board to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens on all our educators.

Florida ranked last for academic growth in reading. How would you improve that? Improving reading outcomes requires a strong focus on early literacy, evidence-based instruction, and targeted support for struggling students. We must continue to invest in literacy coaches, intervention programs, and professional development while ensuring students receive the individualized support they need to become successful readers. We need more high-quality Pre-K’s in Orange County. Our goal should be to put a full-day pre-K center at every school staffed by certified teachers; if we do that, research shows that our students’ literacy rates would greatly improve by 3rd grade.

What changes, if any, would you make to school safety policies? School safety must remain a top priority. I support continuing our comprehensive approach that includes campus security measures, mental health resources, threat assessment teams, and strong partnerships with law enforcement by placing School Resource Officers (SROs) at all of our schools. Safety efforts should focus on prevention, preparedness, and student well-being. We need to advocate for better funding within the Florida Education Finance Plan (FEFP), as well as county and municipal budgets, so that SROs are not partially unfunded mandates.

How should book challenges and library removals be handled? Book challenges should follow established district policies that provide a transparent and consistent review process. Decisions should be based on educational value, age appropriateness, and professional review while ensuring parents, educators, and community members have a voice in the process. With that said, we have much bigger challenges than the books in our Media Center. Cultural wars have taken up too much time, and we need to focus on students, not political agendas.

What outside organizations or endorsements are supporting your campaign? My campaign is proud to be supported by educators, parents, community leaders, and organizations that value strong public schools. Endorsements include the Orange County Teachers Association, Florida Education Association, Equality Florida Action PAC, Ruth’s List Florida, and Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate Distinction. I am also proud to have received bipartisan support from most of the Orange County legislative delegation, county and municipal elected officials, and former and current Orange County School Board Members. A complete list of my endorsements can be found on my website VoteAngieGallo.com.

If elected, what policy would you try to pass in your first year? One of my priorities would be strengthening teacher recruitment and retention efforts by increasing teacher pay. Every student deserves access to excellent educators, and ensuring we can attract and retain high-quality teachers is essential to the long-term success of Orange County Public Schools. I will work on reducing screen time in our schools and removing barriers that do not serve student outcomes. I will continue to work on attainable housing and affordable daycare for our educators. We have to tackle the high cost of healthcare, and I am committed to continuing to reduce those costs.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Orange County Commission District 8

Orange County’s commissioners are elected in nonpartisan races, which means all voters can vote in the election, regardless of party affiliation.

Since there are six candidates in the race, the top vote-getter must get more than 50% of the vote (50%+1) in order to win outright. Otherwise, the top two candidates will go to a runoff in November.

The county added two new commission seats for the 2026 election, which means the districts the commissioners represent have changed.

County Commission District 8 encompasses part of South Central Orange County, including the areas of Lake Nona, Narcoosee and Hunter’s Creek. You can see a map of the area HERE.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our partners at the Orlando Sentinel compiled the candidate responses for the Commission District 8 race, emailing and calling the candidates over several weeks.

Isaiah Louis Anderson

WEBSITE: voteisaiahlouisanderson.com/

This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites to answer questions about their candidacy.

A first-time candidate and an Air Force veteran, he lists affordable housing, community planning, assisting at-risk youth and improving infrastructure among his priorities on his campaign website. If voters want to learn about his positions or plans for addressing homelessness, traffic, Split Oak Forest or 11 other issues, they should visit his website and click a link titled “Our Path Forward.”

Addressing affordability, his website recounts conversations he’s had with residents of the district, which includes fast-growing communities Hunters Creek, Lake Nona, Moss Park, Wyndham Lakes and several others. “Families feel like Orange County is growing around them faster than they can financially keep up with,” he wrote. “The real concern is whether the people who already live here will actually benefit from that growth or eventually become displaced by it.”

In an interview, he said he wanted to cut property taxes but would vote against the constitutional amendment to slash taxes that will be on the November ballot.

Anderson did not address data centers on his website or in an interview. Asked about the biggest environmental issue, he gave his opinion on the proposed toll road through Split Oak, which is in the district he would represent if elected. “Split Oak Forest represents to me how big corporate builders can come in and tear up wildlife and not have to face any consequences for it,” he said. “I would like for Split Oak Forest to have been fought for and kept as land that was contractually to be preserved.”

Tatiana Fernández

WEBSITE: www.tatianausa.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Affordable Housing.

Housing affordability is one of the greatest challenges facing Orange County families. We must increase the supply of affordable and workforce housing so that teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, hospitality employees, and other essential workers can afford to live in the communities they serve.

As County Commissioner, I will support responsible development that expands affordable housing without sacrificing quality of life. I will also advocate for an Affordable Commercial Space initiative that helps small businesses and local entrepreneurs access reasonably priced commercial locations, creating jobs closer to where people live.

Orange County’s tourism industry is a major economic engine, but economic success must benefit the workforce that keeps it running. I will work with business leaders, developers, and community partners to promote higher-paying jobs and housing opportunities that are aligned with local wages. When people can both live and work in Orange County, we strengthen families, reduce traffic congestion, and build a more resilient local economy.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Orange County’s rapid growth requires a transportation system that is reliable, affordable, and connected to where people live and work. Too many residents spend hours in traffic because public transit does not provide practical alternatives.

As County Commissioner, I will advocate for expanding LYNX bus service, improving transit frequency and coverage, and investing in transportation options that better connect underserved communities such as Bithlo, Christmas, and parts of Lake Nona. I also support exploring innovative solutions, including autonomous transit technology, when it is proven to be safe, cost-effective, and beneficial to taxpayers.

Our goal should be to reduce congestion on I-4 and other major roadways by making public transportation a convenient choice rather than a last resort. I will also prioritize improving bus stops and transit stations with covered shelters, shade, lighting, and other weather protections to ensure a safer and more comfortable experience for riders in Florida’s climate.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Small Business Support. Items #1 and #2 provide the proper breeding ground to have an available workforce that can show up on time and can make a living with the tourism industry wages. We also need to invest in our workforce development in the Hospitality sector, and also in our manufacturing and construction sectors. Our reality dictates that small businesses lack affordable spaces, and we need to start developing and controlling our own site development. We need to provide New businesses the temporary tools to get them off the ground in a more substantial way than a business incubator does. We need to also invest in light industrial, commercial, and other strategically positioned spaces to help develop our newest and smallest businesses. We need to have quick permitting and think on redeloping some existing spaces that are underutilized. Why do Sunrail stations not have merchants to sell umbrellas, water, snacks, phones, or a cup of coffee? Why can’t we take over one of the recently closed schools and turn it into a meeting space for the community, rent space for commercial kitchens and food trucks in the Parking area? Those are the ideas that we need to explore to get Economic development for everyone in our County.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I deserve to be elected because I offer a different perspective—one shaped by years of building a business, solving real-world problems, and serving my community. In the private sector, ideas are measured by results. If they don’t work, you adjust quickly because people, jobs, and livelihoods depend on it. That mindset of accountability and innovation is what I will bring to Orange County government.

I am not running to build a political career. I am running to solve problems. My priorities are to make Orange County more affordable by increasing opportunities for higher-paying jobs, improving transportation, supporting small businesses, and ensuring that growth is planned responsibly. I believe government should remove barriers, encourage innovation, and be a responsible steward of taxpayers’ dollars.

Public office is a position of service, not a lifetime entitlement. If elected, I will serve with integrity, transparency, and humility, always listening to the people I represent. My goal is to leave Orange County stronger than I found it and to help prepare the next generation of leaders to continue that work. Leadership is not about holding office forever—it is about making a lasting difference while you have the privilege to serve.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Florida’s affordability crisis is not just a cost-of-living problem; it is an income problem. We cannot build a strong middle class if wages and opportunities fail to keep pace with the cost of housing, insurance, transportation, and everyday essentials.

My approach is to help residents increase their earning power instead of relying solely on government programs. Orange County should become a leader in workforce advancement by partnering with businesses, trade organizations, and educational institutions to help people earn industry-recognized certifications, learn new skills, and move into higher-paying careers throughout their lives.

At the same time, we must make it easier for small businesses to grow because they create jobs, innovation, and economic mobility. That means reducing unnecessary barriers, expanding access to affordable commercial space, and encouraging entrepreneurship in every part of our county.

Affordability is achieved when people have the opportunity to earn more, spend less on unnecessary costs such as long commutes, and build financial security for their families. My goal is not simply to help people get by—it is to help them get ahead.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? The current proposal to slash some property taxes and fees does not adequately address how counties and municipalities in Florida fund the essential services that residents rely on every day. While reducing property taxes may provide short-term relief for some homeowners, it does not solve the broader affordability challenges of homeownership, including rising insurance premiums, HOA costs, and maintenance expenses.

Without a comprehensive funding plan, reducing property tax revenue will likely result in cuts to public safety, transportation, parks, and other local services, or force local governments to replace the lost revenue through new fees and special assessments. In the end, many homeowners could see little real savings while paying more through other charges.

I also believe local governments should have greater flexibility in determining how locally generated revenue is spent. Communities have different priorities, and decisions about funding should reflect local needs rather than one-size-fits-all mandates from Tallahassee.

Finally, we should focus on meaningful property tax reform that protects homeowners. I support legislation that prevents homesteaded properties from being lost at auction over HOA debts, reforms tax deed sales to better protect homeowners’ equity, and considers a gradual phase-in of homestead tax benefits for new residents to ensure long-term fairness and fiscal stability.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida’s utility system should put residents and small businesses first. As electricity demand continues to grow, large energy users—including data centers—should bear the full cost of the infrastructure required to serve them. Existing customers should not be expected to subsidize grid expansions or utility upgrades that primarily benefit private developments.

Utility regulators should require greater transparency in rate-setting, ensure that any proposed rate increases are justified, and encourage investments that improve grid reliability and long-term affordability. Florida should also continue investing in energy efficiency, grid modernization, and a diverse energy portfolio to meet future demand responsibly.

At the same time, regulators must consider the full impact of data centers on surrounding communities. These facilities can generate significant noise from cooling equipment and backup generators, place heavy demands on potable water supplies for cooling systems, and require costly utility infrastructure upgrades. Any proposal should demonstrate that it will not compromise drinking water resources, degrade the quality of life for nearby residents, or shift infrastructure costs onto existing ratepayers.

I also believe data centers should be limited to appropriately zoned industrial areas. Florida should not convert agricultural land or environmentally sensitive areas into data center developments. Protecting our agricultural lands is essential for food security, water recharge, and preserving Florida’s natural resources. Growth should occur where the necessary infrastructure already exists, not at the expense of our farms or rural communities.

Florida can welcome technological innovation and economic development, but growth must be responsible. Data centers should meet strict standards for infrastructure funding, noise mitigation, water conservation, environmental stewardship, and appropriate land use so that economic progress does not come at the expense of Florida families, taxpayers, or future generations.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Florida’s greatest environmental challenge is managing growth while protecting the natural resources that make our state livable. Clean drinking water, wetlands, agricultural lands, and wildlife habitats are under increasing pressure from rapid development, aging infrastructure, and population growth.

We must protect our aquifers and surface waters by investing in modern water and wastewater infrastructure, strengthening stormwater management, and preserving wetlands that naturally filter water and reduce flooding. The wetland mitigation banking program needs to be revisited, and limits need to be imposed as to the maximum wetland area that can be converted before it creates flooding problems for the community. Responsible land-use planning is equally important. Growth should be directed toward areas with existing infrastructure instead of encouraging sprawl that consumes agricultural land and environmentally sensitive areas.

As Orange County continues to grow, we must also ensure that new developments—including large industrial projects such as data centers—are evaluated for their long-term impacts on water consumption, energy demand, noise, traffic, and surrounding communities. Economic development should never come at the expense of our natural resources or residents’ quality of life.

Protecting Florida’s environment and supporting economic growth are not competing goals. With smart planning, responsible development, and strong environmental stewardship, we can preserve our natural resources while creating a prosperous future for the next generation.

George Haas

WEBSITE: www.voteforhaas.com/

This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites to answer questions about their candidacy.

Traffic congestion is his top priority. On his website, he says Lake Nona’s rapid growth has turned Narcoosee Road and Boggy Creek Road into broken, high-friction bottlenecks that trap commuters daily. He wants to end the gridlock. His website says he “will push for structural accountability on county road work to demand projects are built efficiently, on schedule, and designed to absorb future traffic capacities before the first shovel hits the dirt.”

An engineer, he also said that his work experience and business background are needed on the commission as he thinks the board lacks professional business experience. He said he would work to eradicate administrative waste, alleging that “millions of taxpayer dollars are routinely lost within the bloated workflows and non-performing operational budgets of county bureaucracy.”

Asked why voters should choose him, he said, “I’m the right man for the job in terms of education and experience.”

He is not in favor of the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes. But if voters approve Amendment 3, he would look for efficiencies in government services to mitigate the loss in revenues and possibly outsource some services.

He did not directly address data centers on his website but in an interview said, “We cannot stop progress but we can definitely make sure it doesn’t hurt us.” As an engineer, he would address the issue analytically.

He said the biggest environmental issue is growth. “We do have beautiful, clean water underneath us, and we want to make sure it stays that way.”

Jeanette Quinones Hernandez

WEBSITE: www.jeannette2026.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Traffic congestion and the strain on our roads and infrastructure.

Our rapid growth in District 8 (especially Lake Nona, Hunter’s Creek, Meadow Woods, Beacon Park and Williamsburg) has outpaced our roads. Families are stuck in traffic instead of spending time together. As Commissioner, I will prioritize completing key road projects like Narcoossee Road widening, Lake Nona Blvd improvements, and better connectivity to I-417 and the Turnpike. I will push for public-private partnerships, cut unnecessary red tape, and ensure impact fees are used efficiently for actual infrastructure, not diverted elsewhere. Safety and predictability for working families must come first.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Flooding and wetlands protection.

Too many neighborhoods in south Orange County flood repeatedly because of unchecked development and loss of natural buffers like the Crosby Island marsh. I will fight to preserve critical wetlands, enforce responsible growth policies, and demand better stormwater management from developers. Practical conservation that protects both our environment and property values — not extreme environmental agendas that hurt working families.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Attainable housing and rising cost of living.

Hard-working families, young professionals, and our seniors should be able to live in the communities they love. I will work to lower impact fees, reduce unnecessary regulations that drive up housing costs, and promote smart, responsible development that includes more workforce housing options while protecting neighborhood character. Lower taxes and fees mean more money stays in families’ pockets.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I am not a career politician — I am a mother, former small business owner, and public servant who has spent years helping thousands of Central Florida families as an Outreach Specialist in Senator Marco Rubio’s office. I have walked the neighborhoods of District 8 door-to-door, listened to residents’ concerns about traffic, flooding, and affordability, and I show up. My values are simple: faith, family, fiscal responsibility, and putting Orange County families first. I bring real-world experience balancing budgets, meeting payroll, and solving problems — exactly what District 8 needs on the County Commission.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability starts with controlling government spending and lowering the cost of living. I support cutting wasteful spending, reducing impact fees that are passed on to homebuyers, reforming regulations that drive up housing costs, and making permitting faster and more predictable for responsible developers. We must also grow our economy through vocational training, pro-business policies, and job opportunities so families earn more and keep more of what they earn. Limited government and free enterprise have always been the best path to prosperity.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? YES. Property taxes are too high and burden homeowners, seniors on fixed incomes, and working families. I support meaningful tax relief. Lost revenue should be replaced primarily through service efficiencies, cutting waste, and prioritizing core government functions. We can also explore targeted fee adjustments on new development rather than existing residents. As a fiscal conservative, I will insist on transparency and accountability so taxpayers get better services without higher taxes.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Utility regulators must ensure reliable, affordable power while protecting ratepayers. Data centers bring economic benefits, but they should not come at the expense of higher bills for families and small businesses. I support requiring data centers to contribute fairly to infrastructure upgrades, promoting energy diversity (including natural gas and nuclear where appropriate), and strong oversight to prevent cost shifting onto residential customers. We need balance — economic growth without sacrificing affordability

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Responsible protection of our wetlands and natural flood buffers while allowing smart growth. In Orange County, flooding is both an environmental and quality-of-life crisis. We must preserve critical areas like the Crosby Island marsh and improve stormwater management without extreme policies that stop responsible development and hurt working families. Conservation and common-sense growth can and must coexist.

Julio Rocha

WEBSITE: votejuliorocha.com/

This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites to answer questions about their candidacy.

He co-owns an insurance and financial services agency with his spouse. His website says he is running “with a focus on housing affordability, transportation solutions and expanding economic opportunity,” but it does not list any specific plans.

Rocha has served in leadership roles with the Orlando chapter of Prospanica, a not-for-profit association of Hispanic professionals. He also served on the national organization’s board of directors.

His website did not address how he’d vote on the property tax amendment in November, how he would respond to data centers and their need for electricity nor what he viewed as the biggest environmental issue that needs addressing.

Victor M. Torres Jr.

WEBSITE: www.electvictorres.com/

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it:

Making Orange County More Affordable. I’ve spent my life working alongside the people who keep this community running, as a Marine, detective, bus driver, union member, and State Senator. I know what it’s like to work hard and still worry about paying the bills. On the County Commission, I’ll focus on increasing the supply of workforce and affordable housing, making sure growth pays for itself, and protecting existing neighborhoods from displacement. Hard work should be enough to build a good life in Orange County.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it:

Traffic and Transportation. I drove LYNX buses for years, so I lived the same traffic frustrations families face every day. We cannot build our way out of congestion with roads alone. We need transportation infrastructure that keeps pace with growth, safer intersections, expanded LYNX service, continued investment in SunRail, and smarter land-use decisions that reduce long commutes and connect people to jobs, schools, and healthcare.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it:

Infrastructure, Flooding, and Responsible Growth. Too many neighborhoods flood after heavy rains because infrastructure hasn’t kept up with development. I’ll prioritize stormwater improvements, require new growth to pay its fair share for infrastructure, and support smart growth that protects our water resources and natural areas. We can grow responsibly without sacrificing our quality of life.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I’ve spent more than 40 years serving others, as a Marine, New York City detective, school bus driver, LYNX bus operator, union member, and State Senator. Every step of my career has been about serving working people, not politics. I’m running because the biggest challenges facing Orange County - housing affordability, traffic, flooding, and infrastructure - require experienced leadership that understands what families are going through and is willing to put people before politics.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability starts with housing, but it doesn’t end there. We need more workforce housing, better transportation options that reduce commuting costs, and responsible growth that lowers the cost of providing public services. I also believe county government should be a good steward of taxpayer dollars while investing in the infrastructure families rely on every day. When working families can afford to live near where they work, everyone benefits.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Property taxes are a real concern for homeowners, especially with rising insurance costs and the overall cost of living. But I cannot support a constitutional amendment that dramatically reduces local property tax revenue without a responsible plan to replace it. Counties rely on those dollars to fund public safety, transportation, parks, libraries, and critical infrastructure. I do not support replacing that revenue by raising fees on working families or cutting essential services. Instead, we should focus on responsible budgeting, identifying efficiencies, and working with the state to develop sustainable solutions that provide tax relief without undermining the services our communities depend on.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Families and small businesses should not be forced to subsidize massive energy users. Utility regulators should require data centers and other large industrial customers to pay their fair share of the infrastructure and energy costs they create while protecting residential ratepayers from unnecessary increases. As County Commissioner, I will oppose new data centers that strain our electric grid, increase utility costs, and consume significant water resources. Orange County should prioritize growth that creates lasting jobs while protecting our environment and keeping costs down for residents.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? For Orange County, protecting our water resources while managing growth responsibly is one of the biggest environmental challenges we face. Our lakes, wetlands, and aquifer are essential to our quality of life, and they must be protected as our community continues to grow. That means investing in stormwater infrastructure, reducing flooding, encouraging development where infrastructure already exists, and preserving environmentally sensitive lands for future generations.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Orange County Commission District 6

Orange County’s commissioners are elected in nonpartisan races, which means all voters can vote in the election, regardless of party affiliation.

Since there are five candidates in the race, the top vote-getter must get more than 50% of the vote (50%+1) in order to win outright. Otherwise, the top two candidates will go to a runoff in November.

The county added two new commission seats for the 2026 election, which means the districts the commissioners represent have changed.

County Commission District 6 encompasses part of Central Orange County, including the areas of Downtown Orlando, west Orlando, Metrowest, Holden and Oak Ridge. You can see a map of the area HERE.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our partners at the Orlando Sentinel compiled the candidate responses for the Commission District 6 race, emailing and calling the candidates over several weeks.

You can see the full Orlando Sentinel Voting Guide HERE.

Loody Delice

WEBSITE: https://www.tiktok.com/@voteloodydelice

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it:

Issue #1: Affordable Housing & Cost of Living

Problem: Many working families, seniors, teachers, first responders, and young professionals are struggling with rising housing costs and the increasing cost of living.

My Solution: I will support responsible development that expands affordable and workforce housing while protecting existing neighborhoods. I will work with public and private partners to increase housing opportunities, encourage redevelopment of underused properties, and promote policies that help residents remain in their communities. I will also advocate for programs that assist seniors and working families with housing stability.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it:

Issue #2: Small Business Growth & Government Efficiency

Problem: Small businesses face lengthy permitting delays, unnecessary bureaucracy, and rising operating costs that slow economic growth and job creation.

My Solution: I will work to streamline the permitting and inspection process, improve customer service within county departments, and increase accountability by setting measurable performance standards. My goal is to make Orange County one of the best places in Florida to start, expand, and operate a business while supporting local entrepreneurs and creating good-paying jobs.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it:

Issue #3: Safe Communities, Infrastructure & Quality of Life

Problem: Residents want safer neighborhoods, better roads, improved drainage, reliable infrastructure, and greater investment in parks and community services.

My Solution: I will prioritize investments in transportation, infrastructure maintenance, stormwater improvements, and public spaces while supporting partnerships with law enforcement and community organizations to reduce crime through prevention, youth engagement, and neighborhood collaboration. My focus is on creating safe, connected, and thriving communities for every resident of District 6.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I deserve to be elected because I have a proven record of serving our community, not just talking about it. As a Florida resident for 27 years, I have volunteered with the Orlando Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and I founded the Haitian Community Center of Orlando to help families navigate complex immigration issues.

I will bring servant leadership, transparency, and accountability to Orange County government while focusing on affordable housing, supporting small businesses, safer neighborhoods, and improving the quality of life for every resident of District 6. My commitment is simple: put people first and deliver results.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability starts with lowering the cost of housing and making government work more efficiently. As County Commissioner, I will support more affordable and workforce housing, streamline permitting to reduce construction costs, and cut unnecessary red tape that drives up prices.

I will also support local businesses to create higher-paying jobs, invest in transportation to reduce commuting costs, and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. My goal is to make Orange County a place where families, seniors, and young professionals can afford to live, work, and succeed.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I support providing meaningful property tax relief to Florida homeowners because affordability is one of the biggest challenges facing families and seniors. However, any tax reduction must be implemented responsibly. Essential local services—including public safety, parks, road maintenance, and infrastructure—must continue to be funded.

If the amendment is approved by voters, I would oppose replacing the lost revenue by simply increasing local fees on residents. Instead, I would prioritize improving government efficiency, reducing waste, seeking state and federal grants where available, and encouraging responsible economic growth to broaden the tax base.

Any service reductions should be a last resort, and core public safety and essential services must remain protected.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida’s utility regulators should protect consumers by ensuring that the costs of new infrastructure needed for large energy users, such as data centers, are not unfairly shifted onto residential customers and small businesses.

Utilities should be required to invest in grid modernization, improve energy efficiency, and expand reliable energy sources while maintaining transparency and accountability in rate-setting. My priority is to keep utility bills affordable while supporting responsible economic growth and a reliable electric grid.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? One of the biggest environmental challenges facing Florida is **protecting our water resources while managing growth responsibly**. As Orange County continues to grow, we must invest in stormwater infrastructure, protect our lakes, wetlands, and groundwater, and improve flood prevention.

I also support expanding parks, preserving green spaces, and encouraging smart development that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship. Protecting our natural resources today will ensure a healthier and more resilient Orange County for future generations.

Lawanna Gelzer

WEBSITE: www.lawannagelzer.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Transparency. My first priority is to launch a unified Inter-District Neighborhood Advisory Council. I’ve spent over forty years organizing on the ground, and I know that real change only happens when the community drives the agenda. I will bring together neighborhood presidents, HOA leaders, and grassroots organizers from every corner of District 6 to form a regular, completely open council. We won’t be meeting in a sterile government building downtown; we will rotate these meetings right inside our local neighborhoods, so everyone has access. This ensures that before I cast a single vote on the county commission, I am hearing directly from the people living with the consequences.

Second, I will immediately launch a comprehensive audit of our public infrastructure. For too long, working-class communities in District 6 have been ignored while county resources are funneled into wealthier areas. We aren’t going to just sit around and wait for the government to notice our crumbling roads, broken sidewalks, or failing drainage systems. We are going to empower neighbors to snap pictures of potholes, broken streetlights, and flooding issues to upload as immediate, unignorable evidence. We will use these photos to build a data-driven map of exactly where the county has neglected us so we can aggressively demand our fair share of the budget.

Finally, we will centralize all of this into a user-friendly District 6 Transparency Dashboard and Communication Hub. Real transparency is meaningless if information is buried in 500-page county PDFs that regular people don’t have time to read. This platform will be a plain-language online center where residents can easily submit their infrastructure photos, see upcoming zoning requests, and view county meeting schedules. Crucially, we will use this hub to run regular, broad community surveys to gather real feedback on what our neighborhoods need, from public safety to housing. Backed by a weekly newsletter detailing what the commission is up to, this will give our community the exact tools we need to stay informed, stay organized, and hold local government accountable.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Transportation: (Mass transit vs. road expansion). Transit has been the greatest blind spot in planning in the county over the decades, with the Orlando metro area being the highest density area in the country to not have a light rail. This cannot continue. We must transition into a transit-oriented development instead of the car-centric sprawl we have now. Inside these new transit zones, not only can we make up the value as I stated above, by leasing the land, we can ensure it serves us by having high-density mixed-use zoning, connecting the people with the places they need to go.

It’s not just “build new transit hubs” and modern light rail either. We need to look at our existing bus stops and seek to improve them. Our buses should be electric, which over the long term will save us money, and benefit the environment, and bus stops need to not have benches, but act as cooling spots while we deal with the reality of climate change and extreme heat.

Finally, we need to ensure that what we build is sustainable, that means no passing through conservation areas, and when we do need to pass through areas, to create wildlife over and underpasses, connecting the fragmented habitats we create.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Tourism Development Tax (TDT) reform. For me, responsible development is sustainable, obtainable, and accountable. It thinks beyond the immediate and considers the future. It protects our environment, and our livelihood. Everything the tourism development dollars was not built for. If given the opportunity, of course I would make spending restrictions on the TDT far more flexible. It’s the local population that bears the impact of our state’s overreliance on tourism, and therefore that money should be free to spend on infrastructure and amenities we desperately need.

Once again, I will say that we fight for the future but also deal with today. We can try and maximize the benefit of the TDT by being creative. Visit Orlando’s global campaign, for example, should feature local small businesses, not just mega attractions, and quite frankly should be subject to local approval. We also can use that money to buy local labor at living wage levels, and not just contracting national corporations, reinvesting the money into working-class people who made it possible. If we want to stretch the current language to the limit, we could even say that public transit IS a tourist attraction, like the railways in Japan and China, or the subway in New York City. In that way, we could use it to fund the transit that the region desperately needs.

As far as urban development and infill, let me make my vision clear. We need not just infill, but transit-oriented, human-scale walkable planning that clearly defines rural and urban boundaries. If it were not for SB 180, I would go much further and say we need form zoning instead of the archaic codes we have on the books now, and definitely, as stated above, we need to increase density. What’s missing in all of this is not only smart growth, but environmentally sustainable growth, that considers that we are ground zero for climate change in the United States, so we need to consider canopy cover, green spaces, the aquifer we sit on, as well as extreme heat. Urban development must be holistic.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? Ms. Gelzer did not respond to this question.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? There are only two ways to truly solve the affordability crisis: we must aggressively increase local incomes, and we must systematically bring down the cost of living. To do that, we must implement bold, structural changes that protect workers and build a resilient future for the next generation.

Right now, Orange County is trapped in a devastating hourglass economy. We have a massive pool of low-paying, dead-end jobs at the bottom, a concentrated layer of high-paying executive positions at the very top that require decades of connections to reach, and a hollowed-out center completely missing the middle-income, career-starter jobs that young people need to plant their roots. It is a failure of leadership that we host the University of Central Florida, one of the largest research institutions in the entire country, yet our local government remains fundamentally codependent on corporate hospitality and low-wage tourism. We are actively handicapping our future by forcing our brightest young graduates into a massive regional brain drain because they cannot find viable careers here. We must use county incentives, infrastructure investments, and incubation partnerships to build diversified economic ecosystems in technology, research, and green energy, while passing stronger local labor protections to ensure those new jobs are safe, dignified, and high-paying.

But boosting incomes means nothing if those bigger paychecks are immediately swallowed up by a skyrocketing cost of living. Bringing those daily expenses down is a difficult battle, but it is entirely doable if we change our priorities. First, we must break our region’s expensive car dependency. For a student or young professional, being forced to own, insure, and maintain a vehicle just to get to class or work is a regressive, mandatory tax that bleeds thousands of dollars out of their pockets every year. By building reliable public transit and creating truly walkable communities, we instantly give young people a massive financial raise. Second, we must directly confront the housing crisis. We need to cut through bureaucratic red tape to ensure our housing supply aggressively matches real demand, which is the only way to naturally cool the market and force rents down. Beyond just increasing supply, we must directly protect tenants and aggressively expand our public investment into permanently affordable housing options so that rent stops acting as a wealth-stripping machine.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? NO.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? I absolutely pledge to block the creation of any new data centers in Orange County through strict zoning laws. These facilities are an environmental nightmare, sucking up millions of gallons of water every day to cool servers and putting an unprecedented strain on our electrical grid. We cannot ask working families to conserve water and pay skyrocketing utility bills while letting tech giants drain and contaminate our aquifers just to power AI slop.

Florida is ground zero for climate change. We are already fighting tooth and nail to protect our water table, our wetlands, and our neighborhoods from reckless development. Bringing hyperscale data centers into our backyard is a direct threat to our public resources, and I will use every zoning tool available to stop them. We cannot ethically sign on to our own destruction.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? My position on the environment is absolute: environmental justice is public health, economic equity, and a fundamental civil right. And that’s important because we have a myriad of issues currently plaguing District 6’s environment that affect us all. I’ll share a few here, but there are many more.

Converting to sewer county-wide: 29% of the nitrogen contaminating our aquifer and springs comes from the outdated septic systems, especially on commercial properties. We need to expand the Septic Upgrade Incentive Program (SUIP) and work diligently using biochemical denitrification systems to clean the damage we have already done.

Ground Contamination and Aquifer Risk: My team has identified and mapped 434 contaminated lots in Parramore alone. We already know the legacy of the Gasification plant on Robinson, and the Chevron superfund site. Our solution to this was to dig into the top of the aquifer and bury these VOCs. The sad reality is that with the fast-expanding population in the area, we will need to tap into the shallower parts of the aquifer soon, and we risk a public health crisis. We need to go back in and aggressively remediate all the ground contamination across the district, in order to safeguard the health of the community.

The Destruction of our Wetlands: Beyond contamination, we are losing our wetlands at an alarming rate. For every single acre of wetland destroyed in our local basins, 0.9 acre-feet of natural flood storage is lost, expanding local flood zones by 0.6 acres during a storm. We fight this with a charter amendment in the form of a Right to Clean Water. This amendment should use language to protect wetlands from stormwater runoff, that causes algal blooms from eutrophication and encourages smart development when new construction and infrastructure upgrades are needed. This will require a fight in Tallahassee for home rule, but it’s a fight we must have if we are to protect our local environments and want any agency in the future of our community.

These are just a few examples; we haven’t touched on cooling stations to combat extreme heat, rewriting building codes to ensure structural stability with the increased storms raising the rate of sinkholes, and a deep look into smart, sustainable (and transit-oriented) development. For decades we have fallen behind in the conversation around the environment, when the reality is we are ground zero for climate change. This must change. With me, Orange County will become a leader in the global fight for sustainability.

Cynthia Harris

WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/cynthiaharris4D6/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Housing Access and Housing Stability. Too many working families, seniors, and young adults are being priced out of their communities. I will prioritize expanding attainable and workforce housing, strengthen tenant protections, support responsible redevelopment without unnecessary displacement, and work with nonprofit organizations and private partners to increase homeownership opportunities and housing assistance for residents who need it most.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Economic Growth and Career Pathways. Residents deserve access to family-sustaining careers and opportunities to achieve long-term financial stability. I will support local small businesses, expand workforce training, apprenticeship, and skilled trades programs, create more internship and mentorship opportunities for young adults, and ensure County investments benefit local residents and businesses while strengthening our neighborhood economy.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Open Government and Public Accountability. Residents deserve a County government that is transparent, responsive, and accountable. I will advocate for greater openness in County spending and decision-making, improve public access to budget and policy information, encourage meaningful community input before major decisions are made, and ensure every resident has a genuine voice in shaping the future of their neighborhoods.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I deserve to be elected because I have spent my career serving the people of Orange County—not from the sidelines, but by working directly with families, seniors, veterans, small businesses, and community organizations to solve real problems. My experience in housing stability, community development, public administration, and neighborhood advocacy has given me a deep understanding of the challenges District 6 residents face every day.

I am committed to listening first, leading with integrity, and making decisions based on what is best for our community—not special interests. As your County Commissioner, I will focus on expanding housing opportunities, creating economic growth, improving public safety, protecting our neighborhoods, and ensuring County government is transparent and accountable.

This campaign is about putting residents first. I am ready on day one to be a visible, accessible leader who works collaboratively, delivers results, and fights for every neighborhood in District 6.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Florida’s affordability crisis affects nearly every aspect of daily life—from housing and insurance to childcare, transportation, and everyday necessities. While some of these issues require state action, Orange County can take meaningful steps to reduce the financial burden on residents.

As County Commissioner, I will support expanding attainable and workforce housing, preserving existing housing, and encouraging responsible development that includes homes for working families, seniors, and first-time homebuyers. I will advocate for workforce training, apprenticeships, and small business growth to help residents earn higher wages and build long-term financial stability.

I also believe County government must spend taxpayer dollars responsibly by prioritizing core services, improving efficiency, and increasing transparency so residents know how their money is being invested. Finally, I will work with community partners to expand access to childcare, transportation, and workforce resources that help families reduce costs and improve their quality of life.

Addressing affordability requires practical, local solutions that strengthen household finances, expand opportunity, and ensure Orange County remains a place where families can live, work, and succeed.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I would vote NO.

Floridians deserve relief from rising costs, but eliminating or substantially reducing property taxes without a realistic replacement plan would shift the burden rather than solve the problem. Counties rely on property tax revenue to maintain roads, support public safety, improve parks, operate libraries, address stormwater and drainage, and provide many of the services residents expect every day.

Before asking taxpayers to support a constitutional change, I believe there should be a detailed, transparent plan showing exactly how local governments would replace the lost revenue and what the long-term impact would be on our communities. I am not willing to support an amendment that creates uncertainty for essential services or forces future leaders to choose between higher fees, reduced services, or both.

Instead, I support providing targeted tax relief for homeowners, increasing government efficiency, carefully reviewing spending priorities, expanding our local economy to grow the tax base, and pursuing additional state, federal, and private funding opportunities. Tax relief should be thoughtful, sustainable, and fiscally responsible—not a promise that leaves local communities with fewer resources to meet residents’ needs.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida’s growing population and economy require a stronger, more resilient energy system, but residents should not be expected to subsidize unlimited growth. As demand increases—particularly from energy-intensive industries such as data centers—we need policies that protect consumers while encouraging responsible economic development.

I believe utility regulators should reward efficiency, innovation, and long-term planning instead of simply approving higher rates. Utilities should be expected to reduce waste, modernize aging infrastructure, and invest in technologies that improve reliability and lower operating costs over time. Large commercial customers whose operations require extraordinary amounts of electricity should bear the costs associated with serving that demand rather than shifting those expenses onto households and small businesses.

Florida also has an opportunity to diversify its energy portfolio through practical, cost-effective solutions that strengthen grid reliability and reduce pressure on future rate increases. The goal should be a utility system that is dependable, financially sustainable, and focused on delivering value to consumers—not one that automatically passes rising costs on to families.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? The biggest environmental challenge Florida must address is building resilient communities that can withstand flooding, protect our water resources, and support responsible growth. As our population continues to grow, development must be balanced with investments that protect neighborhoods from flooding, preserve natural areas, and safeguard the quality of our lakes, rivers, and groundwater.

As Orange County Commissioner, I will support smart growth policies that incorporate effective stormwater management, protect wetlands and green space, and invest in infrastructure that reduces flood risks before disasters occur. I also believe we must hold developers accountable for mitigating the impacts of new development rather than placing those costs on existing residents.

Protecting our environment is not just about conservation—it is about protecting homes, businesses, public health, and our local economy. By planning for the future today, we can leave a healthier, safer, and more resilient Orange County for the next generation.

Hedder Pierre Joseph

WEBSITE: votehedder.com

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Diversification of Tourist Development Tax. I will work with my colleagues to optimize and broaden the benefits of the Tourist Development Tax (TDT: $300 Million+ in 2025) equitably in support of access to small and emerging business, improved and targeted transportation infrastructure.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Affordability of housing and the impact on homelessness. District 6 is one of the top 2 districts with highest number of Low / Moderate Income households. I will work with CDBG Program leaders to ensure that we maximize the number of homeownership opportunities and transition as many people from rental properties to homeownership.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: The lack of safe community spaces for our children. Advocate for more community centers with sustainable programs within District 6. I will address the gaps in the services provided for our youth at existing community centers and programs through the District 6 Youth Innovation Center Lab and the Youth Career Pipeline Initiative.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I am humbly asking the residents of District 6 to entrust me to be their voice on the County Commission. I am not controlled by special interests, and I have not sold the power of my voice before even getting into office. My voice belongs to the people.

I have advocated for others and for myself my entire life. I have lived many of the same struggles as the residents of District 6, and I have overcome many of them. I want to use my voice and my experience to help those who find themselves struggling.

As County Commissioner, I will be accessible and keep the residents of District 6 informed. Residents should not be left in the dark because they cannot attend a County Commission meeting on a Tuesday morning. I will make sure they know what is happening at the county and how those decisions impact them.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? I hear about affordability every day while canvassing and talking with residents throughout District 6. Families are struggling, and affordability is one of the biggest issues facing our community. I will advocate for Orange County to declare a state of emergency on housing so we can seriously address some of the issues that are contributing to homelessness.

I also want to start the conversation about temporarily suspending the county gas tax to give families some immediate relief at the gas pump.

We also need to focus on bringing economic development and better-paying jobs into District 6. UCF’s economic data shows growth in professional and business services, education and healthcare, construction, and technology. I want to work to bring more of these industries and jobs into District 6.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I would vote NO on slashing property taxes. However, as I have been canvassing throughout District 6, I have heard from residents who are struggling because of high property taxes. I have spoken with people who have lost their homes and are now homeless. I have also heard from residents on fixed incomes who are afraid they may lose their homes because they can no longer afford their property taxes. Homeowners and business owners are also telling me that property taxes are too high.

I urge our state elected officials to hear the cries of Floridians and work on addressing the high cost of property taxes and the impact it is having on our communities.

If the amendment passes, I would work with our local and state leaders to address the loss of revenue. I would advocate for more flexibility in how Tourist Development Tax dollars can be used and begin conversations about whether the tourist tax should be increased to help cover some of the county’s losses.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida’s utility regulators should protect the residents of Florida, not the profits of utility companies and large corporations. Families are already struggling with high utility bills, and they should not have to pay more because data centers use enormous amounts of electricity.

I support bringing new industries to our communities, but data centers should be responsible for the cost of the energy and infrastructure they use. Those costs should not be passed on to our residents.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? I believe one of the biggest environmental issues we face is elected officials ignoring the will of the voters when it comes to our protected lands. If the voters decide that land should be protected, elected officials should respect that decision and not vote to use that land for development.

Once we lose our protected lands and natural habitats, we cannot recreate them. I will respect the will of the voters and fight to protect the lands they voted to protect.

Michael “Mike” Scott - Incumbent

WEBSITE: mymikescott.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Housing: Continuing the investment in the affordable housing trust fund approved by voters and diversifying the housing inventory. We need more than just single-family homes and apartments.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Job Creation/Economic Development: Continue to find and attract employers to Orange County.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Family and Community Services: Continue to work and find opportunities to support families, such as investing in mentoring programs, senior services and educational and vocational opportunities.

FOR INCUMBENTS: Why do you deserve to be re-elected in this race? I believe I have made myself and my team available to everyone and advocated for their issues when I was made aware of them. I have always worked in the service industry and construction/labor jobs over the years. I understand what it is like to work two jobs just to be able to provide for my family. I understand what it’s like to be on public assistance, food stamps, rental assistance and unemployment because I have experienced these challenges within the past 10 years, most recently in 2022. I have worked in restaurants, hotels, theme parks and urban schools. While many elected officials say they understand the issues you face, I understand because I have lived and survived through them. When residents bring concerns to my team or I, we respond promptly. Many times, I will personally visit their homes to see their concerns firsthand. I believe I haven’t lost the trust of the residents I serve. However, my goal has and currently remains to make sure I am transparent with the information.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? I believe bringing more diverse job opportunities and housing opportunities here is a priority. I believe ensuring any entity wanting public funds should provide a public benefit, ideally over a period of time. What I have seen is some companies come into an area, they ask for different tax incentives, once they get their profit, they leave the community. Economic development should benefit the local communities, specifically the local businesses and local workers. Yes, I think any large corporation, whether it’s tourism or otherwise, should consistently demonstrate their willingness to compromise and be a good neighbor. Elected officials should always be a representative voice and ensure there is always a path to conversation and compromise when necessary. Nobody likes demands; however, everyone can understand the need for dialogue. I believe elected officials should call corporations in and call them out whenever necessary.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? This question is a personal one that each family should have to decide for themselves. While there will be challenges should this amendment pass, I do believe we can overcome those challenges. I do not want to share how I am doing to vote, because honestly, I am still undecided on the question of property taxes.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? I have worked with both our utility providers to secure rebates for customers, funding for those who have challenges and improvements in infrastructure that would result in reduced costs. Both the Tangelo Park and Orlo Vista communities have benefited from these actions financially and I will continue to advocate for more opportunities to help families save on their utility bills and get help with them when needed.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? We have to ensure the appropriate safeguards are in place for our water supply and that we do not allow additional harm to the Florida Aquifer. We also need to start the local conversations about data centers and better understand the short-term and long-term impacts to our community.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Republican U.S. House District 11 candidates

The Republican U.S. House District 11 primary is open to all registered Republicans residing in District 11.

Because of redistricting this year, U.S. House District 11 was redrawn. It now includes parts of Orange, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties in Central Florida.

The primary will decide who represents the party in the November general election. The current congressman, Daniel Webster, is retiring.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Vox Populi compiled the candidate responses for U.S. House District 11. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile.

Carey Baker

WEBSITE: careybaker.com/

Vox Populi Candidate Profile:

NOTE: VoxPopuli asked candidates extra questions for our readers. At the time of our interview, Baker said he would turn in his questionnaire, so we didn’t ask him those questions. He never turned the questionnaire in, and we’re working on other candidates, so we did not have the bandwidth to research. This is what we’re running with.

Do you support the Iran War? I believe ultimately the Middle East will be safer, Europe will be safer and America will be safer. Because we have dramatically reduced Iran’s ability to develop and produce missiles and rockets that easily can reach the Middle East and Europe. We have easily stopped the further enrichment of uranium for nuclear weapons. Then you have to believe them at their word when they say, “Death to Israel. Death to America.” They’re saying those words; those are their words, not ours, and they’re building weapons that could produce that result. There is no greater destabilizing force in the Middle East than Iran.

 I’m not for these forever wars. I am not for boots-on-the-ground, long-term deployment. But I am for a muscular defense of our national interest. And if that means going into a place like Iran and taking out their capabilities in the manner we have, that’s not only in our national defense, but also just serves greater humanity; I am 100 percent in support.

Have the tariffs grown our economy and reduced our cost of living?

For every tax, there is a reasonable limit. There is a limit to property taxes, there’s a limit to income taxes, there’s a limit to sales tax and there’s a limit to tariffs. I believe they should all be as low as possible so they do not adversely affect free trade, free enterprise. I don’t like to use tax policy to push my favorite economic agenda. I believe it should all be fairly applied and let the free market decide the winners and losers.

But I do think the president has the ability and the right to use tariffs as a negotiating tool. I do not support raising our tariffs to a high level as a protectionism method. But I absolutely support them being used strategically. President Trump is using this, I believe, as a negotiating tool to address that. I hope the goal is that then we lower those tariffs.

I have no problem with tariffs on Chinese products and goods because I think we’re dealing with the enemy, quite frankly. Our national interests are now at risk because we have allowed China to dominate certain sectors of our economy, and I think that has to stop. One way of making it stop is tariffs. So all my philosophical waxing about tariffs needing to be low, that doesn’t apply to China.

 At a Republican candidates forum, you mentioned that you wanted to dismantle the Department of Education. How should public schools be taken care of? If you look in the Constitution, there’s a little section that lists all the powers of government, powers of Congress; none of them say provide for the common education. One could make an argument that education in the grade school level, especially, has diminished since we’ve had a Department of Education. Do I blame them? No. But did it happen? Yes. So did they help reverse or stop that loss? No. So here would be a compromise. We could take some of that money that’s currently funding the Department of Education and just block grant it. We just divide it out based on population or student population in the state and give out block grants. We could probably reduce the budget by half or more, turn the rest into block grants, give that to the state. But do we need a federal education program? No.

 One of the things Congressman Dan Webster always did for our area was bring back appropriations. What appropriations would you push for?

 What I won’t do is just bring back appropriations just for appropriations’ sake. Every appropriation that I would fight for has to be aimed at a problem. It has to meet public scrutiny and transparency: What is this money for? Is there a benefit to the community? Is there a benefit to the national interest? I am not just a “bring home the bacon” guy. I want to be able to justify every dollar that I bring back. I’d like to track what grants, what federal programs are now being spent in our district, and how we can do better.

The U.S. appears to be ceding the renewable energy market and the electric vehicle market to the Chinese. What do you think?

 I have a different take on that. Solar should only be used where it works. Solar can never replace base power production. Base power production is 24/7 production. Literally, in any given day, there’s probably only about five hours of peak solar, five hours out of 24, where solar’s really producing anything. Wind is almost non-existent in the state of Florida. You have to have 12 miles an hour wind for 10 hours a day to make it work. So wind is not even an option. Not to ruin our Sunshine State motto, but really we are a very cloudy state, and that affects solar production. So I’m not a big fan of forcing solar. I’m not a big fan of forcing wind where it’s not economically feasible.

 I’m all about traditional energy sources. I’m not a big global warming or climate change guy. Natural gas is an easy one. We have to go back to nuclear. We have to re-adopt nuclear for base production. Once we remove the regulatory cost burdens, once these new plants, the latest technology, the cost of producing nuclear plants becomes much less. There’s no emissions. The amount of nuclear waste is minuscule. They have to be sited appropriately. New technology allows more options in siting that are less reliant on water. So I believe that we should a- adopt nuclear power for base production and only use wind and solar where it actually works. And I think that will help provide energy for the future.

Ivette Palomo

WEBSITE: americankitchentable.com/

Vox Populi Candidate Profile:

If elected what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?

The insurance crisis. We have algorithms that are telling people what they owe. And while there’s an 18 percent cap on the increases, they’re still pretty devastating for some families. And some families are losing their homes because they can’t pay their insurance.

With insurance, there’s black boxes, there’s algorithms, there’s all of these means of determining what someone’s insurance premium will be. But neither you or I, no one in District 11, the state, the nation, have voted for that. And then what we find is that some families are losing their homes because they can’t pay. Someone I spoke to called their representative and the representative says, Let me look into it. And then they look into it, and then they answer, There’s nothing that I can do. I cannot compel an agency to do XYZ for you. Then why did we vote to put that candidate in office? If he cannot compel and make changes for not just one person that’s suffering, but many?

Lack of control over food sources. If we were to enter into a war, where is our food coming from? Are we going to have enough to supply ourselves? And not just as a common defense issue, but as a daily issue?

We used to drive down roads and see eggs for sale. We no longer see that. And these little farms are finding it hard to feed their chickens and the money that they’re getting for the eggs is not equivalent. It is in the red. That’s the whole problem. If we don’t have food sources within our state, we have to wait for a truck to come. And you know what happened during one of our hurricanes where we didn’t have toilet paper at the supermarket. We have to pay attention to those things because that is important, not just for our daily lives in terms of nutrition and making sure that our food is traveling the least distance possible, but also as a common defense issue.

Healthcare. First, for the veterans. It has gotten better, but it’s still something that can be changed with the stroke of a pen. We need something that is solid for our veterans. My son is a veteran. People who have signed on the dotted line, in essence, they have taken a step. And we can’t forget that. Much more so for those who have been injured in any way. And even as well as the injury, just experience a different life, that they were willing to stand on the line for everyone else. And so veterans’ health has to be above board. We cannot forget that.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability has to do not just with one area, but just many areas. So there’s the food area, there’s the mortgage area. There is the “are we getting paid enough?” area. All the things that make up basic living. Many of those things that are crushing us come as a result of regulations that were not voted on by the people. And so once we introduce the REINS Act [requiring Congressional approval of federal regulations before they can go into effect], there will be a time period in which we can look back at the most pressing issues that we have experienced and be able to say, This regulation has done X,Y,Z, and it has crushed our families.

Will you vote Yes or No on the proposed property tax amendment?

I couldn’t support it or not support it. It’s a state issue.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is really expected to exacerbate this issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators be responding? It’s a state issue. From a federal perspective, the only thing the government must pay attention to is how they affect federal public lands.

What do you think the biggest environmental issue is that your government should address in Florida? We hear a lot about the water in the aquifer and how that’s affecting families in rural areas, in towns and cities. What we need to do about the aquifers is that we need to understand everybody has a stake in it. And so we need to look at what these stakes mean. In terms of federal, we need to determine that there is a portion here that is completely in the hands of the state. They have to handle it. We need to learn when it is that we need to take our foot out of the mix because if we continue to do that, then we continue to build laws upon laws upon laws. That is something that the state has to figure out. You know why? Because they’re local.

Nizam Razack

WEBSITE: www.razackforcongress.com/

Vox Populi Candidate Profile:

If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?

1. Healthcare. I’ve seen the bad policies and overregulation destroy our medical practice. I’ve seen patients hurt, families hurt, lack of access, poor quality, huge medical bills, lack of transparency. The number one reason for bankruptcy now is medical bills. If you get an MRI scan in my office, it costs $400. That same scan costs $5,000 across the street [at the hospital] with the exact same scanner, even the same tech sometimes when my tech works there too. That makes no sense. [We need a] law that hospitals have to openly publish their rates because that will bring prices down across state lines.

2. We have to promote small businesses. We have to promote small businesses because they’re the backbone of our country. They employ 70 percent of the people. We need to get rid of certain aspects of the Stark Law to make small businesses run by physicians more economical and survivable. There’s been a corporate takeover of medicine. They make the laws and regulations so stifling that people don’t want to [go into businesses]. We have to make it easier for people to manage small businesses rather than promote large corporations. We need tax breaks to make the cost of living more affordable rather than the giant corporations that can fire people and hire people to win. I think it can be done without increasing any taxes at all, if we can limit fraud and waste. What we need to do, at a federal level, is not give foreign countries blank checks. That’s where you get the money. We can’t support endless wars and nation building.

3. Make it easier for first-time home buyers to own a home. Lower the interest rates on first-time home buyers. Part of being an American is owning a home. And I think that is escaping us. In Florida, you see all these huge apartment buildings being built and that’s just … people aren’t buying homes.

Why do you deserve to win the election? We need more surgeons in Congress. Doing brain surgery, you can’t just rush through it. You have to know when to go fast and when to go slow, and you have to be very strategic. In legislative politics, you have to be strategic. And that’s why I use the phrase “getting the low-lying fruit.” Things that people would easily agree upon, get that done first, before moving on to the more challenging things. I understand that things move slowly there, but I think my experience as a surgeon would give me that patience and understanding to hopefully accomplish at least the good things before dealing with the frustrating things.

Joe Strada

WEBSITE: votestrada.com/

Mr. Strada did not respond to Vox Populi’s questionnaire.

Tim Wilkins

WEBSITE: www.timwilkinsforcongress.com/

Vox Populi Candidate Profile:

• YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Affordability. Addressing affordability will require a two-pronged approach; one is working towards lowering costs, the other is improving incomes. Lower costs of fuel can be achieved by fostering energy independence domestically and building more US refineries. Housing can be made more affordable by creating programs that increase supply and loan programs that expand home ownership to create personal equity. Healthcare needs a complete overhaul. The equally pressing issue is cutting waste, fraud, abuse and making true cuts to government spending in ways that continue to allow working Americans to keep more of what they earned. Things will be more affordable with higher retained earnings.
• YOUR  NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it:  Healthcare needs a complete overhaul. Since the Affordable Care Act was put in place, premiums have skyrocketed, deductibles have tripled and the quality of care has diminished. It is time to reassess the risk pool, allow people to collectively negotiate rates, and put transparency in the system. Additionally, we need to continue working to get favored nation status for prescription medicine and greatly improve domestic production for both price reductions and national security.
• YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Immigation. We do not have a broken system; a working system of laws was allowed to be broken. Unfettered immigration has created a massive crime problem across the country, with some counties reporting up to 70% of offenses being committed by illegal aliens. These immigrants have been subsidized at rates well beyond the amounts given to our struggling seniors, veterans, and hard-working American families and the use of those subsidies have driven up the prices of rent, food, and basic necessities. To fund those subsidies, our country, which takes in far less than it spends each year, borrowed money to do so, which caused inflation. By enforcing the laws in place, prices could continue to drop across all economic metrics, and taxpayer money could be far better utilized.
• FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I believe I am the best candidate in this race because of my broad base of experience and skillset. As a veteran and business owner, I bring a full spectrum of knowledge and core values. As a professional communicator for over 30 years, I feel I will have a strong ability to connect with fellow lawmakers, be an effective messenger to the press, while keeping an open and transparent dialog with my district. Additionally, I believe my faith will be a strong component of both my decision making working to keep me grounded in a difficult environment.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability. Addressing affordability will require a two-pronged approach; one is working towards lowering costs, the other is improving incomes. Lower costs of fuel can be achieved by fostering energy independence domestically. Housing can be more affordable by creating programs that increase supply and loan programs that expand home ownership to create personal equity. Healthcare needs a complete overhaul. The equally pressing issue is cutting waste, fraud, abuse and making true cuts to government spending in ways that continue to allow working Americans to keep more of what they earned. Things will be more affordable with higher retained earnings.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I will vote YES and look forward to the Governor’s implementation plan. The counties have been overspending well beyond inflation and population growth; the governor has a possible 10-year plan to provide cities who were already safeguarding taxpayer dollars, bonds and grants to help them transition.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? I do not have enough information from both sides to correctly address data centers. I was studying them from an investment and the environment impact being stated in the media and social circles is possible being mischaracterized.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? The government should continue to address clean air and water standards that are both manageable and sustainable. Additionally, Governor DeSantis has addressed cloud seeding and other similar issues but those are currently being violated due to constraints of altitude in existing federal law. This should be addressed

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Democratic U.S. House District 11 candidates

The Democratic U.S. House District 11 primary is open to all registered Democrats residing in District 11.

Because of redistricting this year, U.S. House District 11 was redrawn. It now includes parts of Orange, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties in Central Florida.

The primary will decide who represents the party in the November general election. The current congressman, Daniel Webster, is retiring.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Vox Populi compiled the candidate responses for U.S. House District 11. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile.

James Pericola

WEBSITE: jamespericola.com/

Vox Populi Candidate Profile:

• If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?
• • YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Affordability. Affordability is the number one issue facing families in Florida’s 11th District. The cost of groceries, gas, housing, healthcare, and insurance has stretched working families and seniors too thin. Trump promised to lower costs “on day one,” but all families have seen are higher costs, more uncertainty, and more tax breaks for those already at the top. In Congress, I will fight to lower housing and insurance costs by securing federal funding to expand affordable housing and reduce pressure on Florida’s property insurance market. I will work to cut taxes for working and middle-class families, including eliminating federal income taxes for people making under $100,000 a year. I will also take on price gouging, hold corporations accountable when they raise prices to pad profits, and oppose giveaways to billionaires and corporations.
  • YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Healthcare is personal to me. My mother is navigating our broken healthcare system right now, and I have seen firsthand how confusing, expensive, and exhausting it is for families trying to get care. No one should have to fight through red tape, delay treatment, or risk financial ruin because they got sick or because someone they love needs help. In Congress, I will fight to lower healthcare costs, protect Medicare and Social Security, restore Medicaid funding, and strengthen the Affordable Care Act. I will support expanding premium tax credits, allowing Medicare to negotiate more prescription drug prices, cracking down on price gouging, and protecting long-term care for seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers. Florida families deserve healthcare that is affordable, reliable, and centered on patients, not politics or corporate profits.
  • YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE  and how you plan to address it: Protecting our Democracy. We are losing sight of who we are as a country. My wife is an immigrant, and our family’s story is rooted in the promise of America: freedom, opportunity, equal protection, and the right to have a voice in our democracy. In Congress, I will fight to protect voting rights, pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, end partisan gerrymandering, and defend free and fair elections. I will also stand up for constitutional rights, including due process, equal protection, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to privacy. Democracy is whether every citizen can cast a ballot, every person is treated fairly under the law, and government remains accountable to the people. These freedoms should not depend on your zip code, income, background, or political party.
• FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I have the experience to be effective for Florida’s 11th District on day one. I have spent more than 30 years in public service, law, and advocacy, including serving as a Presidential appointee, congressional staff, attorney, and senior government affairs executive. I understand how Washington works, and I know how to navigate the system to deliver results for the people I represent. This race is not about gimmicks or empty talking points. It is about lowering costs, protecting Social Security and Medicare, strengthening access to healthcare, and standing up for working families, seniors, veterans, and communities across this district. Voters deserve a representative who is serious, prepared, and focused on solving problems. That is the leadership I will bring to Congress.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Floridians are being squeezed from every direction, and people are tired of hearing politicians talk about affordability without doing anything that actually lowers costs. Families need relief they can feel in their monthly budget, not more excuses from Washington. My approach is to attack the cost-of-living crisis from multiple angles. I will push for federal housing investments that help increase supply and support storm hardening and mitigation efforts that can help bring down insurance pressure over time. I will support tax relief for working people and middle-class families, including eliminating federal income taxes for individuals making under $100,000 a year. I will also fight to lower everyday costs by cracking down on price gouging, increasing competition, and holding corporations accountable when they raise prices while posting record profits. Florida families should not have to choose between paying rent, buying groceries, filling a prescription, or keeping their insurance. Government should be focused on lowering costs and helping people keep more of what they earn.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? No. I do not support a constitutional amendment that slashes local revenue without a responsible plan to replace it. If it passes, local governments will be forced to make difficult choices, and my priority would be protecting essential services like public safety, emergency response, roads, infrastructure, libraries, parks, and services for seniors and families. I would not support replacing lost revenue primarily through higher fees or service cuts that shift the burden onto working families, renters, seniors, and people on fixed incomes. Instead, I would push for a full audit of local spending, stronger budget transparency, pursuit of state and federal replacement funding, and fair revenue options that do not gut essential services or make everyday life more expensive. Tax relief should lower costs for families, not create new costs somewhere else or weaken the services communities depend on.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Floridians should not be stuck paying higher electric bills because massive data centers and large corporations are putting new pressure on the grid. If a company creates major new energy demand, that company should help pay for the infrastructure needed to support it. Families and small businesses should not be left holding the bill. Florida’s utility regulators need to press utilities harder before approving rate hikes. That means demanding clear proof of need, forcing more transparency, rejecting excessive profit margins, and making sure costs are assigned fairly. A reliable grid matters, but affordability has to matter too. Congress does not set your electric bill, but I would still use every federal tool available to lower long-term energy costs, including strengthening oversight, expanding energy assistance for low-income families and seniors, funding grid modernization, and addressing federal policies that drive up costs.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? The biggest environmental issue Florida must address is protecting our water while building resilience against extreme weather and climate change. I have spent many years working on climate legislation, so I understand that these challenges require serious policy, long-term planning, and practical solutions. In Congress, I will support federal investments in water quality, Everglades restoration, stormwater infrastructure, flood mitigation, and disaster resilience. I will work to hold polluters accountable, reduce harmful runoff, and help communities modernize infrastructure so they are better prepared for stronger storms, flooding, extreme heat, and long-term climate risks.

Royal Webster

WEBSITE: www.electroyalwebster.org/

Vox Populi Candidate Profile:

• If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?
• • YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Affordability:  My number one issue is affordability. It is a word that is widely used—and perhaps even overused—in today’s political discussions, but for millions of Americans it is a daily reality. Families are struggling with the rising costs of housing, insurance, groceries, healthcare, and other basic necessities. Too many hardworking people are doing everything right and still finding it difficult to make ends meet. I believe we must address affordability in a meaningful way. That is why I have proposed the R.I.S.E. Act (Revenue Income Support and Empowerment). The purpose of the R.I.S.E. Act is to raise the economic floor beneath working Americans and provide greater financial stability for individuals and families. By ensuring that people have a stronger foundation, we can help them better afford housing, healthcare, groceries, insurance, and other essential expenses. The R.I.S.E. Act is about creating opportunity, reducing poverty, and helping people move forward. It recognizes that when people have a secure foundation, they are better able to support their families, pursue education and training, participate in the workforce, and contribute to their communities. My goal is not simply to help people survive, but to help them thrive. At its core, the R.I.S.E. Act is about restoring economic dignity and ensuring that every American has a fair opportunity to build a stable and successful future.
  • YOUR  NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Education: As a teacher, I see every day why we must make public education a national priority, especially when it comes to literacy. In my classroom, I witness both the incredible potential of our students and the challenges many face when they have not been given the literacy foundation they need to succeed. The United States currently faces a literacy crisis that I find unacceptable. Too many students and adults struggle with reading proficiency, limiting their opportunities for higher education, employment, civic participation, and economic mobility. In my view, literacy is one of the most important issues facing our nation because it impacts virtually every other challenge we seek to address. While the office I am seeking is at the federal level, I believe Congress has a responsibility to support and strengthen public education. I support rebuilding and strengthening the Department of Education so it can better serve students, teachers, and communities across the country. I am also proposing Project Literacy 2040, a national initiative with the goal of raising the nation’s literacy rate to 92 percent by the year 2040. Just as importantly, I believe we should rethink how we define literacy. For too long, literacy has often been measured at a level that does not adequately prepare individuals for the demands of modern society. My goal is to move our national standard from functional literacy at approximately a fifth-grade reading level to a ninth-grade reading level, ensuring that future generations have the skills necessary to thrive in college, careers, trade school, and civic life. Investing in literacy is not simply an education policy—it is an economic policy, a workforce policy, a public safety policy, and a national competitiveness policy. If we are serious about America’s future, we must be serious about literacy.
  • YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE  and how you plan to address it: Veteran Issues: As a veteran, I strongly support policies and programs that improve the lives of those who have served our nation. We ask young men and women to make extraordinary sacrifices in defense of our country, and we have a responsibility to ensure they receive the care, support, and opportunities they have earned when they return home. I am particularly committed to addressing veteran homelessness. It is unacceptable that any veteran who served this nation should find themselves without stable housing. I support expanding access to affordable housing, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, job training, and employment opportunities that help veterans successfully transition to civilian life. I also believe government cannot solve this challenge alone. Organizations such as AMVETS are taking on veteran homelessness head-on through advocacy, outreach, housing assistance, and direct support to veterans in need. I support working in partnership with organizations like AMVETS and other veteran service organizations that are already making a difference in communities across the country. I also support strengthening the Department of Veterans Affairs, improving access to healthcare, reducing wait times, expanding mental health resources, and ensuring that veterans in both urban and rural communities can receive the services they need. Our obligation to veterans does not end when their military service concludes—it continues for a lifetime. As a veteran, I will be a strong advocate for veterans’ issues in Congress and will work to ensure that those who served our country are treated with the dignity, respect, and support they have earned.
• FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? Not Incumbent.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability is my number one issue. As noted, Floridians across party lines are deeply concerned about the rising cost of housing, insurance, groceries, and healthcare. I hear the same concerns directly from families in my community. My approach to affordability is grounded in both immediate relief and structural reform. First, my R.I.S.E. Act is designed to raise the economic floor for working Americans, helping individuals and families better manage the rising costs of everyday life. By providing a stronger baseline of economic security, we can reduce financial instability and give people more room to afford essentials like housing, healthcare, food, and insurance. Second, I believe we must address broader economic forces that drive inflation and cost increases. One area I would focus on is trade and tariff policy. I support amending the Trade Act of 1974 to place clearer limits on the President’s ability to unilaterally impose tariffs, and to restore greater oversight and authority over trade policy to Congress, consistent with its constitutional “power of the purse.” I believe major economic decisions that impact consumer prices and supply chains should be more transparent, deliberate, and accountable to the legislative branch.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? That is a State issue but I am against voting to slash property taxes. And will vote no as a citizen.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? As someone running for federal office, I believe this issue has to be addressed at the national level, not left to states alone. First and foremost, I support a one-year moratorium on the approval of new large-scale data centers nationwide, or at minimum a federal pause on major expansions, while Congress and federal agencies develop clear, bipartisan standards for their regulation. The growth of this sector is outpacing our ability to manage its impact on the electric grid, water usage, and consumer costs. From a federal perspective, agencies such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Department of Energy should be directed to work with Congress, state utility regulators, and industry stakeholders to establish a consistent national framework. That framework must address energy demand forecasting, grid reliability, cost allocation, and environmental impact. For Florida specifically, federal policy should ensure that utility regulators are not forced to absorb unchecked demand growth without safeguards that protect residential ratepayers. Utility costs are already rising for families across the state, and the rapid expansion of data centers risks accelerating that trend if it is not properly planned for and regulated. I believe regulators should require full transparency from utilities and large data center operators regarding projected energy consumption and infrastructure impacts. Most importantly, residential customers must not be subsidizing the energy needs of large commercial operations. My overall approach is not to stop innovation, but to ensure responsible growth. Data centers are critical to the modern economy, but they must be developed within a framework that protects affordability, strengthens grid stability, and ensures fairness for everyday consumers.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? My first endorsement was from the Orange County Democratic Environmental Caucus, and in conversations with them—and with many others—I’ve emphasized that Florida faces environmental challenges that are unique compared to many other states. From climate impacts to unchecked urban sprawl, to the rapid growth of data centers, to stress on our aquifers and water systems, we are dealing with multiple pressures at once that require serious, science-based leadership. In my view, the biggest environmental issue the government must address is the erosion of science-based decision-making in public policy. When science is ignored, delayed, or politicized, the consequences are not theoretical—they are felt in our flood-prone communities, our drinking water systems, our insurance markets, and our long-term economic stability. Florida in particular cannot afford to make environmental decisions without relying on data, research, and the expertise of environmental and climate scientists. Whether it is protecting our aquifers, managing development and urban sprawl, or planning for energy demands from new industries like data centers, we must start with science and let policy follow evidence—not ideology. I believe restoring trust in science at both the state and federal levels is essential to addressing every other environmental challenge we face. Without that foundation, we will continue to fall behind in preparing for the realities already impacting Florida communities today.

Dan Williams

WEBSITE: danwilliamsforcongress.com/

Vox Populi Candidate Profile:

• If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?
• • YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Corruption: Our government is broken, and the remedy is radical transparency through Direct Democracy. Instead of pretending that one person can perfectly represent 800,000 distinct voices without continuous input, I am shifting the power back to you. For each major bill we try to pass up in D.C., I will create an educational video for it. The video will explain exactly what it means to vote yes or no. It will contain only facts and no political party messaging. At the end of the video I will include my opinion, which will be clearly labeled, about what I think is best for our community. I will then turn the decision over to the district. Using the Digital Democracy Project and the secure Voatz platform, constituents will vote directly on the bill, whatever the majority opinion is will be my direct vote up in Congress. This system ensures continuous accountability and builds an unbreakable wall against special interests. Currently, a lobbyist only needs to influence a single politician to pass a law. Under my platform, they would have to convince 800,000 everyday citizens. I am running to be your direct voice in DC.
  • YOUR  NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Technology: Washington has a serious tech-literacy problem. Out of 435 members in the House of Representatives, only five have any background in technology. Yet, this body is trying to regulate AI, crypto, stablecoins, and digital privacy. The lack of expertise shows. As an engineer and a web development professor, I am uniquely qualified to bring real-world technical competence to Congress. Technology is driving our future, but we must establish smart, solid laws that actively protect workers and safeguard our citizens.
  • YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE  and how you plan to address it: Education: I have spent over 20 years in the classroom, teaching everything from fashion design to computer programming, and I fundamentally believe that our schools are the foundation of our future. We must fully fund our education system, pay our teachers the competitive salaries they deserve, and ensure higher education is accessible to everyone. Currently, over 40 million Americans are crushed by student debt. We need to implement a zero-interest loan program so that people can invest in their futures without getting trapped in lifelong, inescapable debt.
• FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I am a good fit for the FL-11 seat because I am bringing a fundamentally different approach to representation. People are disenfranchised with politics for many reasons, but the one I hear most is that they feel their votes simply do not matter and that they have no real impact on what happens in Washington. I felt the exact same way. I am not a career politician. I am a concerned citizen who has simply had enough and is willing to step up with a new plan to fix the system. This frustration inspired my platform of Direct Democracy, which gives every person in our district a direct say in our shared future. It is impossible for a single individual to adequately represent the diverse beliefs and values of 800,000 people. My plan takes the politician’s ego out of the equation: my personal opinion counts exactly the same as everyone else’s. I do not intend to speak for you; instead, I plan to be a megaphone with you, so we can amplify our community’s voice into one clear, powerful demand 6. It is time to modernize how Congress works at a foundational level.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability is a huge catch-all. Anyone trying to attack it all at once will not make a dent. I plan to use the exact system I teach my students when they are trying to tackle a big problem. You break it down into smaller pieces until you can actually start solving them. The little wins will add up quickly and bring real relief to all Americans. The first five buckets I would break affordability into are healthcare, housing, daily essentials, the care economy, and the hidden drain. Healthcare is broken and has been for a while. We need to work our way toward Medicare for All. I am perfectly willing to take small steps, but this remains my ultimate goal. A very good start would be to repeal the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. We saw some slight reforms in 2022, but we desperately need more. Currently, the law binds the government’s hands when it comes to negotiating prices for drugs and services. Changing this would create a price anchor, which ends up lowering prices for everyone. Housing: We have a really good start on this one with the new 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. It actively lowers housing costs and increases the available housing supply. Daily essentials are basic things like groceries and gas prices. The most recent hikes on these items have squeezed working families harder than almost anything else. To tackle this, we need to crack down heavily on corporate price gouging and stabilize our supply chains. Doing this ensures that a sudden disruption somewhere else in the world does not instantly double the cost of basic goods here at home. The Care Economy: Childcare and eldercare are currently bankrupting families and forcing talented people out of the workforce. We need to expand child tax credits and offer incentives for local businesses to support community childcare options. Making care affordable is not just a family issue. It is a critical economic driver that helps get people back to work. The Hidden Drain: This is the affordability killer that sneaks up on you. It is death by a thousand cuts through junk fees, hidden bank charges, and predatory subscription models. We must mandate absolute transparency in pricing across all industries. If a price is advertised, that must be the exact final price you pay. Stopping these hidden drains will immediately put real money back into the pockets of everyday Americans.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I will be voting no on the proposed amendment to slash property taxes. In the short term, it looks like a great way for homeowners to save some money. However, our county’s needs are not simply going to vanish. We still need funding for the fire department, police, parks, and libraries. To make up the difference, I have heard discussions about raising the sales tax. This is a horrible idea. A sales tax hike affects lower-income families more than anyone else because daily necessities become much more expensive. If this amendment does pass, I would counter it with a local referendum. That referendum would restore those lost funds and put control back in the hands of our local government. Right now, I am actually working with the Lake County Braver Angels to create a bipartisan informational website. We plan to share this with everyone to explain what this amendment really does. It will break down its true cost and show exactly who will end up bearing the brunt of the burden.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? I believe we need to stop building new data centers until we elect leaders in D.C. who understand how to fix the problems they cause. Right now, these big companies use tricks and loopholes to skip important environmental checks. This has to stop. They must be forced to follow all the rules to protect nature. They also need strict contracts. If they need more electricity, they must pay to upgrade our local power grids themselves. We also have to watch their water use very closely. They must be forced to use systems that recycle their water. This is the best way to make sure data centers do not ruin the freshwater under Florida.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? I view environmental challenges through a technical lens. Long-term, our biggest priority must be renewable energy. Energy drives modern life, and we need to simultaneously lower its cost and aggressively pivot away from polluting fossil fuels. In the short term, however, the most pressing environmental threat to Florida is extreme weather. Because of this, FEMA must be fully funded immediately. We are right in the thick of hurricane season, and without sufficient federal resources, we are leaving our citizens exposed to the devastating aftermath of these storms.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Flagler County School Board District 4

The Flagler County School Board has five districts. These are nonpartisan races, so they are open to all voters.

School Board District 4 encompasses voters in the western part of the county. You can see a map of the area HERE.

Since there are three candidates in the race, the top vote-getter must get more than 50% of the vote (50%+1) in order to win outright. Otherwise, the top two candidates will go to a runoff in November.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

News 6 compiled the candidate responses for Flagler County School Board District 4, emailing and calling the candidates over several weeks. Responses were edited for spelling and grammar, but otherwise left intact.

Christy Chong - Incumbent

WEBSITE: christyforflagler.com/

Ms. Chong did not respond to multiple emails and phone calls regarding our candidate survey.

She did, however, respond to our sister station in Jacksonville, WJXT, for their voting guide.

Since they asked different questions, we are linking to their responses HERE.

Ron Long

WEBSITE: www.voteronlong.com/

Mr. Long did not respond to multiple emails and phone calls regarding our candidate survey.

He did, however, respond to our sister station in Jacksonville, WJXT, for their voting guide.

Since they asked different questions, we are linking to their responses HERE.

Trevor Tucker

WEBSITE: electtucker.com/

Mr. Tucker did not respond to multiple emails and phone calls regarding our candidate survey.

He did, however, respond to our sister station in Jacksonville, WJXT, for their voting guide.

Since they asked different questions, we are linking to their responses HERE.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

9th Circuit Judge – Group 1 candidates

The 9th Judicial Circuit of Florida handles state civil and criminal cases for Orange and Osceola counties. These are nonpartisan races, open to all voters.

Of the 22 groups up for election this year, Group 1, Group 2, and Group 31 drew more than one candidate.

You can read about the Group 2 race HERE.

You can read about the Group 31 race HERE.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Vox Populi compiled the candidate responses for the 9th Circuit Court race. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile.

Temika Hampton-Johnson

WEBSITE: hamptonjohnson4judge.vote/

What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench?

I think everything in my professional life has prepared me for that because you need so many qualities. I think it’s safe to say every person who’s running for judge meets the minimum qualifications — they have the education, the background, etc. So what else can you bring that we need? For me, I think my background has helped me most in that my temperament, my demeanor, it’s not in theory. It’s been a working thing.

I mentioned I worked in probation and parole the last five years, of which I solely supervised sex offenders, and what I will tell you is, though I may not agree with the offense, it was not personal for me when that person came into my office. I’d ask, “What are your orders? Are you in compliance with your orders?” That’s it. Each one will tell you they were always treated with respect by me. Being personal didn’t enter into our interactions. Same as a public defender, you don’t pick your clients and I’ve had clients whose personal beliefs did not agree with mine. I’ve had clients who didn’t want me as their lawyer because of my race, but I still represented them, and I still showed up. I still did my job protecting their constitutional right without taking it personal, without bringing my personal opinion or my personal feelings into it, so I think that’s why I say everything in my background has prepared me.

Another thing, I also think having that real-life experience…dealing with regular everyday people, those are the people we see in court often who don’t have an attorney, and those are the ones who we need to restore their belief in our judicial system. I think my background has shown that I’m capable of doing that and exhibiting those behaviors that are necessary to help to restore that trust.

What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making?

Your personal values should not play any role — that’s not your job. My job as a judge is to just apply the law and whatever controlling precedent fairly and efficiently. My personal opinion doesn’t matter and, like I said, that’s not me speaking in theory; that’s me in practice. Most people, when I tell them what I did as a probation officer, they’re like, “How could you do that?” Because it’s not my job. I wasn’t on the jury. It wasn’t my job to judge them. My job was to make sure they complied with their orders…That’s it. Follow the law. They’re not my friends; I’m just doing my job, but they would never tell you that they were treated in an unfair way.

How do you balance precedent with evolving societal standards?

As a judge, you’re obligated to apply the law and follow any binding precedent. However, that can’t be done with just tunnel vision. You’ve got to understand the facts, the circumstances, and, truthfully, the reality facing the people.

If a father loses his driver’s license in criminal court, it impacts his ability to pay child support and family. So, if I’m in criminal court and you come before me, and this is a factor that’s brought up, these are [extenuating] circumstances. There are other mitigating factors. So maybe there’s an option of them doing community service, maybe we’re looking at something where this person can keep their driver’s license because we do see the long-term effect of it now. If it’s a situation where it’s a mandatory suspension, whether it’s a DUI or something like that, there’s nothing I can do about that.

But where there is leeway and there is some room for the judge to navigate some things, I think we need to look at those alternatives, and that’s part of looking at the big picture. It’s not just tunnel vision, where you say “You didn’t pay your fine, your license is suspended, now pay your fine, move on.” Well, [my question is] why didn’t you pay the fine? What’s the circumstances here?

…[You need to apply] justice with integrity. That means each person, when you’re coming in, you’re applying the law fairly. I’m consistent, and there’s no favoritism, no outside influences. It’s treating that person that’s in the courtroom with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or resources, whether they have money or don’t have money.

What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest?

The main thing I’ve been talking about is restoring public faith and trust in the judicial system. So you want to make sure at every opportunity you’re avoiding even the appearance of a conflict.

For example, I’ve been asked before [about the support for my campaign] because you’ll hear, “Well, people know you, but your name’s not said a lot, or these people support you, but they’re not openly supporting you,” or whatever the case may be. Because a lot of times when you’re applying for appointment as judge, it’s more about who knows you, who’s recommending you, those sort of different things. The truth is…I get the job done. Every person you talk to about me, they had nothing but positive things to say. However, no one has done anything to advance me, which also means I don’t owe anybody anything when I get there, and that’s where a lot of conflicts come from.

Now, I can’t think of many conflicts that I would have but if there’s one that exists, I have no problem acknowledging it and recusing myself from that case…If someone walks in, and I believe it’s a conflict, I’m gonna’ go ahead and say it ahead of time. I’m not trying to hide anything, and I think that’s part of my military ethical background of allowing people to make informed decisions.

What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them?

As far as people having access to court, if there are things that we can do virtually and the parties feel comfortable and it’s legally allowed, let’s do that. Let’s not drag people down to court if we don’t have to, right? It just saves time, saves resources, and it’s actually more efficient for the docket to help move it forward, but also wanting people to feel comfortable enough doing that, not forcing it, but giving them that option where we can.

I also think [having more knowledge about the court process] is important, doing more for knowing your rights, or general information sessions being provided for people. I know they have the self-help center in the civil department, if you come down to the courthouse, but maybe some things like with public libraries where you do information sessions. In my past, I’ve done quite a few know your rights workshops. There’s still people who need help processing that. One of the things I do right now is volunteer with the Florida Rights Restoration Collective, helping them to file those cases where we’re converting people’s court costs to community service, so we help get their rights restored. I’m doing a resource fair in Seminole County, and I know a lot of people are like, why are you doing stuff in Seminole? You’re not campaigning in Seminole. But it’s not necessarily about the race, it’s about what I believe in doing, and it’s about getting information to people.

I just feel like the more information people have, the more we can help to restore public trust, because when you understand things better, you can reconcile it in your mind, even when it doesn’t go your way… But we also need to provide some resources to help people to understand and navigate the court system, because it is difficult. It’s not easy. Even now as an attorney, I will say it’s not easy. Each judge has their own procedures in each courtroom, so we as attorneys know to go look at the judge’s procedures. However, the everyday citizen coming in may not, but that’s the kind of information in those sessions we can give them.

Charles Hart

WEBSITE: www.votecharleshart.com/

NOTE: Mr. Hart did not respond to our request to fill out the questionnaire. We have put together a brief background piece.

Private practice attorney and former chair of the Orange County Republican Executive Committee Charles Hart is running for the Group 1 seat on the Ninth Circuit Court.

He is challenging incumbent Judge Mikaela Nix (a fellow Republican) and private practice attorney Temika Hampton-Johnson in the nonpartisan Aug. 18 election. Circuit Court judges serve six-year terms and earn $200,836 annually. The Ninth Circuit serves both Orange and Osceola counties.

“As judge, I would work to ensure that every person who appears before the court is treated with courtesy, patience, and respect,” Hart states on his campaign website. “I believe the courtroom belongs to the public, and the judicial system should be accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the community.”

A member of the Federalist Society and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, Hart has applied five times to the Ninth Circuit Court’s Judicial Nomination Commission and once to the Seventh Judicial Circuit for circuit and county court positions in 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2025. He’s never made it past the commission.

Hart has worked as an assistant state attorney and as a public defender for the 18th Judicial Circuit, which comprises Brevard and Seminole counties. He has also maintained a Sanford-based private practice, the Charles C. Hart Law Office, where he specializes in criminal and guardianship law and continues to practice today. A certified Florida Supreme Court family law and county court mediator, Hart opened a mediation practice earlier this year.

In 2022, Hart ran for the Florida House of Representatives in District 39. He was defeated in the Republican Primary by State Rep. Doug Bankson of Apopka.

Hart taught accounting at the University of South Florida’s School of Accounting and Santa Fe Community College during his graduate school and law school years. In his application for a vacancy on the Seventh Circuit’s County Court, he noted that his courses on accounting contained “no critical race theory [or] distortionist history lessons …”

Hart is also known for filing a lawsuit against Orange County’s mask mandate at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, telling Florida Politics at the time that Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Deming’s maneuver to stem the flood of cases and protect public health was a “massive government overreach” and a free speech violation.

Hart did not submit responses to the News Collaborative of Central Florida’s candidate questionnaire.

Mikaela Nix - Incumbent

WEBSITE: judgenix2026.com/

NOTE: Judge Nix did not respond to our request to fill out the questionnaire. We have put together a brief background piece.

Circuit Judge Mikaela Nix hopes voters will remember the five and a half years she’s spent on the bench when they vote. She’s running for re-election to hold her seat in Group 1 on the Ninth Circuit Court, which serves both Orange and Osceola counties.

Nix had made a run for the Florida House in District 47 in 2018, but lost in the Republican Primary before being elected to the Ninth Circuit Court in 2020. She presided over the Osceola County Criminal Court from 2021 to 2022 and moved to the Orange County Domestic Relations Court in 2023 where she’s been hearing family law and domestic violence cases ever since. Prior to joining the bench, Nix ran a private practice where she focused on fathers’ rights in divorce, custody and child support cases. Nix has also worked as an adjunct professor at Seminole State College and Valencia Community College and is a Florida Supreme Court Family Court Certified Mediator.

The Federalist Society member is now being challenged by fellow Republican and former chair of the Orange County Republican Party Charles C. Hart II and private practice attorney Temika Hampton-Johnson. The Aug. 18 election is nonpartisan. Circuit Court judges serve six-year terms and earn $200,836 annually.

“I believe that the six-year term is because we want to keep those experienced judges on the bench,” the Apopka mom of two said in a recent interview.

Nix’s candidacy has not been without controversy. An opposition website that accuses Nix of corruption, ineptitude and massive personal debt keeps popping up under new URLs almost as quickly as Nix and her legal team shut them down. Though Nix dismissed the site as “nothing more than a smear tactic,” VoxPopuli found twice as much debt in Nix’s financial disclosure forms as referenced on the website — about $1.2 million, including three mortgages and student loans. Nix disputes that her home is in foreclosure. But a case was opened in the Ninth Circuit Court; then it moved to the Tenth Circuit and the files were sealed.

“I think that there should be a reason why a judge is removed, and I have not found any reason that I can see that would discredit me as a judge,” Nix said. “I believe that it is important to re-elect and keep those judges on the bench who are in the community, and I think that I am one of those.”

Despite repeated requests, Nix did not submit responses to the News Collaborative of Central Florida questionnaire.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

9th Circuit Judge – Group 2 candidates

The 9th Judicial Circuit of Florida handles state civil and criminal cases for Orange and Osceola counties. These are nonpartisan races, open to all voters.

Of the 22 groups up for election this year, Group 1, Group 2, and Group 31 drew more than one candidate.

You can read about the Group 1 race HERE.

You can read about the Group 31 race HERE.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Vox Populi compiled the candidate responses for the 9th Circuit Court race. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile.

Christina Arguelles

WEBSITE: electchristina4judge.vote/

What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench?

For more than a decade, I’ve handled complex civil litigation in Florida courts, representing clients through every stage of a case, from investigation to trial. Civil litigation often overlaps with many other areas of law, including family law, probate and trusts, bankruptcy, immigration, and even criminal matters. That breadth of experience has given me a well-rounded understanding of the legal system and reinforced the importance of preparation, careful analysis, and treating every person who comes before the court with fairness and respect.

What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making?

I believe qualities like integrity, humility, respect, and compassion are essential to being a good judge, and I strive to bring those values to everything I do. They shape how a judge listens to people, treats everyone with dignity, and conducts the courtroom. But when it comes to making decisions, the law, not personal beliefs or opinion, must always come first. Every person deserves to know their case will be decided fairly, based on the facts and the law.

How do you balance precedent with evolving societal standards?

Our legal system depends on consistency and fairness. A judge’s role is to faithfully apply the law and follow binding precedent. When the law changes through the Legislature or higher courts, judges apply those changes, but they should never substitute their own views for the law.

What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest?

Public confidence in our courts depends on impartiality. I take ethical responsibilities seriously by being transparent, recognizing potential conflicts early, and following Florida’s judicial ethics rules. If a conflict requires recusal, I would not hesitate to step aside to protect the integrity of the process.

What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them?

Two of the biggest barriers to justice are delay and cost. When cases take too long, legal expenses increase, uncertainty grows, and it becomes more difficult for families and businesses to move forward. As a judge, I would prioritize effective case management, clear communication, and timely resolution of cases whenever possible. Keeping cases moving while giving each one the attention it deserves helps reduce unnecessary costs, improves access to justice, and ensures every litigant receives a fair and efficient process.

Christie Lou Mitchell

WEBSITE: mitchellforjudge.com/

What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench?

Throughout my legal career, I have practiced across a broad range of matters in the Circuit Court and gained substantial courtroom experience handling both civil and family law cases. I have tried more than 75 cases and have experience in both state and federal courts. Those experiences have given me a deep understanding of courtroom procedure, evidence, case management, and the importance of deciding cases based on the facts and the law.

I also have appellate experience and have co-drafted amicus briefs for the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar on issues affecting Florida families. Appellate work requires careful legal analysis and reinforces the importance of applying the law consistently and correctly.

In addition to my courtroom experience, I have served in leadership roles within the legal profession, including as the immediate past Chair of the Family Law Committee of the Orange County Bar Association, a member of the Judicial Relations Committee, a member of the Bench Bar Committee (2026), and on several committees of the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar. These roles have allowed me to work closely with attorneys and judges to improve the administration of justice and strengthen the relationship between the bench and bar.

I am also Board Certified in Marital and Family Law by The Florida Bar, a distinction earned by fewer than 300 of more than 100,000 attorneys licensed in Florida. Board Certification is the highest level of evaluation by The Florida Bar and requires substantial trial experience, peer review, and successful completion of a rigorous examination on substantive law, evidence, and procedure.

Before becoming a lawyer, I worked at Universal Studios and later as a waitress while attending college. Those experiences taught me the value of hard work, patience, and effective communication with people from all walks of life. Throughout my legal career, those lessons have translated into attentive listening, professionalism, and treating every person with dignity and respect.

Taken together, these experiences have prepared me to serve as a judge who is knowledgeable, fair, well-prepared, and committed to applying the law impartially, with the readiness to assume the responsibilities of the bench immediately.

What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making?

Judges take an oath to support and apply the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the State of Florida, and that oath requires decisions to be based on the law and the facts of each case.

When a statute is clear and controlling, a judge is bound to apply it as written. In other circumstances, where the law allows for discretion, that discretion must still be exercised within established legal principles.

The role of a judge is to ensure that every person who comes before the court receives equal treatment under the law. Public confidence in the judiciary depends on judges who are fair, consistent, and faithful to the law, even when cases are difficult or outcomes are unpopular.

How do you balance precedent with evolving societal standards?

Precedent is a cornerstone of our judicial system because it promotes consistency, predictability, and fairness. A trial judge’s responsibility is to faithfully apply binding precedent from higher courts and the statutes enacted by the Legislature, regardless of personal views.

At the same time, the law is not static. The Legislature enacts new statutes, and appellate courts issue decisions that shape and refine the law over time. When the law is unsettled or subject to interpretation, courts must resolve those issues by applying established principles of statutory construction, precedent, and controlling authority.

This approach ensures that similarly situated parties are treated consistently, preserves public confidence in the judiciary, and respects the proper role of the courts within our constitutional system.

What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest?

Avoiding conflicts of interest is essential to maintaining public trust in the judiciary. A judge must be attentive to any potential conflict, whether financial, professional, or personal, that could reasonably affect or appear to affect impartiality.

If a potential issue arises, it should be disclosed so the parties have an opportunity to be heard. If a conflict exists, or if an objective person could reasonably believe a conflict exists, recusal is the appropriate step.

The guiding principle is that maintaining faith in the judicial system is more important than any one judge presiding over a particular case. Every litigant is entitled to have their matter decided fairly, free from outside influence or the appearance of impropriety. The integrity of the court depends on both fairness in fact and fairness in appearance.

What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them?

We have one of the strongest and most respected legal systems in the world, but like any system, there is always room for improvement in ensuring meaningful access to justice.

One area of concern is language access in civil and family cases. In a circuit as large and diverse as Central Florida, language access in civil and family cases is an especially important part of ensuring meaningful participation in the judicial process. While interpreter services are more consistently available in criminal proceedings, in civil matters, litigants are often required to arrange and pay for their own interpreters. For many individuals, that cost can be a significant barrier to full participation in their case.

Within existing budget constraints, addressing this issue requires continued attention to how interpreter services are made available, how litigants are informed of their responsibilities, and how courts manage proceedings where language barriers exist, to ensure all parties can be fully heard and understood.

More broadly, the role of the court is to ensure that cases are conducted fairly, that procedures are clear, and that every litigant, regardless of representation or circumstance, has a meaningful opportunity to be heard, consistent with the integrity of the judicial process.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

9th Circuit Judge – Group 31 candidates

The 9th Judicial Circuit of Florida handles state civil and criminal cases for Orange and Osceola counties. These are nonpartisan races, open to all voters.

Of the 22 groups up for election this year, Group 1, Group 2, and Group 31 drew more than one candidate.

You can read about the Group 1 race HERE.

You can read about the Group 2 race HERE.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Vox Populi compiled the candidate responses for the 9th Circuit Court race. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile.

George “Steve” Kerestes

WEBSITE: electkerestes.com/

What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench?

First, being in the courtroom as much as I have over the past 20 years. Not only have I spent years of my work life in the courtroom, I have spent years of my work life in courtrooms throughout Central Florida. I have spent years in the courtroom as a prosecutor. I have spent years of my work career in the courtroom as a defense attorney. Those many years of courtroom experience are not limited to only appearing in the 9th Circuit. I have appeared in courtrooms throughout Central Florida and beyond. I have appeared in courtrooms as far south as the Keys and I have appeared in court in Jacksonville and most places in between. The Courtroom is a place where I feel comfortable because of the amount of time I have spent there. I have seen all manner of Judges operate on the bench. I have seen efficient judges and I have seen some less so. I have seen all manner of Judges behaving in all manner of ways over the past 20 years. I will bring the best of what I have experienced to the people of the 9th Circuit.

What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making?

I’ll answer with the answer they taught us to use in law school, it depends. There are times when a judge has discretion within the applicable law and there are times when a Judge does not have discretion within the applicable law. Obviously, when a Judge does not have discretion under the applicable law, personal values should not play a role in judicial decision-making. However, there are times when a Judge has discretion under the applicable law. When a Judge has discretion, the Judge will exercise that discretion in some manner in order to make a ruling. Even in a situation where a Judge tells the parties the Judge is not exercising its discretion, that is still a decision by the human being wearing the robe. Anytime a Judge has discretion within the law, personal values are being exercised one way or the other.

How do you balance precedent with evolving societal standards?

Forgive me for giving an answer that sounds this way, but at the trial court level, Judges don’t have the ability to make the kind of changes Judges do at the appellate levels. Judges at the trial court level do not have the final say when it comes to matters of high interest to the public. Questions relating to precedent and whether precedent will stand or not are not made at the trial court level, but by the appellate courts and of course the highest court. I am running for a position at the trial court level.

What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest?

Taking action early is something I do to avoid conflicts of interest. Taking action early and communicating with the appropriate party or parties. I find when I take action early and communicate effectively, conflicts of interest are resolved timely and fairly.

What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them?

I’m going to say here again it depends. It depends on the particular area of law we are discussing. Right now in our criminal courts, we have an excellent local defense bar that includes the public defender’s office headed by Melissa Vickers, who all perform their role in a manner the community should be proud of. I presently work at the State Attorney’s Office charged with prosecuting the vast majority of crimes in our community. When it comes to the State Attorney’s Office, it is and will always be a collaborative effort dependent on the collaborative effort of not only the Assistant State Attorneys along with their investigators and legal team members, but also law enforcement, the employees of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and also the community at large. Justice in the criminal realm is a community-wide endeavor; those community-wide actions come from jurors, witnesses, victims, law enforcement, members of the media, expert witnesses, and legislatures, etc. To achieve justice in each and every case, requires all members of that group to act together cohesively towards the end of achieving justice.

On the civil side of the courts, we have local legal aid that performs with excellence, representing those who are most vulnerable and without funds for attorney fees. Those with lower incomes usually qualify for legal assistance free of charge or at lower rates. The rich will always have access to the courts. One often hears of the middle class not being fully represented in the courts. The middle class are often left out, not only because of the monetary obstacles, but also due to the amount of time they believe will be required. Often, members of the middle class believe it just isn’t worth the time and effort. Lastly, I will say there will always be budgetary battles that play a part in the court system and, as a result, access thereto.

Kamilah Perry

WEBSITE: kamilahperryforjudge.com/

What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench?

I have represented Fortune 500 Companies as a large firm associate, I have represented individuals and small businesses as a private practice owner, and I have managed justice for victims, witnesses and defendants as the Chief Executive of the 9^th Circuit State Attorney’s Office. My 23 years + of litigation experience in virtually every area of the law uniquely qualifies me to be a judge with vast experience. Additionally, as General Counsel and Executive Director of the State Attorney’s Office, my job is to manage a $37 million-dollar budget and handle the conflicts and challenges of 385 prosecutors and staff with efficiency, diplomacy, and the fair application of the applicable rules and policies, in order to ensure that the citizens of the 9th Circuit are adequately served by the State Attorney.

What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making?

Personal values should play no role in judicial decision-making, with the exception that all judges should certainly personally value being unbiased, fair, and impartial when making all decisions.

How do you balance precedent with evolving societal standards?

Legal precedent must control over societal standards. That is the role of the judiciary - e.g. to apply the law as written to the facts presented. Unfortunately, the court’s role is not to change the law based on the temperature of society. Where no black-letter law exists, however, and justice requires a common-sense approach to decision-making, sound judicial discretion should ensure that justice is carried out based on the facts of the case.

What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest?

As General Counsel for the State Attorney’s Office, I’ve had to train prosecutors and employees on the importance of maintaining all appearances of objectivity and non-bias. I sincerely believe that public trust is paramount to a fair system. If a conflict of interest arose and I was either unable to remain impartial, or there was even a remote appearance that my impartiality would be unlikely, I would voluntarily recuse myself from presiding over the matter so that the parties are comfortable and the community knows that the bench can be trusted to self-disclose any conflicts.

What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them?

Funding is the greatest issue that the legal system faces. Unfortunately, only 1% of Florida’s budget goes to the legal system.

However, judges, prosecutors, public defenders and the clerk’s office are all charged with keeping the community safe and holding offenders accountable while maintaining high levels of transparency and keeping up with evolving technology. Funding is critical for the system to work efficiently. Lack of adequate funding means that citizens are adversely impacted by heavy dockets, slow scheduling, hearing continuances, and overall slow justice, or worse, the denial of justice. As General Counsel for the State Attorney’s Office, my job is to analyze budgetary needs and lobby the legislature for increased funding for our office. As a member of the judiciary, I would endeavor to assist the Chief Judge with impressing upon the legislature the dangers associated with inadequate funding of the judicial system and the threat to public safety and overall loss of access to justice that could result.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Orange County Judge Group 5

The Orange County Court handles local legal matters, including misdemeanors, local ordinance violations, small civil claims like financial disputes up to $50,000, tenant evictions, and traffic violations.

All county judge races are nonpartisan elections, which means all voters can vote in the election, regardless of party affiliation.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our partners at the Vox Populi compiled the candidate responses for the Orange County judicial races, emailing and calling the candidates over several weeks.

Asima Azam

WEBSITE: electasimaazam4judge.vote/

What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench? For the past 23 years, I have built a civil practice that closely mirrors the work of the County Court. Approximately 80% of County Court cases are civil matters, and my practice has focused on many of the disputes that regularly come before the court, including contract actions, landlord-tenant cases, collections, lien foreclosures, business disputes and real estate litigation. I have handled every phase of litigation, including case evaluation, pleadings, discovery, motion practice, mediations, hearings, and trials. In addition to representing clients in court, I have negotiated settlements with opposing counsel and self-represented litigants, developing the ability to resolve disputes efficiently while ensuring that all parties are heard and treated fairly. My experience as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator has further prepared me for the bench. Mediation requires impartiality, active listening, patience, and the ability to identify the key issues in a dispute while encouraging communication and dispute resolution. For the past six years, I have also served in a quasi-judicial role as a Special Magistrate for the Orange County Value Adjustment Board. In that capacity, I preside over evidentiary hearings, evaluate witness testimony, interpret and apply Florida law, rule on evidentiary issues, and prepare written recommendations based solely on the evidence and applicable law. My career has also given me significant experience working with self-represented litigants and individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. I understand that for many people, appearing in court is unfamiliar and hard. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity, patience, and respect while receiving a fair opportunity to be heard.

What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making? A judge’s personal values should not dictate the outcome of a case. Every person is entitled to a decision based on the law, the facts, and the evidence presented. My experience as a Special Magistrate for the Orange County Value Adjustment Board has reinforced this principle. For the past six years, I have presided over evidentiary hearings, weighed testimony, ruled on evidentiary issues, and issued written recommendations based solely on the evidence presented and the applicable law. Regardless of my personal opinions or beliefs, my responsibility has always been to apply the law fairly, consistently, and impartially. That experience has strengthened my ability to separate my personal views and values from my legal decision-making.

How do you balance precedent with evolving societal standards? The role of a judge is to apply the law as it is written. Throughout my 23 years of practice, I have advised clients through significant changes in Florida law, particularly in community association, real estate, and business law. My role has always been to understand changing statutes and written decisions and apply them accurately, when they provide clear guidance. As a Special Magistrate for the Orange County Value Adjustment Board, I have been required to decide cases based on the evidence, applicable statutes, and controlling legal authority, when it is available. When the law is unclear and there is no controlling precedent, a judge must rely on established principles of statutory interpretation, the evidence record before the court, and the purpose and intent of the law. The goal should be to reach a decision that is sound, consistent with existing legal principles, and faithful to the spirit and intent of the statute, while providing a well-reasoned analysis for the decision.

At the same time, my experience as a mediator has taught me that every case involves people with their own specific circumstances who deserve to be heard. I would aim to ensure every person has a meaningful opportunity to present their position.

What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest? Throughout my 23 years of practice, I have represented a broad range of clients and developed professional relationships within the legal community. If appointed, I would carefully review each case for any actual or potential conflict before presiding. If there is a prior representation, personal relationship, or any circumstance that could call my impartiality into question, I would disclose this to the parties involved. If the conflict cannot be addressed through disclosure, I would recuse myself. Protecting my reputation and the integrity of the process is more important than presiding over any specific case.

While serving on the Board of Zoning Adjustment for over 6 years, and as a Special Magistrate, I have encountered situations where I either had a prior business relationship with the parties coming before me, or had a personal relationship with a party involved. In both situations, I have disclosed the potential conflict and if I felt the relationship could impact my decision-making, I recused myself.

Disclosure and recusal, when appropriate, are the best safeguards against conflicts of interest.

What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them? One of the greatest barriers to justice is delay and the complexity of the legal system, particularly for self-represented persons. Improving judicial efficiency begins with active case management. The recent Florida Supreme Court case management rules recognize that judges play an important role in moving cases forward by setting fair deadlines, holding attorneys accountable to meeting deadlines, and ensuring cases progress on a timely basis.

Another significant barrier is the growing number of self-represented litigants. Throughout my 23 years of practice, I have worked with individuals unfamiliar with the court system, many of whom are scared by the process. While judges cannot provide legal advice, they can clearly explain courtroom procedures, ensure each party understands what is expected, and treat every person with patience, dignity, and respect.

Finally, I believe courts should encourage early alternative dispute resolution whenever appropriate. As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator, I have seen how mediation can resolve disputes more quickly, reduce costs, and narrow the issues before the court. Early mediation benefits the parties but also reduces court congestion, allowing judges to devote more time to cases that truly require judicial intervention.

Kafi Kennedy

WEBSITE: www.kafikennedyforjudge.com/

What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench? My professional experience has prepared me for the bench by providing me with a well-rounded perspective on the justice system through service as a prosecutor, public defender, legal educator, and law practitioner. Throughout my career, I have been entrusted with responsibilities requiring sound judgment, integrity, fairness, and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law.

For more than 17 years, I have practiced law in Central Florida. I currently serve as Of Counsel with Having an Attorney When It Matters, where I represent clients in criminal, family, and personal injury matters, conduct court hearings and trials, draft and argue dispositive motions, and mentor attorneys and staff. This work has strengthened my ability to evaluate legal issues objectively, communicate effectively, and ensure that every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

My service as an Assistant State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit provided invaluable leadership and courtroom experience. As Director of Pretrial Diversion and Chief of the Booking Release Center, I supervised attorneys and staff, managed court operations, created office-wide training manuals, made charging decisions in misdemeanor and felony cases, and collaborated with judges, law enforcement, corrections officials, and community partners to improve the administration of justice. In addition to prosecuting cases, I handled motions, bond hearings, post-conviction matters, and other court proceedings, experiences that reinforced the importance of fairness, discretion, and accountability.

Before serving as a prosecutor, I spent more than seven years as an Assistant Public Defender in the Ninth Judicial Circuit. I represented hundreds of clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges, conducted jury and bench trials, litigated complex motions, researched and authored appellate briefs, and advocated for clients at every stage of the criminal process. Representing indigent clients taught me the importance of ensuring that every person--regardless of background or circumstance--receives meaningful access to justice and a fair hearing.

My commitment to the legal profession extends beyond the courtroom. I currently serve as a Faculty Member at Florida A&M University College of Law, where I teach Introduction to Analytical Skills. Legal Analysis, and serve as a Bar Coach. I have also taught trial advocacy, training future attorneys in motion practice, courtroom advocacy, witness examination, evidentiary foundations, and ethical legal practice. Teaching requires patience, objectivity, and the ability to explain complex legal principles clearly--qualities that are equally important for a judge.

Earlier in my career, I had the privilege of serving as a judicial intern with the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, where I researched legal issues, drafted memoranda and proposed orders, and observed the judicial decision-making process firsthand. That experience provided an early appreciation for the responsibility, impartiality, and discipline required of members of the judiciary.

Collectively, these experiences have given me a comprehensive understanding of our justice system from nearly every perspective. I have advocated for the State, defended the constitutional rights of individuals, educated future lawyers, supervised legal professionals, and observed the work of the federal judiciary. Those experiences have prepared me to approach every case with an open mind, apply the law faithfully, treat every person with dignity and respect, and render decisions that are fair, impartial, and based solely on the facts and the law.

What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making? Judges take an oath to uphold the Constitution and apply the law fairly and impartially, regardless of their personal beliefs, political views, or life experiences. Every litigant deserves the confidence that his or her case will be decided based on the facts presented, the applicable law, and the governing legal precedent--not on the personal preferences of the judge.

At the same time, a judge must not remember their humanity and show humility, respect, patience, and compassion. These are essential to influence how litigants are treated, ensuring that every person is heard, treated with dignity, and afforded due process.

My experience as both an Assistant Public Defender and an Assistant State Attorney has reinforced the importance of setting aside personal opinions and objectively evaluating each case on its own merits. As an attorney, I was ethically obligated to advocate for my client while respecting the law. As a judge, that responsibility shifts to serving as a neutral arbiter who faithfully applies the law equally to all parties.

Personal values should not play a role in the judicial decision-making process as a Judge is to ensure that justice is administered fairly, impartially, and consistently, thereby preserving public trust in the judicial system and the rule of law.

How do you balance precedent with evolving societal standards? Legal precedent is fundamental to our legal system because it promotes consistency, stability, and predictability in the law. Judges have a duty to faithfully apply binding precedent established by higher courts, even when societal views evolve or personal opinions differ. Adherence to precedent ensures that like cases are treated alike and that the judiciary remains faithful to its constitutional role.

What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest? Judges must not only be impartial but must also avoid the appearance of impropriety. I believe that transparency, ethical vigilance, and adherence to the Florida Code of Judicial Conduct are critical to preserving the integrity of the courts.

If elected, I would carefully review each case for any actual or potential conflict, including prior involvement as an attorney, personal or professional relationships with parties, attorneys, or witnesses, or any financial or other interests that could reasonably call my impartiality into question. When appropriate, I would promptly disclose any potential conflict on the record and, when required under the Florida Code of Judicial Conduct, recuse myself so that every litigant has complete confidence in the fairness of the proceedings.

Ultimately, protecting the integrity of the judiciary is more important than presiding over any individual case. By adhering to the law and erring on the side of transparency when questions arise, I will ensure that every person appearing before me can trust that their case is being decided by a fair, impartial, and independent judge.

What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them? One barrier to justice in our court system is delay. As Orange County continues to experience significant population growth, the volume and complexity of cases have increased substantially, placing tremendous demands on the court. Delays in resolving cases can create uncertainty for victims, defendants, families, and businesses while increasing costs for everyone involved. I

Another significant barrier is unequal access to the legal system. Many individuals appear in court without legal representation or have limited understanding of court procedures. While judges must remain impartial and cannot serve as advocates, they can ensure that proceedings are conducted with patience, respect, and clarity so that every person understands the process and has a meaningful opportunity to be heard.

My experience has given me a unique perspective on these challenges. As an Assistant Public Defender, I represented individuals who often faced significant obstacles in navigating the legal system. As an Assistant State Attorney, including serving as Director of Pretrial Diversion and Chief of the Booking Release Center, I worked to improve efficiency, develop training programs, and collaborate with community partners to promote fair and effective case resolution. Those leadership experiences taught me the importance of balancing efficiency with fairness while ensuring that justice is never sacrificed for speed.

If elected, I will work diligently to manage my docket efficiently, prepare thoroughly for every hearing, treat every person who enters my courtroom with dignity and respect, and apply the law fairly and consistently.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Orange County Judge Group 17

The Orange County Court handles local legal matters, including misdemeanors, local ordinance violations, small civil claims like financial disputes up to $50,000, tenant evictions, and traffic violations.

All county judge races are nonpartisan elections, which means all voters can vote in the election, regardless of party affiliation.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our partners at the Vox Populi compiled the candidate responses for the Orange County judicial races, emailing and calling the candidates over several weeks.

Cherish Adams - Incumbent

WEBSITE: keepjudgeadams.vote/

What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench? I have had the honor of serving as an Orange County Judge since 2023. During that time, I have presided over both civil and criminal dockets. Prior to becoming a judge, I clerked for Judge Kerry I Evander at the Fifth District Court of Appeal, which was the appellate court for Orange County at that time. I then served as a prosecutor for over 10 years, 8 of which were here in Orange County. As an Orange County prosecutor, I represented our community in court on cases involving violent crimes, child sexual abuse, and homicides. Having practiced and served as a judge in Orange County, I am familiar with the unique needs and challenges facing the Orange County court and community.

As a County Judge, I was first assigned to a civil docket, where I presided over cases involving damages of $50,000 or less, evictions, and small claims. After serving as a county judge for one year, the chief judge asked me to assist with circuit criminal, where I handled all of the pretrial detention hearings, civil commitment of sexually violent predators, and covered trials including homicide and sex crimes cases for over a year. I am now back on a civil docket and proudly serving our community. With over 80 jury trials under my belt (67 as a prosecutor and 17 as a judge) and countless bench trials and evidentiary hearings, I have shown that I have the knowledge, experience, and temperament this community needs in a trial judge. Every person who comes to my courtroom is given a fair opportunity to be heard and treated with dignity and respect.

What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making? Our judicial system should be a place where everybody has equal justice under the law. A judge’s personal values such as respect for others, integrity, and fairness should always be involved in the decision-making process. However, a judge’s political ideology or desire for a particular outcome should never be a consideration. Judicial decisions must be based on a fair evaluation of the evidence presented to the court, the arguments of the parties, and a faithful application of the law.

How do you balance precedent with evolving social standards? A trial judge is bound to follow judicial precedent that is controlling for the case, but the judge can note in the ruling that the decision was reached solely due to the court’s obligation to follow controlling precedent and suggest that the appellate court consider changing that precedent.

What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest? A judge must carefully adhere to the guidelines in the Judicial Canons. For each case, I consider whether I have a conflict with any of the parties or attorneys, err on the side of disclosing any potential conflict even if I don’t think it truly is a conflict, and disqualify myself from any case in which my impartiality might be questioned in any way.

I am careful to avoid creating conflicts of interest by carefully governing my activities inside and outside of the courtroom so as not to create any appearance of impropriety or partiality. I carefully adhere to the guidelines in the Judicial Canons, do not participate in any political group or events, and am careful to avoid even the appearance of a conflict. I also govern my words and actions in court carefully, ensuring that both parties and attorneys are treated fairly and equally.

What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them? Access to legal representation and access to the courthouse have been significant barriers to justice for many individuals in Orange County. In county court in particular, many litigants are representing themselves and are unfamiliar with the judicial process. I cannot give anyone legal advice, but I often inform individuals about the Self Help Center at the courthouse, which can help them obtain the legal assistance they need. At the beginning of every hearing with a self-represented litigant, I explain in non-legal terms what the hearing is about and what the process will be. At the end, I also explain why I am ruling a particular way so that even if the litigant did not win their case, they still feel heard, respected, and that the decision was fair. Additionally, I understand that getting to the courthouse can be challenging to many individuals, so I offer virtual hearings for non-evidentiary hearings to increase access to the courts.

Joy Goodyear

WEBSITE: joy4judge2026.com/

What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench? My 28 years as an Assistant Public Defender has been the best preparation I could ask for. As a public defender, I have represented people who are in desperate need of help. They have little to no money or resources and have been charged with a criminal offense. They often have no experience with our court system and sometimes have little education. As a result, I not only have to provide legal advice and assistance, but I also have to teach them how our system works. I have to explain what rights they have and often time correct misunderstandings they have. I often have to contend with language barriers and other issues that need to be overcome. I also try to determine what outcome is the best for my client. Many times the best outcome involves advocating for a solution that will solve the underlying problem that caused the current charge. For example, homelessness may have led to a trespass or theft charge. Drug addiction may have led to a drug charge. Untreated mental illness may have led to a assault charge.

As a public defender, I also have to work closely with the state attorney’s office and all the members of the courtroom. Public defenders often have very large caseloads, so it’s very important to keep up on all of the cases and work efficiently with others. I know firsthand the problems delays in our court system can have on my clients and I have to make sure to limit those delays as much as possible. When dealing with my clients, witnesses, or victims, it is not uncommon for them to become upset or frustrated and I have to always be patient and understanding.

I’ve also had the opportunity to see what solutions work best and what solutions don’t. I strongly believe that “one solution fits all” is no solution at all. Every case is different; every individual has different needs. It is important that whatever solution is reached be one that is specifically tailored to the facts and circumstances of that specific case and individual.

All of these experiences have helped prepare me for the bench. As a county court judge, I will often have people appearing before me without attorneys. I will need to be able to explain to them how the system works and what they need to do. I will need to be patient and understanding. I will need to address any barriers that interfere with this goal. I will need to be able to work efficiently with both sides and courtroom staff. I will have to find solutions that are best for each situation as it is presented.

What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making? My personal values help shape my character, but they do not determine what decision I will need to make as a judge. A judge’s personal opinions must be set aside, as judges are required to follow the law in every case. Every person that appears before a judge must not feel that the outcome will be based on the personal beliefs of that judge, but will be the correct decision when the law is applied to the facts of the case. Otherwise, there would be no consistency in our court system. As a public defender, I am fully aware of the importance of fairness, impartiality, and treating every person with respect. I will do everything in my power to make sure every person knows that I will give them the full opportunity to be heard and that I will make a fair decision based on the law.

How do you balance precedent with evolving societal standards? A judge is required to apply the law as it is written. A judge can look to precedent to get clarity on how courts have interpreted that law. Following precedent provides consistency, which is critical to a fair judicial system. It is important that litigants are treated similarly even though they appear before different judges. When a law needs to be changed because of evolving societal standards, it is the legislature that is tasked with making those changes. It is important that judges are informed of those changes and make the correct rulings as time requires.

What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest? I would avoid conflicts of interest by making sure not to engage in financial or business dealing with lawyers that are likely to come before the court. I would follow the Code of Judicial Conduct and review each case for potential conflicts and disclose them. If a conflict arises, I would recuse myself. It’s imperative that every litigant knows they are getting a fair hearing.

What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them? The biggest barrier to justice in the current system is delays. Every judge has heavy caseloads and it is very difficult to manage those caseloads in a timely manner. I know firsthand the problems that delays can have on individuals and their families. Oftentimes when someone is arrested, they are immediately terminated from their job. Unfortunately, it often takes a year or longer to resolve the matter. That means that the person arrested, wrongfully or not, is unemployed for that length of time. That has immeasurable adverse impacts on the individual and their family. In civil cases, the stress of a pending lawsuit can be very difficult to deal with. When that case can take years to resolve, that is a long period of time that the parties are dealing with that stress and all of the impacts it has on them and their families. If I am elected, I will do whatever it takes to reduce the delays that exist in our system. I believe that is best accomplished through keeping track of each case, knowing where the litigation stands, and being able to address any issues that arise in a timely manner. I will also make sure that hearing time is available so that cases can be heard.

The agreement announced by Trump late Thursday could pave the way for ending the latest Israel-Hamas war that broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, and which has seen continued violence despite a ceasefire last October. Few places in the Palestinian territory of over 2 million people have been left unscathed, and the United Nations, World Bank and European Union estimate that reconstruction will cost $70 billion.

Hamas officials said the group has agreed to the disarmament agreement. Israel has not commented.

The Board of Peace will have a major role in overseeing the deal's implementation.

Here's what the group is and what it is expected to do:

What is the Board of Peace

The Board of Peace was first mentioned in September when the White House released Trump’s plan to end the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan called on Hamas to surrender its weapons and destroy its vast network of tunnels. It also envisions Israeli forces withdrawing from Gaza, the arrival of a new technocratic Palestinian government, deployment of an international security force and the rebuilding of the battered Palestinian enclave after more than two years of war.

More than two dozen nations signed on as the board's founding members, including Israel and other regional heavyweights, as well as countries from outside the Middle East such as Indonesia, Paraguay and Vietnam.

Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom are among more than a dozen countries that have not joined the board but took part in a February meeting as observers.

Israelis are suspicious of the involvement of Qatar and Turkey, which have longstanding relations with Hamas. Earlier this year, Palestinians objected because their representatives weren’t invited to the board, even as it weighs the future of a territory that is home to some 2 million of them.

A $1 billion contribution secures permanent membership on the board instead of a three-year appointment, which has no contribution requirement.

During the first meeting of the board in February in Washington, members pledged $7 billion in aid for Gaza — just a fraction of the $70 billion that international bodies say is needed to rebuild the territory. The board also announced plans for international troops and police, and for reconstruction. But no timeline was given.

How the board is involved in the new deal

The agreement was reached after months of “very difficult negotiations,” Nickolay Mladenov, the director-general of the Board of Peace in Gaza, said in comments posted on X. “There were several points when I did not believe we would make it,” he added.

Mladenov, a former Bulgarian defense and foreign minister who served as the U.N. envoy to Iraq before being appointed as the U.N. Mideast peace envoy from 2015-2020, added, “Implementation and verification have to be real” and “withdrawal must move in lockstep with decommissioning.”

The National Committee for The Administration of Gaza, a Palestinian technocratic body that operates under the supervision of the Board of Peace, is tasked with administering Gaza in the interim period after Hamas gives up control.

That includes setting up a new police force to replace the one previously run by Hamas and implementing the disarmament process - the details of which are not yet clear.

The NCAS said in a statement Friday that it is ready to assume responsibility for governing Gaza and restoring public services and the rule of law.

Ambitious Plans

In November, the Trump administration’s blueprint to secure and govern Gaza won strong approval at the United Nations.

Israel and the U.S. say Hamas’ disarmament is key to progress on the other fronts. Arab and Muslim members of the Board of Peace have accused Israel of undermining the ceasefire with its daily strikes and want the U.S. to rein in its close ally. They have called on Hamas to disarm but say Israel’s withdrawal is just as important.

Senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad, who is a member of the group’s negotiating team, told Qatar's Al Jazeera TV on Friday that the agreement is a “full package” of which Hamas’ disarmament is a part.

“Hamas and Palestinian factions are making concessions for the sake of our Palestinian people in Gaza,” Hamad said. He added that Hamas will not take any step unless they are sure that Israel will implement the deal from its side.

Israel defines demilitarization as extending from heavy weapons like rocket-propelled grenades all the way down to roughly 60,000 rifles that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says would have to be given up.

Trump — along with son-in-law Jared Kushner and envoy Steve Witkoff — has laid out ambitious plans for rebuilding Gaza with international investment.

In Davos last year, Kushner suggested reconstruction could be complete in a matter of three years, even though U.N. forecasts suggest that clearing rubble and demining alone could take much longer.

Kushner’s slides showed a reconstructed Gaza with a coastal tourism strip, industrial zones and data centers. He conceded that rebuilding would begin only in demilitarized areas and that security would be essential to attract investment.

A stabilization force

The ceasefire deal also calls for a temporary International Stabilization Force made up of soldiers from Arab and Muslim-majority countries. Its mandate is not spelled out in detail, but would include securing aid deliveries, preventing weapons smuggling and vetting and training a Palestinian police force.

Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, who is leading the effort, said in February the plans call for 12,000 police and 20,000 soldiers for Gaza.

Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania have pledged to send troops for the force, while Egypt and Jordan have committed to train police.

Troops will initially be deployed to Rafah, a heavily damaged and largely depopulated city under full Israeli control, where the U.S. administration hopes to first focus reconstruction efforts.

The biggest blow to the planned force came about a week after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, when Indonesia put its commitment of 8,000 troops on indefinite hold. Some 1,000 were to have been sent in April, followed by the remainder in June.

The latest Israel-Hamas war broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed southern Israel killing over 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed more than 73,000 Palestinians, including hundreds who perished after a ceasefire went into effect Oct. 10, Gaza’s Health Ministry says. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led government and is staffed by medical professionals, does not distinguish between civilians and militants in its toll but says women and children make up around half of all deaths.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Orange County Commission District 4

Orange County’s commissioners are elected in nonpartisan races, which means all voters can vote in the election, regardless of party affiliation.

Since there are three candidates in the race, the top vote-getter must get more than 50% of the vote (50%+1) in order to win outright. Otherwise, the top two candidates will go to a runoff in November.

The county added two new commission seats for the 2026 election, which means the districts the commissioners represent have changed.

County Commission District 4 encompasses part of east Central Orange County, including the areas of Waterford Lakes and Union Park. You can see a map of the area HERE.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our partners at the Orlando Sentinel compiled the candidate responses for the Commission District 4 race, emailing and calling the candidates over several weeks.

You can see the full Orlando Sentinel Voting Guide HERE.

Isabella Arthur

NOTE: Isabella Arthur is a write-in candidate, which means her name will not appear on the ballot. Voters will need to write her name in correctly to cast a vote for her.

WEBSITE: linktr.ee/HearMeRoarHoloNet

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Infrastructure before expansion. Orange County keeps approving growth before roads, drainage, utilities, sidewalks, fire rescue, schools, and public safety are ready. That is why residents sit in traffic, pay tolls, and watch basic services fall behind. I would push for a repair-first policy: inspect and fix existing roads before approving major expansions, require public damage and maintenance reports, and hold CFX accountable (the funds are there) for toll-road construction, maintenance, and operations. Developers, including out-of-state developers and construction companies, must pay the real cost of the infrastructure their projects create. Growth should not be approved first and paid for by residents later.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Affordability and housing. Orange County cannot keep promising affordable housing while families are still priced out and homelessness grows. I support using county land for truly affordable housing, faster permits for real affordable units, stronger long-term affordability rules, ADUs and small homes, and mixed-income housing near jobs and transit. I also support Housing First with job training, childcare, mental health support, and real paths to work. Every nonprofit, developer, or contractor receiving public money should report cost per unit, who was helped, wages paid, and long-term results. No more blank checks with no accountability.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Water, land, and public accountability. District 4 is facing development pressure around wetlands, rural land, wildlife corridors, roads, utilities, and old dump sites. I oppose phosphogypsum roads, taxpayer-funded data center corridors, and “smart city” projects that benefit corporations while residents carry the risk. In areas like Lake Underhill and Rouse Road, testing, cleanup, safe capping or removal, and public monitoring must come before road or utility expansion. I would require stronger stormwater rules, public water testing dashboards, septic-to-sewer upgrades where needed, and coordination with DEP, EPA, water districts, FDOT, and CFX before risky projects move forward.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I am not running to protect the system. I am running because I have lived the consequences of systems that are confusing, expensive, slow, and built to protect insiders instead of people.

My background is in real estate, construction, permitting, law, research, child advocacy, and community problem-solving. I know how to read records, connect facts, ask hard questions, and explain complicated issues in plain language. As a citizen and candidate, I have researched county agendas, land use, transportation, utilities, CFX, state preemption, water issues, and development patterns affecting District 4.

I will not pretend to know everything. I will learn, listen, verify, and fit the issues residents actually want. Orange County needs commissioners who make government understandable again.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability is not just a housing issue. It is rent, wages, tolls, utilities, insurance, childcare, food, and transportation all hitting families at once. In Orange County, the 2024 median gross rent was $1,882 a month. That means a household needs about $75,000 a year just for rent to be considered affordable.

My solution is to lower the full cost of living. Public money should come with public results. Any developer, nonprofit, employer, or contractor receiving county money, land, tax breaks, fee credits, or incentives should report what was promised, what was delivered, cost per unit or job, wages paid, and how long affordability is protected.

Orange County collected a record $384.6 million in Tourist Development Tax in FY 2024-25, yet residents are told basic needs are unaffordable. If tourism depends on our roads, workers, utilities, public safety, and emergency services, then tourism dollars and major tourism employers should help solve the pressure they create.

The goal is simple: stop making working people pay twice while insiders profit once.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? No - While I support property tax relief. I do not support fake relief that helps on paper, then comes back as higher fees, worse services, or higher rent.

Renters are the problem with this amendment. They do not get the homestead break directly, and landlords are not required to lower rent. But renters still use fire rescue, roads, drainage, parks, libraries, and public safety.

My alternative is targeted relief without wrecking local services: claw back bad subsidies; make developers pay full impact costs; review tourism spending; and stop using residents to cover growth’s unpaid bills.

Tax relief should lower the burden, not move it onto people already struggling.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? I do not support bringing data centers into Orange County.

Florida’s average electric price rose from 10.06 cents/kWh in 2020 to 12.53 cents/kWh in 2024, about a 25% increase. At the same time, the IEA projects data-center electricity use will more than double by 2030, with U.S. data centers making up nearly half of new electricity-demand growth.

If they are forced on us anyway, then not one penny should be shifted to families, seniors, small businesses, or local employers. Data centers must pay the full cost of new power, transmission, substations, water, backup generation, emergency services, and grid upgrades. No subsidies. No hidden rate hikes. No corporate expansion on residents’ electric bills.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Florida’s biggest environmental issue is unchecked corporate profit being placed above land, water, wildlife, and human health. We keep watching the same cycle: developers, utilities, mining interests, toll authorities, and politically connected companies create the damage, then residents pay to clean it up, live with the flooding, breathe the dust, drink the water, sit in traffic, and get told it is “growth.”

That ends with accountability. No phosphogypsum roads. No toxic land deals. No risky data centers draining power and water. No public subsidies for private damage. Florida needs leaders who will protect residents first, not industries that fund campaigns and leave taxpayers holding the bill.

Brian Jones

WEBSITE: brianhubertjones.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: GOVERNANCE, TRANSPARENCY & COMMUNICATION. I will establish a District 4 Advisory Network comprised of HOA and community association leaders, small business owners, school representatives, nonprofit organizations, and public safety partners. This group will meet regularly to identify emerging issues, discuss community concerns, and provide feedback on county initiatives before decisions are made.

In addition, I will host quarterly District 4 Town Halls throughout the district to provide updates on county projects, budget priorities, transportation improvements, public safety initiatives, and other issues impacting residents.

My goal is to create a culture of proactive engagement and communication with stakeholders across District 4. Too often, residents feel disconnected from the decision-making process or learn about projects after key decisions have already been made. By providing consistent updates, soliciting feedback early, and maintaining open lines of communication, we can reduce confusion, build trust, and strengthen the relationship between residents and the Board of County Commissioners.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: PUBLIC SAFETY. As County Commissioner, I will support initiatives that focus on crime prevention, safer roads, micromobility safety, stronger partnerships with law enforcement, and proactive communication that keeps residents informed and engaged.

I will work to ensure the Orange County Sheriff’s Office has the resources necessary to recruit and retain qualified deputies, support data-driven policing efforts in areas experiencing higher crime activity, and strengthen collaboration between law enforcement, HOAs, businesses, schools, and community organizations.

I will advocate for a renewed focus on community-based crime prevention by restructuring and modernizing the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Program and empowering neighborhood and community safety networks throughout District 4. By fostering stronger relationships between residents and law enforcement, we can improve communication, increase community awareness, and proactively address public safety concerns before they become larger issues.

Public safety extends beyond crime alone. I will also support initiatives that improve pedestrian, bicycle, and e-scooter safety (including law/enforcement), enhance dangerous intersections, and invest in infrastructure that protects residents, students, and visitors. Through prevention, partnership, and accountability, we can create safer neighborhoods and a stronger Orange County for everyone.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: WELL BEING FOR ALL. Ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to live in a safe, healthy, and thriving community. This includes supporting programs and initiatives that address mental health, affordability, homelessness, resource awareness, and responsible government stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

As County Commissioner, I will promote collaborative and proactive partnerships among government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, educational institutions, businesses, and community leaders to address the challenges facing our residents. By working together, we can improve access to services, increase awareness of available resources, and develop sustainable solutions that enhance quality of life throughout Orange County.

I believe government has a responsibility to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars while investing in programs that deliver measurable outcomes and meaningful community impact. Through accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement, we can ensure that county resources are used effectively and efficiently to serve those who need them most.

My commitment is to foster a community where residents are supported, informed, and empowered—creating opportunities for individuals and families to succeed while building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient Orange County for all.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? Unlike many candidates who seek office as their first step into public service, my candidacy is the continuation of years of community involvement and leadership. I have dedicated countless hours to serving East Orange County through nonprofit organizations, community associations, civic initiatives, and advisory boards because I believe strong communities are built through engagement and collaboration.

I am running because I have the experience, passion, and commitment necessary to address the challenges facing District 4 and Orange County. My focus is on practical solutions, transparent government, safer communities, and ensuring that residents have a voice in the decisions that shape their future.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Local government cannot solve inflation, but it can make decisions that improve affordability. As Commissioner, I will focus on fiscal responsibility, ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently and core services remain the priority. I support expanding housing options at various price points, particularly for workforce housing, while protecting existing neighborhoods. I will also champion economic development, small business growth, and workforce partnerships that create higher-paying jobs. By promoting responsible growth, improving transportation infrastructure, and maintaining strong financial stewardship, we can help reduce the cost pressures facing Orange County families and improve quality of life throughout our community.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I will vote “Yes”. If approved, my preference would be to first identify efficiencies, eliminate waste, and prioritize core government functions before considering new fees. Any discussion about replacing revenue should focus on responsible budgeting, economic growth that expands the tax base, and ensuring government lives within its means. I would be reluctant to support shifting the burden to residents through excessive new fees that simply replace one tax with another.

The goal should be to provide relief to taxpayers while maintaining the essential services that contribute to public safety, quality of life, and economic prosperity in Orange County.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida’s utility regulators should focus on affordability, reliability, and transparency. As demand grows from population increases and data centers, residential customers should not bear an unfair share of the costs associated with serving large industrial users. Regulators should require transparent rate-setting, ensure major energy consumers contribute appropriately to infrastructure investments, and support long-term planning that strengthens grid reliability and affordability.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Water quality is the most significant environmental issue facing Florida. Clean water impacts public health, wildlife, recreation, tourism, and economic development. From nutrient pollution and stormwater runoff to aging infrastructure and increased development pressures, protecting our waterways requires proactive investment and planning. As Commissioner, I would support responsible growth, infrastructure improvements, conservation efforts, and policies that protect our lakes, wetlands, and water resources while maintaining a strong economy and high quality of life.

Johanna López

WEBSITE: www.votejohannalopez.com/

Ms. López did not respond to requests to fill out the questionnaire from the Orlando Sentinel.

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? Ms. López did not respond to the questionnaire, but on her campaign website, she listed her three top issues as: housing accessibility, supporting small business, and accessibility and transparency.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Ms. López did not respond to the questionnaire, but on her campaign website, she called housing accessibility a top issue for her, particularly “Expanding safe, affordable housing for working families and seniors.”

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Ms. López did not respond to the questionnaire. She voted against passage of the property tax constitutional amendment while serving in the Florida House.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Ms. López did not respond to the questionnaire. She voted in favor of SB 484, which added regulations to data centers, while serving in the Florida House.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Ms. López did not respond to the questionnaire.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Orange County Commission District 2

Orange County’s commissioners are elected in nonpartisan races, which means all voters can vote in the election, regardless of party affiliation.

Since there are four candidates in the race, the top vote-getter must get more than 50% of the vote (50%+1) in order to win outright. Otherwise, the top two candidates will go to a runoff in November.

The county added two new commission seats for the 2026 election, which means the districts the commissioners represent have changed.

County Commission District 2 encompasses northwest Orange County, including Apopka and Ocoee, going south of State Road 408. You can see a map of the area HERE.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our partners at the Orlando Sentinel and Vox Populi compiled the candidate responses for the Commission District 2 race, emailing and calling the candidates over several weeks.

You can see the full Orlando Sentinel Voting Guide HERE.

Kamia Brown

WEBSITE: www.kamiafororangecounty.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Streamlining permitting services/delays - Lengthy permitting and inspection timelines create unnecessary costs and delays for businesses, so I would support streamlining processes, improving technology systems, increasing accountability, and setting measurable turnaround standards.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Affordable workforce housing and retainment — I support workforce and attainable housing initiatives, stronger workforce development partnerships, and policies that help businesses attract and retain employees. Orange County must create an environment where businesses can grow efficiently while residents can continue to afford to live and work here.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Transportation and infrastructure improvements -- Transportation congestion and infrastructure demands also continue to impact economic growth, which is why I support strategic investments in roads, mobility, and long-term infrastructure planning that keeps pace with development.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I’m running for Orange County Commission because I believe our community deserves leadership that is accessible, accountable, and focused on delivering real results. As our county continues to grow, we need someone who can balance economic opportunity with protecting the neighborhoods, natural resources, and quality of life that make Orange County a great place to live. My priorities are straightforward: making housing more attainable, improving infrastructure and transportation, supporting small businesses, streamlining the permitting process, and investing in workforce development so residents have access to good-paying careers. I believe every decision should be guided by what’s best for our community, not by politics or special interests. What sets me apart is my commitment to listening to residents and bringing people together to solve problems. I understand that county government works best when it is transparent, fiscally responsible, and responsive to the people it serves. I would be honored to earn your support and the opportunity to be a commissioner who leads with integrity, works collaboratively, and delivers meaningful results for every resident of District 2.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? One of my top priorities is making Orange County more affordable for working families, young professionals, seniors, and longtime residents. I support expanding affordable and workforce housing by encouraging development near jobs and transit while partnering with responsible developers to create more attainable housing opportunities. We need smart, community-focused solutions that help people live where they work and build a stronger, more inclusive Orange County.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I will vote no on slashing property taxes. Property taxes provide a significant portion of the funding that Orange County relies on to deliver essential services, from public safety and transportation to parks, libraries, and programs that support families and seniors. If that revenue were no longer available, we would need to have an honest, community-driven conversation about how to responsibly fund those services without leaving residents behind. My first priority would be making sure every taxpayer dollar is being spent wisely. We should regularly evaluate county programs, eliminate waste and duplication where it exists, and ensure our investments are producing meaningful results for the people we serve. At the same time, we must diversify our local economy by supporting small businesses, attracting quality jobs, and encouraging responsible economic development that grows our tax base without sacrificing our quality of life. We should also maximize opportunities to secure state and federal funding, strengthen public-private partnerships where appropriate, and explore innovative funding solutions that don’t place an unfair burden on working families. Any significant change to how Orange County is funded should be guided by transparency, public input, and a commitment to equity. As County Commissioner, I will always work to protect the services our residents depend on while ensuring our county remains fiscally responsible, sustainable, and a place where every family has the opportunity to thrive.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida families are already paying too much for electricity, and we can’t let growing demand from large data centers drive those costs even higher. I believe the biggest energy users should pay their fair share instead of passing those costs on to homeowners and small businesses. Our utility regulators should put consumers first by demanding transparency, carefully reviewing major projects, and making sure any new investments actually benefit Floridians. We can support economic growth while still protecting working families from higher utility bills.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? I believe one of the biggest environmental challenges we face is managing growth responsibly while protecting the natural resources that make Florida unique. We have to safeguard our wetlands, waterways, and wildlife corridors because they’re essential to our quality of life, our economy, and our resilience during storms. That means making smart infrastructure investments, holding developers accountable, and ensuring growth doesn’t come at the expense of clean water and healthy communities. We can protect our environment while still supporting thoughtful economic development.

Mike Crabb

WEBSITE: ilikemikecrabb.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Public Safety- Champion Quality of Life by ensuring public safety is a priority.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Infrastructure- Prioritize critical infrastructure projects, including water, wastewater, stormwater systems, and transitioning homes near the Wekiva Basin off septic tanks. Also, target roadway capacity for widening key lanes and improving highly congested intersections.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Economic Affordability - Reduce wasteful spending and focus county tax dollars on essential duties—public safety and infrastructure. Create a business-friendly climate that will attract businesses with high-paying private sector jobs.

Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? My entire adult life has been dedicated to protecting and serving the residents and visitors of Orange County. This is where I plan to retire and I want Orange County to be as great in the future for everyone. This decision to run is not to start a political career; it’s about correcting some directions that I believe are off. I’m also running because I believe we need principled leadership and service-minded leaders. A 39-year marriage to Pamela, who is the Principal at a West Orange elementary school, and a 30-year career serve as powerful proxies for reliability, loyalty, and ethical stability—qualities I would bring to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners.

As the owner of The Shirt Shop USA in downtown Ocoee, I understand what it takes to balance a budget, meet a payroll, and manage a team. I carry that same responsibility into my role at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, where I manage personnel and section budget. Balance sheets, leading teams through life-and-death decisions, and managing complex public expectations have prepared me to hit the ground running. I bring a robust blend of private-sector business sense and public-safety leadership needed to serve as a County Commissioner.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? My solution starts with fiscal responsibility. First, we will audit the county’s bloated budget to eliminate waste and redirect tax dollars back to core priorities: public safety and infrastructure. By streamlining government and capturing the organic revenue growth of a booming local economy, we can actually lower the tax burden on everyday citizens. Finally, we will build a business-friendly climate that attracts high-paying, private-sector jobs so local families can thrive, not just survive.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I believe in a stable, conservative approach to property taxes and do not support disproportionately hiking commercial property taxes to offset residential gaps, as doing so harms job creation and small business growth. If residential property tax revenues drop, the county should prioritize balancing its bloated budget through rigorous audits, eliminating internal inefficiencies and prioritizing public safety and infrastructure.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? The recently signed Senate Bill 484 addresses the core of this issue. By prohibiting utility companies from shifting the high electricity and infrastructure costs of data centers onto residential and small business customers, this legislation safeguards everyday Floridians from unfair rate hikes. It ensures that large-scale energy consumers pay their fair share, effectively protecting local families and small businesses.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? In Orange County, our most urgent priority must be funding critical infrastructure projects, specifically our water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. For District 2 in particular, a vital environmental and public health necessity is developing a viable plan to transition homes near the Wekiva Basin off septic tanks and onto centralized sewer systems.

Wes Hodge

WEBSITE: www.weshodgeoc.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Affordability is the top issue our residents are asking me to address. I have already done work to address our affordability crisis. As a member of the District 5 staff, I assisted Commissioner Emily Bonilla in drafting the 2022 Rent Stabilization ballot measure. The measure passed with nearly 60% support from Orange County voters, demonstrating our community’s desire for urgent action on housing affordability. This was never meant to be a permanent solution. It was intended to give renters a financial reprieve for 2-3 years while the rental market stabilized.

I support Orange County taking a more active role in creating housing opportunities, including public ownership and development of affordable and workforce housing. The reality is that one of the largest costs in housing development is land acquisition. Orange County holds a significant amount of land, and we should be exploring innovative ways to leverage that land to increase housing supply while maximizing public benefit. I believe we need to think more creatively about how we use county-owned property. For example, when constructing new facilities such as fire stations, community centers, or administrative buildings, we should evaluate opportunities to incorporate housing into those projects.

Around downtown and along transit corridors, county-owned parcels could support mixed-use developments that combine housing, parking, public services, and commercial space. By utilizing land the county already owns, we can significantly reduce development costs and create more attainable housing options for residents. I would support public-private partnerships to manage these communities, allowing the county to leverage private sector expertise while maintaining public goals around affordability and long-term community benefit. I strongly believe mixed-use, mixed-income communities produce the best outcomes for residents. They create opportunities for economic mobility, access to jobs, and stronger connections. Concentrating poverty through exclusively low-income housing developments has too often failed to deliver a positive outcome.

By creating communities that include a range of housing types and income levels, we can build better outcomes. We must also be intentional about where we build housing. New residential development should be located on or near multimodal transportation corridors, including bus rapid transit, SunRail, and other transit investments. Connecting housing to transportation reduces household costs, decreases traffic congestion, lowers emissions, improves air quality, and expands access to employment and educational opportunities. Housing and transportation planning must go hand in hand to create an affordable and prosperous Orange County.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: The second biggest complaint I hear about is traffic. I believe we need to rethink how we fund and prioritize transportation investments. For too long, our residents have carried the costs of maintaining and expanding infrastructure that is heavily utilized by both residents and tourists.

Orange County has a shadow population of more than 220,000 tourists each day who use our roads and transit options, yet we as residents bear a disproportionate share of the burden for addressing these traffic needs. We should be working aggressively with our state partners to secure a fairer return on the gas tax dollars generated in Orange County while also ensuring that our local tourism economy contributes more directly to transportation solutions.

I believe we should pursue a more aggressive use of our Tourist Development Tax revenues and maximize opportunities to leverage the Orange County Convention Center as a transportation hub. We need our tourism industry to support transportation investments that benefit both visitors and residents. The continued success of our tourism economy depends on a transportation system that moves people efficiently, and tourism should help pay for the impacts it creates. We are currently losing hundreds of millions of dollars from the World Cup because we have such inadequate mass transit options. I support investing in a multimodal transportation network that gives residents real alternatives to sitting in traffic. That includes expanding and improving bus service, advancing bus rapid transit projects, supporting SunRail expansion, improving pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, and creating better connections between where people live, work, and play.

This has been proposed by Sunrise Movement Orlando and their STAR plan. Transportation planning needs to focus on moving people, not simply adding more pavement. Expanding reliable transit options reduces transportation costs. Affordability and transportation are directly linked to each other. By reducing car dependency, we can improve quality of life while creating a transportation system for the future which makes it more affordable for our residents. Orange County must better align transportation investments by and for tourists. By leveraging our TDT dollars, advocating for a fair share of gas tax funding, and investing in modern transit solutions, we can build a world-class system that works for residents, tourists, and businesses alike.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: The third issue I am most frequently asked to address is unmanaged growth and sprawl. Addressing sprawl starts with respecting the will of Orange County voters and recognizing that our natural lands, rural communities, and agricultural areas are among our most valuable assets.

I will adamantly defend the voter-approved Rural Boundary, which serves as an important tool for protecting our critical wetlands, wildlife habitat, water resources, agricultural lands, and the overall quality of life that makes Orange County a desirable place to live. These areas serve as runoff and recharge areas for our stormwater. Hurricane Ian showed us in a very dramatic and expensive manner that we cannot continue mitigating and filling in wetlands for growth. I believe we must respect our rural settlements and ensure that growth does not undermine the character and history of these communities. Residents who chose to live in rural Orange County should not have to worry that unchecked development will fundamentally alter their communities or place additional strain on roads, infrastructure, and environmental resources.

Orange County made a commitment to protect these communities in the 1990s, it is our job to honor that commitment. Smart growth means focusing development where our infrastructure already exists. Keeping residents closer to jobs, services, and transportation options are essential for long-term community success and sustainability. Encouraging infill development and redevelopment within our Urban Service Area reduces the pressure to expand outward into environmentally sensitive lands and agricultural areas. I am hopeful for the expiration of Senate Bill 180 in 2027 and the opportunity to fully implement the goals and policies of Vision 2050.

Vision 2050 represents years of community input for our new comprehensive plan and provides a roadmap for managing growth in a way that balances economic opportunity, environmental protection, transportation planning, and quality of life. Vision 2050 provides the County with the ability to develop mixed-use projects around targeted growth sectors. For this to succeed, Orange County needs to adopt a long-term transit plan which adequately meshes well with Vision 2050. We all know that the growth is seemingly inevitable, but sprawl is a choice we make. By defending the Rural Boundary, protecting rural settlements, focusing development within existing growth areas, and implementing Vision 2050, we can accommodate these new residents in a responsible manner while preserving the environmental and community assets that make Orange County special.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I bring a strong record of public service through my work as Chief of Staff to Orange County Commissioners Mayra Uribe and Dr. Kelly Martinez Semrad. In these leadership roles, I have been deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of county government while helping to shape long-term policy priorities that impact residents across Orange County. I have written and advanced numerous policies and proposed legislation addressing critical issues such as the Tourist Development Tax, housing affordability, immigration, transportation, and improvements to the county’s permitting processes. My work reflects a consistent focus on affordability, expanding transportation options, and combating urban sprawl. I have supported efforts to increase housing access and reduce cost burdens for families, while advocating for the use of TDT funding for transportation projects. I have worked to ensure that TDT dollars are more clearly accounted for and used to address our community priorities. I have also worked to bring community partners and county government together to address community issues as small as permitting to concerns as impactful as immigration. We must demand a commitment to efficiency, fairness, and transparency in local government. Through collaboration with community stakeholders, industry leaders, and public officials, I have built a reputation for delivering practical, results-driven solutions that strengthen communities and improve quality of life.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Please see the answer above listed as my top priority.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? NO. I strongly oppose efforts to eliminate or dramatically reduce property taxes because of the impact it would have on the essential services residents rely on every day. Property taxes fund public safety, corrections, parks, libraries, roads, stormwater management, code enforcement, animal services, mosquito control, and other services that keep our communities safe, attractive, and desirable. These investments directly contribute to quality of life and help maintain property values.

It is also important to acknowledge that renters are unlikely to see any meaningful benefit from this proposal. Instead, if local governments are forced to replace lost revenue through higher sales taxes, fees, or service cuts, renters could end up paying more while receiving no direct tax relief. Sales taxes are particularly concerning because they are regressive, placing a greater burden on those who can least afford it. Working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and lower-income residents spend a larger share of their income on taxable goods and services, meaning they would likely bear a disproportionate share of the cost.

Before voters consider a proposal of this magnitude, they deserve a clear understanding of how property tax dollars are used and an honest explanation of how billions in lost revenue would be replaced. My focus will be on improving transparency, accountability, and government efficiency. We should not be creating dramatic budget shortfalls that lead to higher costs or reduced services for Orange County residents to address minor inefficiencies.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Utility costs are already rising. The rapid growth of energy-intensive data centers across the country threatens to place even greater strain on our aquifer and electrical grid. Unfortunately, I have little confidence that Florida’s utility regulators will adequately protect our communities. Time and again, the commissions responsible for oversight have forced residents and small businesses bear the burden. Too often, these commissions are composed of political appointees from the very industries they are charged with regulating. Local governments must be proactive. Counties should use the tools available to them, including comprehensive planning, future land use designations, zoning, and the development review committee, to ensure data centers do not undermine community interests. I support the full ban on mega data centers in Orange County. We simply do not have the land, water, or capacity in the power grid to support them. We must also remain vigilant against efforts by special interests to attack local decision-making through preemption. I fully support Home Rule. The people of Florida should not be forced to subsidize corporate profits through higher utility bills and environmental destruction.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? The biggest environmental issue Orange County must address is unmanaged urban sprawl. For too long, Orange County’s growth has been measured by how quickly our cities and county can approve new development rather than how responsibly we can build communities that protect our natural resources, reduce infrastructure costs, and preserve our quality of life. As a County Commissioner, I will defend the voter-approved rural boundary and protect our rural settlements as critical tools for managing growth. These areas are not simply vacant land waiting for development. They provide flood protection, protect wetlands and wildlife habitat, support agriculture, preserve water resources, and help maintain the natural systems that make our communities more resilient to climate change. Orange County must prioritize smart growth by incentivizing infill development, revitalizing existing communities, and supporting greater density where infrastructure already exists.

I will also work to establish stronger legal protections for our conservation and mitigation lands. We cannot be using taxpayer money to purchase preservation lands and watch them be easily repurposed for toll roads that undermine the public investments made to protect them. Conservation investments must be defended.

George Oliver III

WEBSITE: georgeoliver3rd.com/

Mr. Oliver did not respond to requests from Vox Populi or the Orlando Sentinel.

Marsha Summersill

WEBSITE: https://www.marshaforflorida.com/

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Housing Affordability and Cost of Living. Too many working families can no longer afford to live in the communities they helped build. As someone who spent nearly two decades working with children and families in crisis, I’ve seen how housing instability affects every part of a family’s life. I’ll support expanding affordable and workforce housing, encourage responsible development that includes infrastructure, preserve existing affordable housing, and ensure growth benefits the people who already call Orange County home.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Protecting Our Environment and Quality of Life. Our clean water, wetlands, parks, and natural spaces are part of what makes Orange County special. I’ll support responsible growth that protects our drinking water, conserves environmentally sensitive lands, strengthens stormwater infrastructure, and increases resilience to flooding and severe weather. We don’t have to choose between economic growth and environmental stewardship; we can and must do both.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Transportation and Infrastructure. Families deserve to spend more time at home and less time sitting in traffic. I’ll advocate for smart investments in roads, transit, sidewalks, and intersection improvements while making sure new development pays its fair share through impact fees. Transportation planning must keep pace with growth so we build communities that are connected, safe, and economically competitive.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I’ve dedicated my career to protecting children and helping families navigate some of the hardest moments of their lives. I served as a child abuse investigator, attorney, and advocate, always putting people before politics. My decision to run is personal. When my brother lost his health insurance after becoming seriously ill, I saw firsthand how systems can fail good people. Losing him strengthened my commitment to public service. I’ll bring that same compassion, legal experience, and determination to the Orange County Commission, where every decision should put working families first.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability starts with housing, but it also means addressing transportation costs, utility bills, wages, and access to opportunity. At the county level, I’ll work to increase the supply of affordable and workforce housing, require growth to pay for the infrastructure it demands, support small businesses and good-paying jobs, and invest in transportation options that reduce commuting costs. Families shouldn’t have to leave Orange County because they can no longer afford to live here.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I support providing meaningful tax relief to homeowners, but I do not support a constitutional amendment that would dramatically reduce the primary source of funding for local governments without a realistic plan to replace it. Property taxes pay for essential services that families rely on every day, including law enforcement, fire rescue, parks, libraries, transportation, and infrastructure. Slashing that revenue would likely mean higher fees, cuts to critical services, or shifting the tax burden elsewhere. Instead of making promises that jeopardize local services, I support targeted tax relief, responsible budgeting, government efficiency, and requiring new growth to pay for the infrastructure it creates through appropriate impact fees, not asking existing residents to make up the difference.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Rising utility bills are putting even more pressure on families who are already struggling with the cost of housing, groceries, and insurance. Utility regulators should ensure those creating the greatest demand pay their fair share of infrastructure costs, while continuing to invest in a more reliable, efficient electric grid. We can support economic growth without shifting higher costs onto working families, and that balance should always be our priority.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Rising utility bills are putting even more pressure on families who are already struggling with the cost of housing, groceries, and insurance. Utility regulators should ensure those creating the greatest demand pay their fair share of infrastructure costs, while continuing to invest in a more reliable, efficient electric grid. We can support economic growth without shifting higher costs onto working families, and that balance should always be our priority.

The Cabinet meeting, the 13th such gathering of Trump's second term, came just three months before the November midterm elections that could serve as a check on his power if Democrats take control of one or both chambers of Congress. His warnings about Spain echoed language he used ahead of the 2018 midterms, when he warned of caravans of migrants headed to the southern U.S. border.

“You know, I saw Spain yesterday, and I watched the catastrophe that took place. It looks like an invasion of a country by hundreds of thousands of people,” Trump said. “And that same thing is going to happen to us if the Republicans don’t get elected. Except worse, much bigger.”

Some 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain’s tiny Ceuta territory over the past 24 hours. Roughly half of them have already made their way back voluntarily, according to the Spanish government, but at least 57 have died on the journey.

Separately, he deflected blame for a series of cyberattacks that targeted 30 water systems in Minnesota on the state’s “grossly incompetent” Democratic leadership. Officials have not publicly identified who was behind the attacks, though the FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and other agencies warned in an advisory last week that Iranian hackers have been targeting water and wastewater systems and the operational controls of other critical infrastructure sectors.

“They blame it on Iran,” Trump said, without offering evidence. “I don’t think so. I think I blame it on Minnesota because they’re grossly incompetent.”

The president regularly convenes his Cabinet throughout his terms as a setting to promote his administration's policies while fielding questions on the news of the day, but what made Friday's unusual was that it was at Camp David, the government-owned retreat nestled in Maryland's Catoctin Mountains where Trump held one Cabinet meeting during his first term.

Trump began the meeting by noting it was “something very unique.” The White House called it the first-ever televised Cabinet meeting from the presidential retreat.

“It's Camp David, and this room is a very, very special room,” Trump said.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were among the Cabinet officials who spoke before Trump took questions from journalists. The public portion of the meeting ended after about an hour.

Trump fields questions on Iran, Hamas deal and Blanche confirmation

In the lengthy question-and-answer session, Trump commented on the latest developments regarding the war in Iran and a deal he announced Thursday that would lead to the disarmament of the Palestinian group Hamas. He also lamented that a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund to compensate his allies was “dead” and appeared to back off a pledge he made earlier this month to grant Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot air defense systems.

“I don’t think this would ever happen, but, you know, there’s people that, you give that technology, they can someday turn on you,” Trump added. “You look at war, that’s happened a couple of times over the years, right? So we have to be very careful.”

On the Hamas agreement, Trump acknowledged that the agreement that would also lead to Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza will have “ups and downs.” Still, he called it a “great breakthrough” that has been helped along by the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran, which has served as Hamas’ prime backer.

Trump also remarked on the anti-weaponization fund that is holding up the confirmation of Todd Blanche as his attorney general, saying the pot of money is “dead” and that “I wish it weren't, to be honest with you.”

The president continued to defend the people who could potentially benefit from the fund, mainly those who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, to stop the certification of Democrat Joe Biden's victory over him.

“Their families have been ruined,” Trump said. Those people “wanted to go to a rally or an event and ended up spending the rest of their lives in horror.”

Trump said Blanche has been a “pawn in this whole thing.” Blanche, who was present, did not speak in the public portion of the Cabinet meeting.

Camp David has been a retreat for presidents since FDR

The camp’s primary purpose is to provide presidents a place to rest, relax and recharge. It was established in 1942 during Franklin Roosevelt's presidency and has been used by every president since.

Roosevelt had enjoyed relaxing aboard a presidential yacht, but the military and the U.S. Secret Service began to worry about his safety on open water during World War II. As a result, Roosevelt asked the National Park Service to find sites within 100 miles (160 kilometers) of the White House that he could use for rest.

He chose what is now known as Camp David. He gave it the original name of Shangri-La, from James Hilton’s novel “Lost Horizon.” President Dwight Eisenhower renamed it Camp David, after his grandson and father.

Trump spent more weekends at the retreat in his first term but has visited sparingly in his second, most recently in June for Father’s Day.

In 2019, during his first term, Trump announced on social media that he had canceled a secret weekend meeting at Camp David with Taliban and Afghanistan leaders — scheduled for just days before the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks — after a bombing in the capital of Kabul killed a dozen people, including a U.S. soldier.

Presidents throughout history have turned to Camp David when they needed security and privacy for sensitive diplomatic talks with foreign leaders. Jimmy Carter took the leaders of Egypt and Israel there in 1978 for talks that produced the Camp David Accords, a peace agreement between the two countries.

The 180-acre (73-hectare) retreat, which is run by the Navy and guarded by Marines, has a cabin named Aspen that’s reserved for the president, plus about a dozen other cabins for guests. A main lodge has conference rooms, a dining room and an office for the president.

___

Superville and Kim reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Collin Binkley, Will Weissert and Aamer Madhani contributed to this report from Washington.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Orange County Commission District 7

Orange County’s commissioners are elected in nonpartisan races, which means all voters can vote in the election, regardless of party affiliation.

Since there are 13 candidates in the race, the top vote-getter must get more than 50% of the vote (50%+1) in order to win outright. Otherwise, the top two candidates will go to a runoff in November.

The county added two new commission seats for the 2026 election, which means the districts the commissioners represent have changed.

County Commission District 7 encompasses part of North Central Orange County, including the areas of Rosemont, Pine Hills, Eatonville and the Ocoee area. You can see a map of the area HERE.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our partners at the Orlando Sentinel compiled the candidate responses for the Commission District 7 race, emailing and calling the candidates over several weeks.

You can see the full Orlando Sentinel Voting Guide HERE.

Selina Carter

WEBSITE: www.selinacarter.com/

Ms. Carter did not respond to the questionnaire.

Shannon Currie

WEBSITE: shannoncurrie.com/

Ms. Currie did not respond to the questionnaire.

Nate Douglas

WEBSITE: www.natefororange.com/

Mr. Douglas did not respond to the questionnaire.

Shakaya “Kay” Filmore

WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587267963414#

Mr. Filmore did not respond to the questionnaire.

Angie Gardner

WEBSITE: www.angiegardner.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Housing attainability: Knowing which housing models would actually work and would be sustainable is important; so, I would expect studies to be done. I would address it with the following;

1. Housing innovation such as Finland’s model (scaffolded approach from simple “shelter” to “permanent housing - with access to health services.
2. Common/Co-op housing would empower residents to purchase/renovate the units they currently occupy if/when the owner is ready to walk away from it. When the owner is tired of code violations and regular maintenance/upkeep, the multi-unit structure would be purchased (by qualified residents) through private/public partnerships and only in the right circumstances. Qualified residents would have to earn a spot through sweat equity.
3. Land trusts (allow residents to earn equity by purchasing the improvements, provide a safety net to help reduce foreclosures and provide other support.)
4. Collaborative housing is another idea that I would like to explore. This model would appeal to residents that enjoy sharing common spaces. It would reduce the carbon footprint and provide more “togetherness” for those that would otherwise be lonely. Similar to most senior living.
5. Orange County’s “Housing for All” includes parameters for homeowners to build ADUs. If every homeowner that could would build a separate unit and rent at a reduced rate, this would help greatly with the housing need.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Safety must always be considered.

1. Right now, there seems to be an increase in teen gatherings that have caused quite a bit of disturbance. The teens are restless and this must be addressed now - before it continues to get out of hand. I would work with the Sheriff’s department to enhance the community policing division. Perhaps having a student-led task force would assist with a generation of fresh ideas. Expansion of youth-organized sports teams, building relationships through understanding, getting parents involved (via accountability or education).
2. E-Mobility mandates will be needed. Those that are responsible users won’t feel the pain; however, those that are modifying e-bikes to the point of lawlessness must be met with harsher regulatory penalties. One way to address this would be to require registration with a QR code that informs officers about the original factory make/model so that they know if the device has been modified. If so, then the bike is confiscated, parents are notified, warnings are issued or fines are assessed. Deaths are occurring, so this must be addressed.
3. Additionally, with the sheer increase of housing, safety measures must continue to be considered. When it comes to housing and residents, emergency preparedness training and cohorts would assist with smaller safety issues so that 9-1-1 isn’t always the first call. With proper training and knowing what to expect, residents can foil larger emergency situations. I would infuse safety tips, strategies, and training in any communication piece and/or setting. This is quick, easy, and implementable element.

Note: With all of these ideas, there will require some adjustment to public safety numbers: Personnel, equipment, intel, and funding.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Healthcare must continue to be addressed. Orange County is doing a great job utilizing the skilled human resources that already exist, as well as partnerships with the surrounding healthcare partners, to which….

1.  I would advocate for a larger facility that would allow services and personnel to be in one location. This allows for a better patient flow.
2. It would be necessary to create some sort of payment system for those that can pay ‘something.’ This would mean that those being serviced will have to verify their income. This is not to prevent services, but it will create some sort of “payment-reference scale” from which to assess a co-pay.
3. The procurement of an electronic record system will be needed to help capture patient data in a cohesive manner. The current system is part and partial.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? As former Mayor of Eatonville, I had to address challenges caused by several decades of “decision-making” and was able to begin a turnaround for the town. Seniors received transportation, Catalina Park received bathrooms and a P.A.L. Clubhouse, Stormwater/Sewer lines are being replaced, drinking water lines are being upgraded (CRA initiative), master planning initiative was completed, and well-respected partnerships have been created. Not to mention nearly $6m in funding for housing and land purchase. (This was held up because two parcels of land were sold to private individuals). I would like to continue doing the right work, but for a larger group of residents who would benefit from a leader who knows that every “Story Matters.” This is a non-partisan race, so everyone is a “priority” and every issue must be considered, regardless of political affiliations/groups.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Within this document, affordability for housing has been addressed. Healthcare has been touched on, but:

1. I would like to also add the importance of job creation through small business initiatives. Currently, Orange County has initiatives in place, however, it seems that more small business owners would benefit from these services. I would create a consistent communication tool for small business owners and entrepreneurs. By growing small businesses, you create jobs and training programs. More jobs and better training will allow residents to have more living choices. The increase of choices will help the market pattern, especially for the lower-income residents. Landlords will be forced to offer “better” living conditions. An improvement of living conditions will attract many to stay where they are and not be so attracted to join the “urban sprawl.”
2. Healthcare options that can be considered would be using “local choice” programs to purchase insurance-like coverage for low-income and/or underinsured residents. Another option would be direct primary care programs, which would allow patients to pay a monthly subscription fee directly to healthcare providers. This may help to lower costs for underinsured residents. Specific parameters for these programs would have to be hashed out with experts in the field.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Slashing property taxes would be catastrophic without a fail-proof plan to cover the losses. I will vote “No!” Although schools will be exempt and there is discussion surrounding small cities and towns being able to “apply” for funding from the state, my position remains the same.

1. Small towns having to ‘apply’ for funding from the state circumvents the spirit of home-rules. Small towns and cities will have to “skin and grin” with the governor in order to ensure yearly operating payments. This shifts the idea of ‘representation’ from residents to the state.
2. Public Safety: The current response time for emergency vehicles is sometimes concerning. What happens if funding is slashed?
3. Which government services would need to be cut first? Housing for All, senior and youth programs, foster services contract? Many services that keep people safe, aside from public safety services, will be in limbo.
4. Maintenance of parks and other facilities may lose priority. 

Replacement of lost revenue would be seen in the form of;

1. Sales tax initiatives
2. Increased user fees: Permitting, recording documents, court fees, public facilities (park usage), fines assessed.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Orange County is considering a utility fee for its customers. If passed, the fee should be commiserated with the amount of usage. Florida’s utility regulators must ensure that data centers shoulder their fair share but also help them to create mitigation projects; because even if they ‘pay’ fairly for their usage, they could never pay for the ultimate damage to the environment.

Other ways Florida’s utility regulators should respond is to work with residents and other entities to also reduce usage and assist with maintenance tips that will utilize services more efficiently.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? There are many “environments” that must be considered. Safety, economic, etc. They all would be enhanced if we do not ignore the destruction of the natural environment, conservation lands/green spaces, to make way for development. I completely understand that development is necessary, however, more effort has to be given to pre-planning that involves green space and saving natural habitats. Once these are gone, there is no more green space. There has to be a shared responsibility between developers, government, and residents. Ultimately, developers won’t build if residents say that they won’t buy and businesses don’t relocate to these affected areas. It is a very delicate balance. More thought must be put into future planning. The market sets the pace. Neither entity can be demonized but education can be a catalyst to better understanding.

Deidre Graybill

WEBSITE: vote4graybill.com/home

Ms. Graybill did not respond to the questionnaire.

Rasheeda Doris Jones

WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/RasheedaDJonesforcountycommisionerdistrict7/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: The rising cost of housing is making it difficult for working families, seniors, and young professionals to remain in District 7. I will support workforce and affordable housing initiatives, encourage responsible development, and ensure county resources are being used effectively to expand housing options while protecting existing residents from displacement.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Residents deserve safe neighborhoods and reliable infrastructure. I will prioritize investments in sidewalks, street lighting, drainage improvements, road maintenance, and pedestrian safety. I will also support partnerships between law enforcement, firefighters, community organizations, and residents to improve public safety and quality of life.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: As an educator, I understand the importance of creating pathways to success. I will support workforce development, small business growth, job training programs, and youth mentorship opportunities that prepare residents for high-demand careers and strengthen our local economy.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I deserve to be elected because I have spent my life serving the people of District 7, not from behind a desk, but in classrooms, churches, neighborhoods, and community organizations. As an educator for more than 20 years, a mentor, and the founder of a program that empowers young women, I understand the challenges families face because I work with them every day. I am not a career politician. I am a community leader who listens, builds relationships, and solves problems. I will bring a fresh perspective, transparency, and a commitment to putting residents first as we address housing affordability, public safety, economic opportunity, and the overall quality of life in District 7.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? As a teacher, I understand the affordability crisis not just as a candidate, but as someone living it every day. Like many working families in Orange County, I have felt the impact of rising housing costs, increasing insurance premiums, higher grocery prices, and the growing cost of everyday necessities. I am also the mother of two children in college, so I understand firsthand the financial pressures families face while trying to provide opportunities for their children and build a secure future. As County Commissioner, I will prioritize expanding workforce and affordable housing so that teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, and other essential employees can afford to live in the communities they serve. I support responsible growth that includes housing options for working families and protects longtime residents from being priced out of their neighborhoods. I will also focus on economic opportunity by supporting workforce development, small business growth, and career training programs that help residents access better-paying jobs. Additionally, I will advocate for responsible budgeting, improved transportation options, and county programs that help reduce financial burdens on families and seniors. Affordability is personal to me. I understand the difficult choices many families are making because I face many of the same challenges. That perspective will guide my decisions as I work to ensure Orange County remains a place where working families can live, work, and thrive.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I understand the frustration many homeowners feel about rising property taxes. As a teacher and a mother of two children in college, I feel the impact of rising costs myself. However, I am concerned that dramatically reducing property tax revenue without a clear replacement plan could lead to cuts in public safety, transportation, parks, libraries, and other essential county services that families rely on. I support targeted tax relief for seniors, working families, and homeowners, but I do not support shifting the burden through higher fees or reduced services.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Utility costs are becoming a growing burden on Florida families, especially seniors, working families, and those living on fixed incomes. As a teacher and a mother of two children in college, I understand how rising monthly bills can strain a household budget. Florida’s utility regulators must ensure that residential customers are not unfairly burdened with the costs of large-scale infrastructure projects, including data centers. Companies that place significant demands on the power grid should pay their fair share of the costs associated with expanding and maintaining that infrastructure. Regulators should increase transparency in the rate-setting process, carefully scrutinize utility rate increase requests, and prioritize investments in energy efficiency and grid modernization that can help reduce long-term costs. They should also encourage innovation and diversification of energy sources to promote reliability and affordability. Florida’s economic growth is important, but it should not come at the expense of residents who are already struggling with the rising cost of living. The goal should be a balanced approach that supports growth while protecting consumers from unnecessary rate increases.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? I believe one of the biggest environmental issues Florida must address is the impact of rapid growth on our natural resources, particularly water quality, flooding, and sustainable development. As our population continues to grow, we must ensure that development is balanced with environmental stewardship so that we protect our lakes, wetlands, green spaces, and drinking water for future generations. In Orange County, many residents are also concerned about flooding, stormwater management, and aging infrastructure. We need to invest in resilient infrastructure, improve drainage systems, protect conservation areas, and ensure that new development does not place additional burdens on existing communities. I support responsible growth that includes environmental protections, smart land-use planning, and investments in clean water initiatives. Protecting our environment is not just about preserving natural resources—it is about protecting public health, property values, quality of life, and the future of our communities. As a teacher and community leader, I believe we have a responsibility to leave Florida better for the next generation than we found it.

Gloria C. Joyner

WEBSITE: vote4joyner.com/

Aaron Emmanuel Lewis

WEBSITE: voteaaronlewis.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Number 1 issue is Housing. Working families are being priced out of the neighborhoods they helped build. My priority is to keep people housed while expanding permanently affordable housing. I will strengthen the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, establish Community Land Trusts so homes remain affordable for generations, invest in eviction diversion to prevent displacement before it starts, and support the development of workforce and missing middle housing. I’ve already drafted an affordable housing ordinance that’s ready to move forward on day one because families can’t afford to wait for action.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: After Housing, my number 2 issue is Public Transit. A job you can’t reach isn’t a real opportunity. Too many District 7 residents lose hours every week because public transit is unreliable or doesn’t go where they need it to. I fully support the STAR plan because our region needs a modern, connected transit system that grows with us, not one that’s constantly playing catch-up. I will fight to expand LYNX service on the routes people actually depend on, advance the long-term SunRail vision, and secure dedicated, sustainable funding so we can stop starving transit and start treating it like the essential infrastructure it is. Just as importantly, every rider deserves a safe, accessible place to wait. I will push to ensure every bus stop is ADA compliant and equipped with benches, lighting, and shelters so seniors, people with disabilities, families, and workers aren’t left standing in the Florida sun or rain.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: My 3rd issue is Economic Mobility. Too many residents work full time and still can’t get ahead. I will use the county’s buying power through Community Wealth Building by directing procurement and local hiring toward businesses that invest in Orange County workers. I’ll partner with labor unions, employers, and our educational institutions to expand apprenticeship and skilled trades opportunities, creating clear pathways into livable wage careers that don’t require a four-year degree. I’ll also strengthen support for small businesses and entrepreneurs because local businesses create local wealth. My philosophy is that prosperity shouldn’t be measured by how much our economy grows; it should be measured by whether the people who keep Orange County running can afford to build a life here.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I believe public office is about service, not status. I’ve spent my career bringing people together, solving complex problems, and fighting for those whose voices too often go unheard. Whether through my work as a nonprofit leader, my military service, or my community advocacy, I’ve learned that the best solutions come from listening first and leading with integrity.

I’m running because I see an Orange County with incredible potential, but too many families are being left behind by rising costs, unreliable transportation, and a lack of economic opportunity. I won’t settle for business as usual. I’ll be an accessible commissioner who shows up, listens, and works every day to deliver results that improve people’s lives. If you want a commissioner who will lead with compassion, think boldly, and never forget who they’re accountable to, I’m asking for your vote.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability isn’t just about the price of groceries. It’s about whether your paycheck is enough to build a stable life. In Orange County, that means tackling the biggest costs families face every month: housing, transportation, and access to good-paying jobs.

I’ll strengthen the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, support Community Land Trusts, expand workforce and missing middle housing, and invest in eviction prevention to help keep families in their homes. I’ll fight for reliable public transit through the STAR plan because every dollar a family can save by not needing another car is money they can put toward rent, childcare, or savings. I’ll also use the county’s purchasing power to support local businesses, expand apprenticeship opportunities with our unions and employers, and ensure county investments create pathways into careers that pay livable wages.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? No. I support giving homeowners real relief, but I won’t support doing it by gutting the services District 7 depends on. Orange County is projected to lose hundreds of millions of dollars over the next two years, and that money pays for things like public transit, health services, homelessness programs, parks, and fire rescue. That’s not savings; it’s shifting the cost somewhere else. Renters don’t get the tax break, but they’ll still end up paying the price through higher fees, reduced services, or both.

The state created this problem without providing a real solution, and I won’t pretend there’s an easy fix. My priority will be protecting the essential services families rely on while fighting for the state to keep its promise to make counties whole. If additional local revenue ever becomes necessary, it should be transparent, approved by voters, and designed to protect working families by exempting essentials like groceries and medicine while ensuring our millions of visitors help shoulder the cost.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida’s utility regulators have one job: protect the public interest. That means making sure the cost of new growth isn’t shifted onto working families. Data centers should pay the full cost of the electricity generation, transmission, water, and infrastructure they require, with enforceable long-term commitments so utilities don’t recover those costs from residential customers if a project scales back or fails to materialize. Florida should welcome innovation and investment, but not by asking families to subsidize some of the wealthiest companies in the world. Regulators should aggressively enforce the laws added to the books, require transparent cost allocation, and reject any proposal that leaves homeowners and small businesses paying higher utility bills so billion-dollar corporations can receive discounted service.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Florida’s biggest environmental challenge is protecting our water. Our aquifer, springs, lakes, and wetlands are under increasing pressure from rapid growth, pollution, and overconsumption. Once these resources are damaged, they become far more expensive, and sometimes impossible, to restore. Protecting our water isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s about public health, responsible growth, and ensuring future generations have access to clean, reliable water.

That means strengthening water conservation, protecting wetlands and recharge areas, reducing pollution from stormwater and runoff, and requiring new development to meet higher environmental standards. We can continue to grow, but growth must be sustainable. If we fail to protect our water now, Floridians will pay the price later through higher utility costs, increased flooding, and the loss of the natural resources that make our state unique.

Zach Moldof

WEBSITE: www.zachfororange.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Transportation. I am working to build a county-owned rideshare app in order to reclaim the hundreds of millions in revenue that we currently lose to Uber and Lyft. Rideshare fares will fund Lynx, which will run vehicles of different sizes on ai optimized smart routes that respond to capacity on demand. Vehicles will be owned and leased to Lynx by residents, providing opportunities for passive income at all scales of our economy.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Housing. We need a more robust system for financing and permitting that is designed to accommodate and assist smaller-scale developments, so that housing in our county can be accelerated by better assisting potential developers who want to build shelter for 1-10. Our current system only works to produce shelter for hundreds or thousands of people at once. As a person who was homeless, I am committed to separating the conversations of homelessness and housing; they are connected, but we need to be able to solve these issues independently and stop conflating the conversations.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Schools. I’m currently preparing a skateboard aftercare and business academy program for OCPS to ensure that education in our community evolves to meet the needs of changing families. We have amazing educators in Florida, and an amazing school board here in Orange County. My intention is to leverage our economy to negotiate better arrangements for OCPS. The state needs our revenue in order to function, and that revenue will become increasingly difficult to obtain if OCPS is not protected from political theatre in Tallahassee.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? For the last 4 years, my nonprofit has been serving District 7, and I have committed myself to serving Orange County. Whether through my role as Vice Chair of the Orange County Transportation Mobility Advisory Commission—where I have advocated that we use transportation to create more jobs and better systems for community safety—or my work in the Capitol building rapport with the republicans who control the transportation committees, I am already leading and serving. I’m asking for the public’s permission to be an official leader employed by the county.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Taking our economy back from big tech one industry at a time. Silicon Valley takes so much from our local economy that there is no longer enough of our local economy left for us to survive! All the technology infrastructure that we rely on daily is owned and operated by corporations that exploit our community with no regard for quality of life. The moment I’m elected is the beginning of the end for Silicon Valley, and the reclamation of our local economy for local benefit.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I started pushing for the county to create a rideshare app last year, because I saw this coming. There is a ton of potential for revenue generation through public technology infrastructure. If we take back all the money that big tech extracts from our economy, it’s enough to replace property tax revenue and never miss it.

I’m voting no because it’s a terrible way to alleviate the burden on residents. If anything, we should eliminate private insurance and convert housing insurance to a public commodity with no profit margin. I may be capable of getting us out of this mess, but I’m still against making the mess worse before I fix it.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? We should commission a robust study on the effects of existing data centers elsewhere in order to properly quantify the long-term effects. Until the study is completed, there should be a moratorium on new data centers and a cap on the utility usage of existing data centers. The study should take at least 2 years to complete.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? We live on some of the richest agricultural land in the world, and our farmers’ markets are selling produce from other continents. Bring back Florida agriculture.

Patricia Rumph

WEBSITE: patriciarumph.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Issue #1: Affordable Housing

Too many working families, seniors, and young people are being priced out of the communities they call home. As your County Commissioner, I will expand affordable and workforce housing by supporting responsible development, streamlining the permitting process, encouraging public-private partnerships, and ensuring Orange County invests in housing that teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, and other working families can actually afford.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Issue #2: Infrastructure and Transportation

Our roads, sidewalks, and transit system must keep pace with Orange County’s growth. I will support smart infrastructure investments, improve traffic safety, expand transportation options, and make sure new development is matched with the infrastructure our communities need.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Issue #3: Public Safety

Public safety is one of the county’s most important responsibilities. Drawing on my decades of experience in public service, including nearly 30 years with the Florida Department of Corrections, I will work with our public safety agencies, invest in violence prevention and youth programs, and support emergency preparedness to help keep our neighborhoods safe.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I have spent decades serving Orange County and have been doing the work long before I became a candidate. As the first and only Orange County Community Ambassador appointed by Mayor Jerry Demings, President of the Pine Hills Community Council, and a longtime public servant with nearly 30 years at the Florida Department of Corrections, I have earned the trust to lead through service. My roots in this community, combined with my experience bringing people together and solving problems, have prepared me to deliver thoughtful, accountable leadership that puts District 7 first.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability is the issue I hear about most from families across District 7. We need more affordable and workforce housing, stronger support for good-paying jobs, and smart investments in public transportation and infrastructure that reduce everyday costs. I will also advocate for policies that protect working families, support small businesses, and ensure Orange County remains a place where teachers, first responders, seniors, and young families can afford to live and succeed.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? NO. I support meaningful tax relief for homeowners, but not if it comes at the expense of the local services our residents depend on. Orange County relies on property tax revenue to fund public safety, parks, roads, libraries, and other essential services. Rather than shifting the burden through higher fees or cutting services, we should focus on responsible budgeting, greater government efficiency, and targeted affordability solutions that help working families without weakening our community’s long-term financial stability. The proposed amendment has raised concerns that it could significantly reduce local government revenue and force difficult budget choices.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida’s utility regulators should put residents first by ensuring families are not forced to subsidize the growing energy demands of large data centers and other high-use industries. We need greater transparency, strong oversight, and investments in modern, reliable energy infrastructure so utility costs remain fair, predictable, and affordable for homeowners and small businesses.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Protecting our water resources is one of the most important environmental challenges facing Florida. As our community grows, we must balance responsible development with conservation by safeguarding our lakes, springs, wetlands, and drinking water, investing in resilient infrastructure, and preserving green spaces. We owe it to future generations to protect the natural resources that make Central Florida a great place to live.

Beryl Thompson-McClary

WEBSITE: www.berylthompsonmcclary.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Affordable Housing and Cost of Living:

Affordability is the biggest challenge facing Orange County families. Housing costs, insurance, utilities, and property taxes continue to rise, while many families’ incomes have not kept pace. My goal is to make Orange County a place where teachers, first responders, seniors, young families, and working professionals can afford to live and thrive.

I will address this by increasing the supply of workforce and attainable housing through faster permitting, supporting Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and encouraging responsible development near jobs and transit. I will advocate for targeted property tax relief for seniors and low- and middle-income homeowners, require new development to pay its fair share through impact fees so existing residents aren’t left with the bill, and improve transportation infrastructure to reduce commuting costs. I will also build partnerships with nonprofit housing organizations and the private sector to create more affordable homeownership opportunities.

My commitment is straightforward: protect taxpayers, spend your money wisely, and make Orange County a place where families can afford to live, work, and build a better future.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Infrastructure:

Orange County is growing rapidly, and if we do not plan wisely, our water quality, flood safety, and quality of life are at risk. Growth must pay its fair share instead of leaving existing residents with higher bills and more flooding, traffic, and pollution.

I will push for infrastructure planning that is tied to realistic population growth and climate realities, so we are not approving large developments without adequate roads, drainage, water, sewer, and public safety services. I will support investments in stormwater systems, green infrastructure, and wetland and aquifer protection to reduce flooding and protect drinking water, and I will hold polluters—not taxpayers—accountable for the cost of environmental damage. I will also advocate for land‑use decisions that protect natural areas and minimize sprawl, which drives up both infrastructure and household costs.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Accountable, Competent Government:

District 7 deserves a county government that delivers results—not excuses. Residents in Maitland, College Park, Pine Hills, Rosemont, Eatonville, Lockhart, and Orlovista have heard promises for years while traffic worsens, flooding projects stall, infrastructure ages, and basic improvements move at a painfully slow pace.

As your County Commissioner, I will insist on clear priorities, realistic timelines, and measurable results for every major project affecting District 7. Taxpayers deserve to know what is being done, how much it costs, and when it will be completed.

For more than 30 years as an attorney, I have held people accountable for keeping their commitments. I will bring that same discipline to county government by asking the hard questions, demanding transparency, and making sure government works for the people—not the bureaucracy.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? District 7 is getting its first County Commissioner. We have one opportunity to set the standard for what this office should be. I believe that standard should be competence, accountability, and results.

I’m not asking people to elect me because I’ve spent 35 years as an attorney. I’m asking for their vote because those 35 years prepared me to do this job well.

I’ve built a career solving difficult problems, negotiating competing interests, reading the fine print, managing budgets, and holding people accountable. Those are the same skills a County Commissioner uses every day when deciding how taxpayer dollars are spent, how growth is managed, and how our communities move forward.

I also understand the realities of this office. The first term is only two years, and much of the first year’s budget will already be in place before the next commissioner is sworn in. That means I’m not going to make promises I can’t keep.

Instead, my first responsibility will be to make sure county government delivers on the promises it has already made. If a road project is years behind schedule, I want to know why. If flooding improvements have stalled, I want to know what’s standing in the way. If taxpayers are investing millions of dollars, they deserve to see measurable results—not endless studies and delayed timelines.

At the same time, I’ll help shape the next county budget and the next generation of priorities so District 7 is positioned for long-term success. Every decision I make will be guided by one question: Will this improve the daily lives of the people who live here?

I’ve called District 7 home for more than 35 years. I know the character of Maitland and College Park. I know the pride of Eatonville. I know the challenges facing Lockhart, Rosemont, Orlo Vista, and Pine Hills. Every community deserves the same attention, the same respect, and the same commitment to results.

I’m not running to be a career politician. I’m running to be a commissioner who does the job well.

When my first two years are over, I don’t want residents talking about me. I want them talking about what got done—projects completed, neighborhoods protected, taxpayer dollars respected, and a county government that kept its word.

That’s the standard I intend to set for District 7.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? First, I will increase the supply of attainable housing by supporting a mix of housing options—including workforce housing, accessory dwelling units where appropriate, and redevelopment of underused commercial properties—while protecting the character of existing neighborhoods. Teachers, firefighters, nurses, law enforcement officers, and young families should be able to live in the communities they serve.

Second, I will make sure county government spends taxpayer dollars wisely. Every dollar we save through greater efficiency is a dollar we don’t have to ask taxpayers to provide. I will carefully review spending, eliminate waste where possible, and focus our budget on core services that residents depend on.

Third, we must invest in infrastructure that saves people both time and money. Better traffic signal synchronization, improved roads, and reliable stormwater systems reduce fuel costs, vehicle repairs, lost productivity, and the financial burden that comes from flooding.

Finally, I will support policies that help create high-paying jobs by encouraging responsible economic development, supporting small businesses, and preparing our workforce for growing industries. The best affordability program is a good-paying job that allows families to build financial security.

Affordability isn’t solved by one policy. It requires responsible budgeting, thoughtful growth, more housing choices, strong infrastructure, and a local government that respects every taxpayer dollar. That is the approach I will bring as your Orange County Commissioner.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I will vote No.

I understand why this amendment is appealing — property taxes in Florida have become a genuine burden, especially for long-term homeowners on fixed incomes watching their assessments climb. That pain is real and I take it seriously.

But slashing property taxes without a credible replacement plan does not solve affordability. It shifts the burden. The services funded by property taxes — schools, emergency response, road maintenance, parks, public health — do not disappear when the revenue does. They either get cut or they get replaced with fees that hit working families harder than the tax relief helped them.

The honest answer is that Florida needs structural reform of how we fund public services — not a ballot amendment that creates a revenue hole and leaves counties to figure out how to fill it through service reductions or regressive fee increases. I will not support a measure that balances budgets on the backs of the residents who can least afford it.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? In Florida, the state Public Service Commission sets the basic utility rates and profit levels, while our local decisions in Orange County determine how expensive it is to serve us—through growth, zoning, and local fees on utility bills. The new state law on AI data centers already requires those facilities to pay their own full cost of service so those expenses aren’t shifted onto families and small businesses. As your county commissioner, I will use our local land‑use and permitting authority to make growth, including data centers, pay its fair share for infrastructure, avoid unnecessary local add‑on fees, and move sensible grid and clean‑energy projects through approval quickly, so we keep power bills as affordable and stable as possible for Orange County residents.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? The biggest environmental issue Florida’s government must address is getting water right—protecting the quality of our rivers, lakes, springs, and drinking water, and reducing flooding made worse by rapid growth and stronger storms. When we allow pollution and pave over wetlands and natural lands, we don’t just harm wildlife; we drive up flooding, insurance, and infrastructure costs for families and small businesses.

As a county commissioner, I will fight for stronger protections for our waterways and wetlands, smarter growth that doesn’t sacrifice natural flood defenses, and investments in stormwater and green infrastructure so we safeguard both our environment and affordability in Orange County.

Vicki Vargo

WEBSITE: votevickivargo.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Public Safety is always my first priority. Currently, District 7, by far, has the highest number of young people between twelve and seventeen years old committing murder. Many of them do not have prior criminal encounters. I consider this situation a crisis. I am participating in State Attorney Monique Worrell’s community collaboration of the Missing Middle, and what can be done to prevent these young people from ending up in her office and saving the lives of the victims and the future of the wrongdoing pre-teen/teenager. As your County Commissioner, I will bring county assets to the table to turn around this tragic situation. I have ideas. However, this forum does not allow for lengthy responses. Public safety and saving lives are my first priority.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Affordable living opportunities are my second priority. One of the reasons for my Number 1 issue is that teenagers are committing crimes to help their mothers pay the family bills. I am looking to expand food giveaway programs to the evenings to support parents who work during the day. There are resources for free food in District 7; however, they are distributed only during the day. I have other ideas.

We need more affordable housing near our largest employers, that is, Orange County Public Schools, Orlando Health, Advent Health, and our tourism/hospitality sector. I do not support doubling impact fees, which would drive up the cost of housing. I have ideas. However, this forum does not allow for lengthy responses.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Transportation is my third priority. Rather than expanding service, Lynx needs to focus on its core routes supporting workers. In District 7, Rosemont has a direct line to Disney World. However, this bus stop has lost service even though it is heavily used by workers. The new Lynx station in Pine Hills also runs infrequently Over 50% of the workers in District 7 work in tourism/hospitality. It takes too long to travel to and from work. Lynx needs to transition to driverless vehicles to save costs and increase service. I support the concept of the City of Orlando’s Waymo driverless system. I have ideas. However, this forum does not allow for lengthy responses.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? My experience is unmatched by the other candidates running for District 7. I am a former Orlando City Commissioner and real estate attorney. I have a track record of getting things done. Constituents do not need to wonder if Vicki Vargo will do what she says on the campaign trail. They can look at my record. Go to www.votevickivargo.com and review my endorsements, accomplishments, and education. I have lived in District 7 for thirty-two years, and Pine Hills has not changed for the better. I am a known change agent and will bring progressive, positive change to our District 7 most challenged neighborhoods while augmenting our affluent communities. I am running to better the lives of my neighbors, and I consider all my constituents my neighbors.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? In addition to my references to affordability above, I would support giving incentives to build townhomes and condominiums, a less expensive form of homeownership. I would also consider tiny homes communities for the homeless, many of whom do not like living in apartment communities.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Regardless of how property tax relief is decided in November, I believe there is excessive spending in Orange County government. I reviewed the first six-month agenda items for 2025 and found the spending interesting. Currently, there are millions of dollars in funded but unfilled positions. Also, as I walk precincts, I am meeting retired Orange County employees who are telling me about various forms of wasteful spending. As an Orlando City Commissioner, I learned the budgeting/accounting software and looked behind Departments’ budgets for wasteful spending. I intend to do the same as your next County Commissioner. I will start here before considering any other financial avenues.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida utility regulators should require data center owners to pay/bond all their own infrastructure, including expanding electrical grids. Even experts anticipate that some data centers will fail. Local governments or utility companies should not be liable for bonds to build and operate these private enterprises. Further, I am concerned that what is now searchable information that is free on the internet will turn into a fee for every single search, thereby pricing out consumers’ access to data. Florida utility regulators must address this issue.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Orange County District 7 has among the worst air quality in Orange County. There are few trees in Pine Hills and other parts of District 7. The Highway 441/John Young Parkway/Old Winter Garden Road corridor is highly industrialized with a lot of freight trucking, warehouses, and manufacturing businesses. Vision 2050 shows the county supporting making the area even more industrial. With the push to build more infill to preserve rural land, this issue will become worse with more consumer/residential traffic. The unspoken consequences of rural preservation/conservation come at the expense of District 7, located in the middle of the county, which is more or less already built out. However, Vision 2050 plans to bring more density and traffic congestion. There must be a balance and plan to offset the consequences. District 7 cannot be expected to suffer the unintended consequences of preserving rural land in other districts.

The S&P 500 rose 0.7% after veering between gains and losses through the day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 324 points, or 0.6%, with an hour remaining in trading, and the Nasdaq composite was 0.9% higher after briefly losing all of an early 1.3% jump.

It's a fitting finish to July for the U.S. stock market, which lurched up and down as oil prices shot higher because of the war with Iran and worries grew about whether Big Tech's massive investments in artificial-intelligence technology will translate into profits and whether chipmaker stocks soared too high in the euphoria around AI.

Amazon led the market with a leap of 15.3% after reporting much stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Its profit more than tripled from a year earlier, thanks in part to an acceleration of growth in its cloud computing business.

Analysts said that could be a signal Amazon’s huge AI investments are paying off, and Amazon increased its forecast for how much it will spend on investments this year.

The stock reaction was similar to what Microsoft got a day before, when it soared to its best day in nearly 18 years on signals that its AI investments may also be yielding higher profits.

Chip companies selling the processors and computer memory that such “hyperscalers” are scrambling to buy swung sharply again on Friday. Micron Technology, for example, went from an early jump of 6.4% to a loss of 6.5% before paring its drop to 4%.

More firmly on the losing end of Wall Street was Apple, which dropped 9.1% despite reporting stronger profit for the latest quarter than expected. Its forecast for growth in the current quarter fell short of expectations, which executives pinned on a supply crunch in components getting vacuumed up in the AI boom.

Also pressuring stocks was another rise in oil prices as uncertainty continues about when the war with Iran will allow crude to flow freely again from the Middle East.

The price for a barrel of Brent crude rose 1.2% to settle at $87.93 after careening between $72 and $102 earlier in July.

Higher oil prices have pushed the cost for a gallon of regular gasoline to an average of nearly $4.11 across the United States, up from $3.85 a month ago, according to AAA. More expensive oil also puts upward pressure on prices for virtually every product that rides on a ship, plane or truck before getting to a customer.

The worries about inflation sent yields in the bond market even higher.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury jumped to 4.74% from 4.68% late Thursday and from just 3.97% before the war with Iran sent oil prices shooting higher. That's a notable move for the yield, which moves higher when investors' expectations for inflation, economic growth and other factors in upcoming years are rising.

The leap has already sent the average long-term U.S. mortgage rate to its highest level in a year.

Longer-term yields jumped on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve's chairman, Kevin Warsh, promised again to get inflation back down to 2% but refused to say how he plans to get it there. The Fed voted again to keep its main interest rate steady on Wednesday, even though inflation remains well above 2%.

Hikes to rates by the Fed could restrain inflation, but they could also slow the economy and undercut prices for stocks and other investments. President Donald Trump, who nominated Warsh to lead the Fed, has lobbied for lower interest rates instead of higher.

Warsh has clearly told financial markets that he does not want to give hints about what the Fed will do with interest rates, saying he wants to get direct, “unfiltered” messages from them rather than echoes back of what the Fed has suggested.

But “without clarifying why action was or wasn’t taken already, it’s hard to see how statements about being committed to hitting its inflation target aren’t just a bluff,” according to Brian Jacobsen, chief economic strategist at Annex Wealth Management.

“The Fed is facing a growing credibility problem,” economists at Bank of America wrote in a report. Unless data comes in showing less pressure on inflation in the interim, “it is imperative for the Fed to pass the September test by hiking rates and delivering an internally consistent narrative.”

In stock markets abroad, the swings were even wilder for chip stocks.

Seoul’s Kospi index soared 17.9% for its best day in history. The index is dominated by two tech giants, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which both surged at least 26.8% on Friday.

The Kospi, though, still lost 22% in July despite Friday’s historic move. That’s after it more than doubled in the first six months of the year.

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AP Business Writers Chan Ho-him and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed to this report.

Two major rail unions praised the proposed rule announced Friday that would also strengthen the standards for certifying that crews can safely operate a train.

The government had concerns after inspecting two Texas railyards near the border last fall on the two railroads directly affected by these restrictions on Mexican crews — Union Pacific and CPKC. UP didn’t immediately respond but CPKC and the Association of American Railroads trade group declined to comment while they study the rule.

The Federal Railroad Administration sent letters to both CPKC and UP in December after inspections found that train crews often had trouble understanding English during focused inspections. The government urged those railroads to reexamine their practices and make sure that Mexican crews can speak English and don’t operate a train more than 10 miles (16 kilometers) inside America.

Last fall, federal inspectors found numerous problems in Union Pacific’s Eagle Pass rail yard and CPKC’s facility in Laredo where train crews were having a hard time understanding operating bulletins and U.S. regulations that require information about hazardous materials and emergency responses to be maintained in English.

Both UP and CPKC have pledged to make sure they were following the existing rules, including that the Mexican crews do not travel more than 10 miles into the United States. But now the federal government wants to strengthen the rules “because railroad crews must be able to communicate fully and accurately when crossing into the United States, most notably with dispatchers and emergency responders during a crisis, as a safety-critical function.”

This rail safety effort aligns closely with the Transportation Department's efforts to ensure that truck drivers can understand English, so they can read road signs and warnings and communicate with first responders after an accident or during an inspection. The government has tried to withhold millions of dollars in highway funding from New York and California because it isn’t satisfied with the steps those states have taken to make sure the commercial driver’s licenses they issue are valid.

Mark Wallace, the national president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union, has been raising concerns about this practice of using Mexican train crews for several years because of safety, security and job concerns.

The union has said that the handoffs used to happen right at the border, but now Union Pacific and CPKC routinely ask Mexican crews to bring trains several miles over the border to one of their railyards where the crew switches can be done more safely. But the firm 10-mile (16-kilometer) restriction in this rule will prevent the railroads from expanding this practice to railyards further into America like the union said UP was considering in New Mexico.

Wallace said the language barrier would pose a hazard in the event of issues such as a derailment.

But the railroads have said that this practice of using Mexican train crews to bring the trains into railyards in America was developed in 2018 with the approval of the first Trump administration to address smuggling concerns. When trains are stopped at the border smugglers often try to conceal drugs or other contraband aboard them and immigrants might jump aboard to get into the United States.

It is also routine for Canadian crews to bring trains a few miles over the northern border with the United States before handing off to American crews.

The SMART-TD union that represents conductors and other rail workers also said the provisions of the rule that will prohibit train crews from using a system that's similar to cruise control for freight trains when they take their certification tests will help ensure they can operate a train safely.

“Railroad certifications should represent proven ability, not simply possession of a certificate,” said Jared Cassity, who is SMART-TD’s top safety expert. “When lives are on the line, the FRA must know that an engineer can safely operate a train, not just supervise a computer doing it.”

They arrested Jehovah Mitchell, 19, on Friday.

Crime scene tape surrounded Baldwin Meadows Apartments Wednesday evening after Orange County deputies responded to the shooting.

On Thursday, the sheriff’s office identified the teen victim as Skyler Bradford.

On Friday, the sheriff’s office released an arrest report, saying Bradford was Mitchell’s girlfriend.

According to the report, Mitchell told deputies that Bradford pulled out a gun during an argument about Mitchell’s sleeping with other women. He said he went to grab the gun, and it was fired once into the ceiling, then Mitchell said he backed up, and Bradford shot herself. The report says Mitchell told deputies that he dropped the gun behind the apartment building, but they couldn’t find it when they looked.

Mitchell was arrested for tampering with evidence.

The investigation is still ongoing.

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Resident April Ortiz said she had seen the teen around the complex several times visiting one of the families at the apartment but did not believe the teen herself lived there.

“I’m not familiar with her, but I do know the people who lives there (where the shooting happened). It’s a mother and son who live there,” Ortiz said.

She said she remembered seeing Bradford the day before the shooting.

When Ortiz stepped outside after the gunfire, she said she saw a scene she will never forget.

“Her face was swollen, blood, just seeing someone laying here not breathing was just unbelievable,” Ortiz said.

Deputies remained at the scene, speaking with multiple people as they worked to gather information. Their vehicles were parked near the area where Ortiz’s children play.

As a mother, Ortiz said she cannot imagine the pain the victim’s family is experiencing.

“I would be devastated if it happened to be my child out here like that. I can’t imagine what the family is feeling,” she said.

Ortiz said safety concerns have been a growing issue at the complex and believes more security is needed.

“Definitely need a lot more security around here,” she said.

She also expressed frustration over ongoing problems in the community.

“They just don’t care around here. They literally break through the fences and everything. It’s unbelievable,” Ortiz said.

News 6 has contacted property management about whether additional safety measures would be put in place and has not yet responded.

For Ortiz, the shooting has changed how she feels about living at the complex.

“I don’t even want to be here. I don’t want to live here, honestly,” she said.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active and ongoing.

The Big Ten calls its reputation as a top-heavy conference unfair.

Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti considers those three College Football Playoff championships — from Michigan in 2023, Ohio State in 2024 and Indiana in 2025 — testaments to the league’s strength from top to bottom.

“You cannot send your top teams out into the CFP unless they’ve played — and have them be successful, which we have been very successful — if they’re not going through a gauntlet in the regular season,” Petitti said this week. “This idea that the middle of our conference isn’t hard is just not right.”

The balance of power between college football’s heavyweight conferences has been a major talking point at the leagues’ media days.

Petitti spoke to reporters while standing beside the Big Ten’s three recent CFP trophies. Illinois coach Bret Bielema said the SEC was living in the past. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said “there’s no doubt” the Big Ten is best.

“The numbers speak for themselves,” Cignetti said. “We don’t run a hype machine up here in the Midwest. We believe everything is earned, not given. When we fall short, we say, ‘We fell short.’ We don’t cry a river, whine and complain. That’s why we’re the best.”

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey argued his league’s case a week earlier.

“When you look at our schedule, no one has created the kind of weekly competition that exists in the Southeastern Conference,” Sankey said.

Five different SEC schools combined to win 13 national titles from 2006-22, but no SEC team has reached any of the last three championship games.

Both have evidence to support their claims

In the first two years under a 12-team CFP format, seven different SEC schools have made eight playoff appearances. The Big Ten had four schools total seven playoff berths.

Certain metrics support the idea that the 16-team SEC is stronger than the 18-school Big Ten at the bottom. ESPN’s Bill Connelly produces the SP+ rankings, a predictive measure rating each team’s efficiency while adjusting for tempo and an opponent’s strength.

The Big Ten had three of the top four teams in the 2025 season-ending SP+ rankings, while the SEC had nobody in the top five. But seven Big Ten programs ranked below the lowest SEC team on the list: No. 67 Kentucky.

Recent head-to-head results favor Big Ten

Over the last two seasons, the Big Ten went 10-7 against the SEC, including a 3-0 playoff record and a 5-2 mark in other bowl games. The Big Ten won as an underdog in all five of those non-playoff victories.

Illinois produced two of those upsets, beating South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl in 2024 and defeating Tennessee in the Music City Bowl last season. So Bielema had reason to feel good about himself and his conference this week when he commented that SEC backers “kind of want to live in 2005 forever.”

The 2005 reference was curious because Texas won the title that season when it was still a Big 12 member, a year before the SEC began a string of seven straight titles. Bielema said he chose 2005 because that’s the year before his head coaching career began at Wisconsin.

“The transfer portal and revenue share or NIL, however you want to describe it, when those two elements came into college football, the whole world changed,” said Bielema, who went 29-34 while coaching SEC school Arkansas from 2013-17. “I mean, it’s overly obvious to say that, but I think anything to predate that is just a different time in college football. It just is.”

Big Ten capitalizes on changing times

Fourteen of the 22 playoff games over the last two years have featured Big Ten teams, including two in which conference rivals faced off. No wonder even Big Ten coaches with SEC backgrounds claim bragging rights.

“I just look at what the stats are, you know, and the last three years, the national champion has come out of this conference,” said Purdue’s Barry Odom, who went 25-25 at Missouri from 2016-19. “You also look at the number of playoff wins compared to any other conference, we’ve won twice as many as the next conference in the playoffs.”

UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava has experience playing in both conferences after reaching the playoff with Tennessee in 2024.

“I think it’s two great leagues — two great, physical leagues,” Iamaleava said. “I think the SEC brings a lot of physicality, but over the years, it’s kind of leveled out in terms of the playing field.
I think everybody is able to get high-level athletes. ... I think there’s definitely a lot of tough SEC teams, so that every week is going to be a game, but I feel the same way in the Big Ten.”

The intensity of the debate frustrates coaches eager to settle it on the field, perhaps with more head-to-head matchups.

“You never hear in the NFL, ‘Wow, the NFC’s better than the AFC,’” Washington coach Jedd Fisch said. “You don’t ever hear, ’Check us out, we’ve won the Super Bowl the last few years.' We’ve kind of made this some competition rather than just take a step back and say, ‘Who cares?’ Let’s play.”

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AP freelance writer Luke DeCock contributed to this report.

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AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Trump is taking Friday’s Cabinet meeting on the road — to the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland. It's the first Cabinet meeting at Camp David in Trump’s second term after an earlier attempt in May was scuttled because of bad weather.

Trump said Thursday he may pull acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination for the full-time post to avoid conceding to Senate Republicans’ demands over a sweeping tax audit immunity deal benefiting the president and members of his family.

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Sign shows tours closed at Kennedy Center

A sign at the Kennedy Center on Friday said tours are closed.

It comes after the New York Times reported that the center is pausing free public tours.

UN chief urges Hamas and Israel to follow US roadmap to peace in Gaza `without any questions’

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called Trump’s announcement on Hamas agreeing to disarm in Gaza the only “good news” in recent days that have seen a military escalation in the Gulf, including a collapse of trade through the Strait of Hormuz.

Hamas said Friday it will begin disarming as part of a stalled deal announced by Trump that requires Israel to halt attacks in Gaza and withdraw from the territory which the Palestinians insist must be part of a future state. Israel’s prime minister has not responded to what could be a major breakthrough to ending the war in Gaza.

Guterres told U.N. reporters Friday he has a message to both Israel and Hamas: There is a roadmap that must be implemented now “without any questions, skepticism, or determination to undermine it.”

He warned that the six-month war in Iran “is increasingly becoming a driver of instability,” saying energy markets have been upended, food and fertilizer prices have surged, “supply chains are buckling,: and “around the world families are struggling to put food on the table.”

Trump has wrapped up the public portion of his Cabinet meeting

The president gave a lengthy opening statement, heard from top officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and answered questions on Iran and array of other topics.

He has now asked the press and cameras to leave, meaning the rest of the meeting’s proceedings won’t happen in view of the public.

Trump steps back from pledge to let Ukraine make Patriot interceptors

Asked about his previous commitment to give Ukraine a license to make Patriot air defense systems to counter Russian missiles, Trump said, “We have not agreed to that.”

“We’re talking about it. But it’s a hard thing to give away that kind of technology,” Trump said at his Cabinet meeting on Friday.

“I don’t think this would ever happen, but you know there’s people that, you give that technology, they can someday turn on you,” Trump added. “You look at war, that’s happened a couple of times over the years, right? So we have to be very careful.”

It was a contrast to earlier remarks from the sidelines of the NATO summit this month, where Trump said, “We’ll give them the right to make Patriots.”

Trump said he discussed the topic with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy when they met in Washington on Tuesday. Zelenskyy also met with senators to make a case for why Ukraine needs the interceptors.

Trump claims Iran war helped drive Hamas to disarmament agreement

The president during his Cabinet meeting said the newly-minted agreement aimed at leading to disarmament of the Palestinian group Hamas and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and transition of oversight of the territory to a civilian body will have “ups and downs.”

Still, he said this week’s agreement is a “great breakthrough” that has been helped along by the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran, which has served as Hamas’ prime backer.

“Nobody’s ever thought that would be possible to disarm Hamas,” Trump said. “That shows you how much success we’re having with Iran, because if you go four months ago or five months ago, a deal like that would have been impossible.”

RFK Jr talks about first visiting Camp David 6-plus decades ago

Trump health chief Robert Kennedy Jr. said he was visiting the presidential retreat on Friday for the first time in about 62 years.

“My father loved this place, my uncle loved this place,” said Kennedy, who is the son of former Attorney General and New York Sen. Robert Kennedy.

He said that his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, was resentful of his predecessor, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, for naming it Camp David after Eisenhower’s grandson.

Kennedy said that had his uncle lived to a second term, he planned to rename the retreat Shangri-La, which was its original moniker before Eisenhower changed it.

Kennedy also cheered Trump for allowing reporters in the compound, saying Trump had opened “inner sanctum” of the presidency.

Trump later pointed to a picture of John F. Kennedy on the wall and said he was a “handsome guy.”

Trump says the anti-weaponization fund is ‘dead’

The comments came after the president spent the morning defending the $1.8 billion fund on social media.

“It is dead,” Trump said. “But I wish it weren’t, to be honest with you.”

Trump continued to defend the people who could potentially benefit from the fund, mainly those who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

“Their families have been ruined,” Trump said. Those people “wanted to go to a rally or an event and ended up spending the rest of their lives in horror.”

Trump acknowledged that Blanche, his attorney general pick, has been a “pawn in this whole thing.”

Trump says ‘we just want to win’ in Iran

The president has previously insisted that Iran has been “completely defeated” militarily. But in his engagement with reporters at Camp David on Friday, he acknowledged that he expects U.S. military action will likely continue for some time.

“We’ll be hitting them very hard,” Trump said. “You know, at some point they’re going to say, ‘We just can’t take it anymore.’”

Trump cheers Clayton for first Cabinet meeting

Jay Clayton, confirmed earlier this week as the new director of national intelligence, is at Camp David for his first formal Cabinet meeting.

Clayton was confirmed by the Senate on party lines earlier this week.

“He’s with us today, as you know,” Trump said. “He’s had a big victory.”

Trump said of Clayton, a former federal prosecutor and chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission: “His whole life has been about doing a fantastic job.”

Trump says he doesn’t think International Criminal Court is targeting him but ‘it could happen’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio complained that the international court based in the Hague was very arrogant and had unfairly targeted leaders around the world.

That prompted the president to interject: “There’s no indication they’re after me. It could happen.” He didn’t elaborate, but his suggestion drew laughter from Cabinet members.

Trump said Rubio wasn’t trying to defend him personally, but instead wanted to shield other court targets. He said that could include people like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“There is no indication that I’m one of them, at this moment,” Trump added again for emphasis, drawing still more laughter.

Trump says US could see surge of migrants like Spain if Republicans don’t win midterms

Spain is grappling to respond after some 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain’s tiny Ceuta territory in the past 24 hours.

Roughly half of them have already made their way back voluntarily, according to the Spanish government, but Trump suggested the moment should be taken as a warning to U.S. voters as midterm elections near.

“You know I saw Spain yesterday and I watched the catastrophe that took place. It looks like an invasion of a country by hundreds of thousands of people,” Trump said. “And that same thing is going to happen to us if the Republicans don’t get elected. Except worse, much bigger.”

Trump also criticized Spain’s left wing government led by Pedro Sánchez, claiming the country’s “weak law, bad management” is to blame.

US to make visa bond requirements permanent, affecting mostly African countries

The State Department is making permanent a pilot program under which citizens from 50 countries, mainly in Africa, are required to post bonds to apply for a U.S. visa, and it’s raising the cost as well, to as much as $20,000.

A draft notice published Friday in the Federal Register says a review “provided sufficient data” to suggest the bond program effectively enforces compliance, and would be made permanent by the end of August. The notice is to be formally published on Monday. Additional countries may be added to the list, found here.

The program requires holders of passports from the affected countries to pay the bond when being interviewed for business and tourist visas. The regulation says the bond will be refunded if the application is denied or after the person leaves the United States.

The Trump administration rolled out the program as a way of cracking down on visa overstays.

Trump starts Cabinet meeting at Camp David

The president began his Cabinet meeting Friday by saying his team was meeting in a “very special room.”

The White House has tried to highlight that this was the first televised Cabinet meeting at the presidential retreat.

Trump said he invited the news media to watch because he believes in “transparency,” before turning to his standard talking points about the economy and border security, among other issues.

CEO defends Exxon’s performance at a time of global supply shortages

American refineries are running at near-full capacity and poised to benefit because some refineries in the Middle East and Russia were damaged. And Asia can’t get the amount of Middle East oil needed for refining.

“Penalizing the businesses who stood by those countries and provided that product going forward is very short-sighted,” Exxon CEO Darren Woods said in a call with investors Friday. “We canceled investments that we had planned for Europe based on the last time they passed a windfall profits tax.”

Lawmakers propose taxing the war profits of major oil producers

Exxon and Chevron don’t set the price of American oil, which has ricocheted between $68 and $115 a barrel, driven by supply and demand, and what traders, refiners and other buyers are willing to pay.

Democrats nevertheless hope to tax major oil producers for profits from 2026 onward and redistribute that revenue to consumers.

“It’s fair to put a windfall profits tax on inordinate windfall profits rather than cut off children’s food programs,” said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. His measure and a companion bill by Rep. Ro Khanna of California would impose a per-barrel tax on companies that produced or imported at least 300,000 barrels of oil per day in 2025.

The UK and other European countries have extended temporary windfall profits taxes on fossil fuel companies to 2030, according to Tax Foundation Europe.

Critics say the energy company windfalls are unjustified

“There are constituencies around the world who are having a very good crisis, and the oil producers are one of them,” said Patrick Galey, fossil fuels lead at Global Witness, a nonprofit organization that investigates environmental issues.

“When you compare that to the hundreds of millions of people who are struggling with rolling blackouts, with electricity curbs, rationing, waiting in line for food queues, or the disruption to fertilizers and the potential impact that that has on food prices, we don’t think that it’s a justifiable price for the rest of the world to be paying.”

Major oil companies reap massive profits as US and Iran fighting drives energy prices higher

American oil and gas giants are announcing huge spring windfalls thanks to the fighting between Iran and the U.S. that made consumers around the world pay more for fuel.

Exxon Mobil on Friday reported that its second quarter profits doubled to $14.53 billion, boosted by record diesel production. The oil giant, based in Spring, Texas, brought in $116.02 billion in revenue, up 42%. Chevron, based in Houston, nearly quadrupled its profits to $12.07 billion and revenue jumped 56% to $70.06 billion.

Six of Europe’s largest oil companies posted combined first-quarter profits of $22 billion, more than 40% higher than last year.

Saudi Arabia announces Red Sea defense alliance plan

The kingdom said the alliance includes 14 countries to strengthen maritime security, safeguard freedom of navigation and secure international trade routes and energy supply corridors in the Red Sea region.

The Iran war has severely disrupted global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Yemen’s Houthi rebels have declared a blockade on Saudi Arabia over a separate but related conflict, putting at risk another major trade corridor.

Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry said Thursday that the coalition is “defensive in nature,” and that access “remains open to all willing countries.” Oman and the United Arab Emirates were the only two Gulf countries that did not back Saudi Arabia’s statement. Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan were among those that joined the proposed alliance.

Latest developments in the Iran conflict

No U.S. strikes were reported in Iran on Friday.

Iran fired drones at Kuwait, a Gulf country hosting U.S. forces, and said it had also fired at oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil and gas shipments, which has been largely closed by the fighting.

Kuwait’s Defense Ministry said Friday its armed forces had shot down drones inside Kuwaiti airspace. It said the Iranian attacks had targeted several vital military facilities, causing material damage from falling shrapnel but no casualties. It did not specify how many drones were intercepted. Iranian state media said Iran had targeted an air base in Kuwait with drones, in retaliation for U.S. strikes on Thursday.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed to have hit two oil tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media said four other tankers had turned around. The report did not provide further details on which flags or ownership the tankers were sailing under, or say whether there were any casualties.

FIFA chief operating officer tells AP that staff was ‘deceived’ by World Cup sell-off plan that ‘must not go ahead’

FIFA’s chief operating officer Kevin Lamour said in a statement to The Associated Press that the staff was “deceived” by Gianni Infantino’s lack of openness while planning the scheme to sell a World Cup stake to private investors linked to Trump’s family.

“It is the project of one person,” wrote Lamour, a long-time colleague of Infantino at both FIFA and UEFA. “Not only must this project not go ahead … but the time has now come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions.”

Lamour did not resign the post he held since 2024 but said he had a duty to his colleagues to speak out about the “contempt and intimidation” FIFA staff has faced.

“And if that means I lose my job, then so be it” the French official said. “I will understand and respect that decision. At least I’ll sleep well tonight.”

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Wisconsin Democrats shaken by Mandela Barnes’ exit from governor’s race

The former lieutenant governor’s announcement came Thursday amid news that the state party had reviewed past allegations of inappropriate behavior, further shaking up the race less than two weeks before the Aug. 11 primary in Wisconsin, where independents and moderates are key voters and where Trump won two razor-thin elections.

That leaves four Democrats, including most prominently Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who rejoined the race with the endorsement of Gov. Tony Evers after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez ended her run amid a campaign finance scandal two weeks ago, and insurgent democratic socialist State Rep. Francesca Hong, running far to the left.

The single mother and former line cook has captured the imaginations of liberal Democrats upset with the party establishment, but she’s raised concerns that her past calls for defunding the police will hurt her chances against Trump-backed Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany in November.

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Details on disarmament from the Hamas statement

Hamas said Friday that it’s committed to implementing the Gaza ceasefire agreement, including the new roadmap focused on the steps it needs to take to disarm.

The group’s statement says it and other Palestinian factions agreed to the framework as part of a national consensus to protect people in Gaza and help meet their humanitarian needs.

It said Israel must adhere to the ceasefire deal agreed to in October and halt its attacks in order for implementation to move forward, echoing language in the new roadmap released Friday by the Board of Peace.

The agreement calls for Hamas, which ran the government in Gaza, to first turn over all police weapons to a national committee of technocrats responsible for administering the strip. Only later, once the Israeli military withdraws from Gaza, would it be required to decommission and hand over its heavier weapons, according to the text.

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Democratic candidates grapple with ‘defund the police’ baggage

With midterm elections looming, Democrats hope to convince voters that Trump administration lawlessness is the biggest threat to their rights and pocketbooks. The party’s past debates over crime and safety threaten to undermine that pitch.

Across the country, Democratic candidates are facing tough questions about their past calls to “defund the police” by reimagining public safety services or redirecting spending to other social programs — a prominent demand during the protests that followed George Floyd’s death.

Democratic leaders fear the outlier opinions may sink their chances of gaining ground in Congress, governor’s mansions and statehouses as the party’s rising left flank captivates its base, just as Republicans stoke fears about crime, immigration and democratic socialism in their closing midterm message.

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Asian soccer joins Europe and North America in opposing World Cup privatization plan

The Asian Football Confederation, a key ally in Gianni Infantino’s presidency of global soccer, has joined UEFA and CONCACAF in protesting his plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors tied to the Trump family.

“Football should never have been placed in such a position,” said the Asian soccer body. Together with Europe and North America, they count 136 of FIFA’s 211 members.

“Some things are simply too important to sell,” UEFA said in a statement Thursday announcing a boycott of FIFA events.

Infantino’s secret proposal revealed Tuesday would spin off its commercial operations in a new $20 billion subsidiary 20% owned by private investors, whose core investor would be a New York investment firm created by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Trump swings at Cornyn over Blanche nomination

Trump, still frustrated about the status of his attorney general pick, began his Friday morning by going after one of the Republican senators who was holding up Todd Blanche’s confirmation to lead the Justice Department.

Continuing a criticism he began earlier this week, Trump said Texas Sen. John Cornyn had no issue with the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund until after he endorsed his primary challenger, Ken Paxton, for the Senate.

In the post, Trump also continued to defend the controversial fund, which Blanche said in his Senate testimony was dead. Republican senators want him to put that commitment into writing.

“Perhaps there has never been a group of people treated so badly in our Nation’s history,” Trump said. “They are suffering still, many ruined, and I felt that they should be given compensation for what has been done to them.”

Blanche met privately with Cornyn and North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis over the issue later Thursday and the sides were working collaboratively, although Blanche’s confirmation prospects still remain unclear.

FIFA adviser on White House’s World Cup panel resigns to protest Infantino private equity plan

Senior FIFA adviser Carlos Cordeiro, who represented the soccer body on the White House Task Force for the World Cup, resigned Friday to protest its private equity plan.

“I cannot stand by while FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup,” Cordeiro, a former Goldman Sachs banker, said in a statement resigning as adviser to FIFA President Gianni Infantino that urged other senior FIFA staff to speak out.

Cordeiro often joined Infantino on working visits to meet Trump at the White House in recent years.

“Let me be clear. I had no involvement in this proposal, and I oppose it unequivocally,” the former U.S. Soccer Federation president said, calling the $20 billion commercial subsidiary “a bad deal for football.”

“Football has been central to my life, and after more than 35 years in banking, I understand both the value of this asset and the consequences of giving part of it away” he said. “That is why this proposal should be rejected.”

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The Trump administration is ending a Medicare drug subsidy program. Here’s how it could affect costs

Millions of older adults on Medicare prescription drug coverage could face steeper monthly costs in 2027, after the Trump administration concludes a temporary subsidy program that has helped offset premiums for the past two years.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services this week announced it would wrap up the program, which was initially implemented by the Biden administration in 2024 to lower patients’ Medicare Part D prescription drug costs in response to the effects of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.

While federal officials insist the financial impact on Medicare beneficiaries will be minimal, the decision opens the Republican-led administration to potential political consequences in a high-stakes midterm election year. Voters have identified cost of living as a top concern, and many older adults, who tend to vote in high numbers, are on fixed incomes where every dollar counts. The roughly 25 million Americans with Medicare Part D plans will find out about their 2027 rates in the fall, when they are casting ballots in November’s elections.

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Trump floats pulling Blanche’s nomination for attorney general to avoid conceding to GOP demands

Trump said Thursday he may pull acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination for the full-time post to avoid conceding to Senate Republicans’ demands over a sweeping tax audit immunity deal benefiting the president and members of his family.

After failed negotiations forced the delay of a committee vote to advance Blanche’s nomination, Trump suggested he was holding firm against pressure from Republican Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis. They have expressed concerns about the controversial settlement of Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, which a judge denounced as an exercise in self-dealing.

The senators said the Justice Department seemed interested in reaching an agreement with them, but the White House wouldn’t budge to aid the confirmation of Trump’s loyal former personal attorney, who has aggressively pursued the administration’s priorities as acting attorney general. Instead, Trump said in a social media post that he might pull Blanche’s nomination and resubmit it after Cornyn and Tillis leave office next year.

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Trump is taking his Friday Cabinet meeting on the road to Camp David

Trump told his Cabinet members to meet him at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland, a rustic backdrop for the Trump administration sessions that have come to be known for being overly long and consumed by endless praise for their boss.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the 13th such meeting of the Republican president’s second term “will be a lot of fun and something different for the Cabinet to experience together.”

An earlier attempt in May was scuttled because of bad weather. During his first term, Trump held a Cabinet meeting at the retreat.

The public portion of Trump’s Cabinet meetings has lasted as long as three hours, with the president letting everyone at the table update him on their departments or agencies — with added praise for him personally and his leadership thrown in. In a departure from other presidents, he allows the news media to stay for the duration, a move that Leavitt has said proves his commitment to transparency.

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Trump announces a deal for Hamas to disarm in Gaza, but many hurdles and uncertainty remain

A Hamas official said Friday that they did reach an agreement on disarmament, the most crucial part of the ceasefire deal. Israel didn’t give an indication that they had agreed.

Trump said Thursday that a deal has been reached for Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw its forces from Gaza, but many hurdles, conditions and long timelines remained to wind down the war in the Palestinian territory.

The White House announcement comes nine months after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was signed. Negotiations between Israel and Hamas had largely deadlocked over the implementation of its second phase, including the disarmament of Hamas and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan calls on the militant group to surrender its weapons and destroy its vast network of tunnels. It also envisions Israeli forces withdrawing from Gaza, the arrival of a new technocratic Palestinian government, deployment of an international security force and the rebuilding of the battered Palestinian enclave.

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Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Orange County mayor

Unlike most counties in Central Florida, Orange County has a dedicated strong mayor who oversees day-to-day operations in government. In addition to leading meetings, managing the county’s 8,000 employees, and overseeing the county’s multi-billion dollar budget, the mayor is also the face of the county at regional boards for transportation, the airport, tourism and other growth issues.

The mayoral race is a nonpartisan election, which means all voters can vote in the election, regardless of party affiliation.

Since there are four candidates in the race, the top vote-getter must get more than 50% of the vote (50%+1) in order to win outright. Otherwise, the top two candidates will go to a runoff in November.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our partners at the Orlando Sentinel and Vox Populi compiled the candidate responses for the Orange County mayoral race, emailing and calling the candidates over several weeks.

You can see the full Orlando Sentinel Voting Guide HERE.

Chris Messina

WEBSITE: www.chrismessina.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Low median wages stifle economic opportunity for many Orange County citizens. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data ranks Greater Orlando as #49/50 of the 50 largest metro areas in the US, with a median wage of $45,410 in 2024. We’ll address this by diversifying our local economy, with a focus on attracting High Tech/Space Tech businesses, to bring a range of great jobs to complement those we have now. A centerpiece of our Space Tech recruitment efforts will be to bring the first military academy in the South - The Space Force Academy- to Orange County. The Space Force Academy alone will generate a minimum of $1B in local economic activity.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: We need to keep our kids safe; they are our future! As one indicator of the scale of the attacks on our children, leaders affiliated with organizations such as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children say that Greater Orlando is #3 in the country in child sex trafficking. The USF Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Lab 2024 State Report estimates that there were 100,000 trafficked children in FL, with Orange County in the top group. In addition, there is a rise in large group teen crime, such as the April 2026 “Icon Park Takeover.” Our approach to keeping our children safe will be multifaceted. We’ll focus on every environment that our children find themselves in. This includes getting rid of environmental toxins, providing more sports opportunities and playing fields, and sensibly regulating e-bike use. Above all, we will focus on fostering a culture of responsibility, accountability, and opportunity. A major initiative which we plan to launch is our Orange County Works program. This provides a subsidized trade school education to every qualified citizen in Orange County who wants one. Eligibility will start junior year in High School and run through middle age, addressing the local shortage of qualified trades workers, while providing a hopeful path to those feeling stuck in a “dead-end” job. After finding a trade job, the recipient will have 5 or 10 years to pay ½ of the subsidies back. This will help keep the program evergreen.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: We need to get rid of waste, fraud & bureaucracy in County government. That way we can invest where needed- such as better transportation & affordable housing - without raising taxes (& potentially while cutting taxes, if the ballot initiative to reduce homesteaded taxes passes.) We’ll utilize a forensic audit team, zero-based budgeting, and fiscal discipline to cut $200M/ year in programs which are unnecessary, inefficient, or both.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? My combination of Experience, Education & Vision is ideal for the role of Orange County Mayor:

Experience:

1. Building high-tech businesses, trade associations & foundations that have cumulatively created thousands of great jobs
2. Solving problems with technology
3. Community service - Vice Chair- Orange County Watch; volunteer OC High School Football Coach; Big Brother; Special Needs Ministry founder.

Education: MBA, Harvard; Master’s in City & Regional Planning (Rotary Fellow)

Vision:

1. Bring the SpaceForce Academy to Orange County, lead OC to be the US center for SpaceTech.
2. Fund a Trade school education (Orange County Works) for every OC citizen who wants one.
3. Transform the Lynx system using technology to right-size it, making it a more reliable/efficient point-to-point system.
4. Revitalize our blighted Strip malls, create vibrant housing (including affordable), commercial & residential centers.
5. Partner with the City of Orlando & local builders to develop Church Street into a mega-sports entertainment complex, including e-sports, & giving local residents an equity stake.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue?

1. Bringing in additional great jobs. “Affordability” is mainly a function of earnings ability.
2. Facilitate educational paths, especially in the trades, which provide opportunities for economic advancement.
3. Cutting the per capita cost imposed by local government on its residents.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I will vote Yes to lower property taxes by increasing the Homestead exemption and am encouraging everyone to vote accordingly. The total from taxes on homesteaded properties is 2.5% of Orange County’s budget, assuming no growth. The impact of the proposed amendment on Orange County’s budget is likely to be less than a 2% reduction, again, assuming no growth. With growth, Orange County budget revenues will be neutral to positive even if this amendment takes effect. Any shortfall will be addressed by economic growth, combined with fiscal discipline. It’s important to note that non-homesteaded residential and commercial properties are both larger County ad valorem revenue categories than all homesteaded properties.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Although this issue is largely addressed at a state vs. a county level, there are a number of important considerations. First, I don’t believe that hyper-scale data centers are right for Florida, especially because of the risks to our water supply. Second, I believe that the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) should discontinue incentives for inefficient large-scale utility solar fields & wind turbines and instead encourage clean coal and small-scale nuclear to provide stable base load power. In addition, FPSC should incentivize investments in commercial & residential rooftop solar by mandating net metering (1 for 1 utility bill credits) and cash payments for the net energy those installations send back to the grid.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? We need to reduce pollution across the board- water, air & land- starting with threats to the Florida Aquifer. That’s why I oppose hyper-scale data centers in Florida generally and Orange County specifically. These hyper-scale centers are currently cooled by massive amounts of water. That water is chemically treated with glycols, phosphates, nitrates, biocides, and sodium hydroxide, among other additives, all of which will end up back in our water supply.

Tiffany Moore Russell

WEBSITE: https://tiffanyformayor.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Housing.

Orange County families, seniors, teachers, first responders, and young professionals are struggling with rising housing costs. I will expand workforce and affordable housing through public-private partnerships, preserve existing affordable housing, encourage mixed-income development, and coordinate with our municipalities to increase housing options while protecting neighborhoods. Housing solutions must also be paired with transportation and infrastructure investments to keep communities connected and affordable.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Managing Growth & Transportation.

Orange County continues to grow rapidly, and our infrastructure must keep pace. I will prioritize smart, responsible growth by ensuring roads, stormwater are considered before approving new development. We must invest strategically while preserving our quality of life and protecting rural and environmentally sensitive areas. Furthermore, we must prioritize solutions to address our transportation deficiencies. Orange County needs a dedicated funding source to address a multi-modal transportation plan for the future.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Economic Prosperity. Residents deserve a county government that is transparent, fiscally responsible, and focused on delivering results. I will support workforce development, access to opportunities for small businesses, and economic opportunities that create good-paying jobs while maintaining responsible budgeting. My experience managing a large constitutional office and serving on the County Commission has prepared me to lead efficiently and responsibly.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I deserve to be the next Orange County Mayor because I care about the people of Orange County, not special interests. I have dedicated my career to serving the people of Orange County. As an Orange County Commissioner for eight years and as Clerk of Courts for more than twelve years, I have managed large budgets, led complex organizations, and worked collaboratively to solve community challenges. I understand county government because I’ve served in it, and I have a proven record of transparency, fiscal responsibility, and delivering results. I’m running to bring experienced leadership that listens, builds consensus, and puts Orange County residents first. As a former County Commissioner, I secured funding to improve infrastructure in the Little Egypt Community. As Clerk of Court, I raised the starting pay for Clerks from $12 to $17 while also making budget cuts. I understand that Orange County wants a mayor committed to this County and bringing about transformative change.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability requires a comprehensive approach. At the county level, we can increase the supply of workforce and affordable housing, reduce unnecessary barriers to responsible development, preserve existing affordable housing, and support transportation investments that lower commuting costs. We should also continue attracting high-quality jobs, invest in workforce training, and ensure county government operates efficiently to maximize taxpayer dollars. While many affordability challenges require state and federal action, Orange County can take meaningful steps to reduce costs for working families.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I would vote No on the constitutional amendment to reduce property taxes because I believe it will hinder local governments from providing quality services uniquely designed for that community. Any proposal affecting property taxes should be carefully evaluated based on its long-term impact on essential local services. Property taxes fund public safety, parks, transportation, libraries, and other critical county services. While I understand the financial pressures facing homeowners, any reduction in revenue must be accompanied by a sustainable funding plan that does not shift costs to residents through higher fees or reduce the quality of services they rely on. My priority is protecting taxpayers while ensuring Orange County remains financially strong. As the Orange County Clerk, I have been faced with cutting my budget three times within one fiscal year. I was successful in modernizing the processes and services in the Clerk’s Office and avoided any furloughs or layoffs. It will always be my priority to explore opportunities for efficiencies while protecting the quality of services to citizens and county employees before presenting any tax or fee proposal.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Utility regulators should ensure that infrastructure investments are planned responsibly, rates remain fair and transparent, and costs are allocated appropriately. As Florida’s energy demands grow, regulators should balance reliability, affordability, and long-term sustainability while encouraging energy efficiency and thoughtful planning. Residents and small businesses should not bear an unfair share of costs resulting from significant new industrial demand.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Protecting our water resources while managing growth is one of the most important environmental challenges facing Orange County. We must protect our lakes, wetlands, springs, and drinking water through responsible land-use decisions, conservation, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable development practices. As our community grows, we have a responsibility to preserve natural resources and open spaces while ensuring future generations enjoy the same quality of life that makes Orange County such a special place.

Stephanie Murphy

WEBSITE: https://murphyformayor.com/

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Affordability. Housing is the biggest financial challenge facing many Orange County families, and it’s the foundation of my affordability agenda. The simple reality is that we are not building enough housing to keep pace with our growing community, and that shortage is driving up costs.

As mayor, I will increase the supply of attainable housing by streamlining permitting, reducing unnecessary barriers to construction, encouraging thoughtful development where infrastructure already exists, and partnering with employers and the private sector to expand workforce housing. We can create more housing while protecting the character of our existing neighborhoods.

Orange County cannot become a world-class community if teachers, nurses, first responders, hospitality workers, young professionals, and families can no longer afford to live in the community they serve.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Livability. Livability means making Orange County a place where families can spend less time stuck in traffic and more time enjoying the community they call home. As our county continues to grow, we must invest in infrastructure before it falls behind. That means improving roads, modernizing transportation, expanding parks and recreational opportunities, protecting our natural resources, strengthening stormwater infrastructure, and delivering world-class county services.

Growth is a sign of Orange County’s success, but it must be managed thoughtfully. We can welcome new residents and businesses while protecting neighborhoods, preserving our quality of life, and ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with growth.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Opportunity. Opportunity means creating an economy where every resident has the chance to build a successful future right here in Orange County. Tourism will always be one of our greatest strengths, but we must also diversify our economy by attracting higher-wage employers in industries like advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, life sciences, technology, and financial services, while continuing to support the small businesses that are the backbone of our local economy.

We also need to invest in people. That means expanding workforce training, apprenticeships, mentoring, and creating Orange County Promise so more students can earn a community college degree or workforce credential. We can’t afford not to make that investment. By connecting more residents to good-paying jobs and creating pathways to upward mobility, we can ensure Orange County remains a place where families can build lasting prosperity for generations to come.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I’m prepared to lead Orange County on day one. Throughout my career in business, national security, and Congress, I’ve managed complex challenges, built consensus, and delivered results. The Orange County Mayor oversees an $8 billion-plus organization with thousands of employees, making it one of the largest executive leadership roles in Central Florida. But the mayor also serves as Chair of the Board of County Commissioners, where success depends on bringing people together, building consensus, and turning good ideas into action. My experience leading organizations and working across policy differences has prepared me to do both.

But this campaign isn’t about my résumé. It’s about the future of Orange County. I’m running to make our community more affordable, more livable, and full of opportunity so the next generation can build their future right here at home.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? The greatest pressures on working families are the rising costs of housing, transportation, insurance, and everyday necessities. While many of those challenges are beyond the control of local government, county leaders have a responsibility to make every taxpayer dollar count.

Smart investments in stormwater systems, flood mitigation, and resilient infrastructure not only protect homes and businesses, they can also reduce risk over time. While the county can’t set insurance rates, lowering flood risk is one way local governments can help improve insurability and ease pressure on insurance costs over the long term.

My priorities are straightforward: make housing more attainable, improve infrastructure, grow higher-paying jobs, and ensure county government delivers better value for every taxpayer dollar. That’s how we make Orange County more affordable for the people who call it home.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I will vote no. I support responsible property tax relief, but I do not support eliminating a major source of local revenue without a credible plan to replace it. Property taxes fund essential services residents rely on every day, including public safety, roads, parks, stormwater infrastructure, and emergency management.

I’m also concerned the proposal could make Florida’s housing shortage worse. Exempting newly permitted homes under $250,000 from property taxes would leave counties and cities responsible for providing roads, public safety, parks, and other services without the revenue to pay for them. That creates a strong disincentive to approve the attainable and workforce housing our community desperately needs.

Eliminating property taxes without a responsible replacement plan could also shift more of the burden to regressive taxes and fees that hit working families the hardest. Tax relief should be thoughtful, sustainable, and protect the services that make Orange County a great place to live.

Orange County’s budget has grown significantly in recent years, so we should first improve efficiency, hold departments accountable, and ensure taxpayer dollars are focused on core priorities. If this amendment were approved, my priority would be protecting public safety and other essential services through a comprehensive spending review, delaying lower-priority projects where appropriate, pursuing additional state support, and finding efficiencies before considering higher taxes or fees.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Innovation and economic growth are essential to Orange County’s future, but they should not come at the expense of working families and small businesses. The rapid growth of data centers across Florida is increasing demand on our electric grid, and residents can feel the impact in their monthly utility bills whether those facilities are located in Orange County or somewhere else in the state.

Florida’s utility regulators should require transparency, full cost-of-service pricing, long-term commitments, and appropriate financial safeguards before utilities invest in new infrastructure for large energy users. Companies that require significant new generation, transmission, or grid upgrades should bear the cost of those investments rather than shifting them onto existing ratepayers.

As Orange County works to diversify our economy, we should welcome companies that create high-quality jobs, strengthen our tax base, and generate lasting economic value for our community. Every project should be evaluated on its overall economic impact and the opportunities it creates for our residents. In many cases, industries such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, life sciences, and technology create more jobs, stronger career pathways, and broader economic benefits than data centers alone. My focus will be on attracting the kinds of investments that deliver the greatest long-term return for Orange County while protecting residents from unnecessary increases in their cost of living.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Protecting Florida’s water resources while making our communities more resilient to flooding and extreme weather is one of the most important environmental challenges we face. In Orange County, clean water and resilient infrastructure aren’t just environmental priorities—they’re essential to protecting our neighborhoods, strengthening our economy, and maintaining our quality of life.

As mayor, I will invest in stormwater infrastructure, flood mitigation, water quality, conservation, and smart growth that protects our natural resources while accommodating a growing population. These investments also help safeguard homes and businesses, reduce long-term costs, and can improve our community’s resilience to future storms. Protecting our environment and protecting our economy go hand in hand, and Orange County should lead on both.

Mayra Uribe

WEBSITE: https://mayraformayor.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Affordability.

The number 1 issue is affordability, which deals with both the high cost of living in this county and the need to attract higher-paying jobs for our citizens.

• Housing. Housing costs, both rental and home ownership, have exceeded the 25 to 30% threshold of the average income of our residents.
• Growth of Homeowner Starter homes. For affordable housing that is owner-occupied, we need to encourage, limit, or require a percentage of new houses be no more than 1500 square feet.
• We need to grow the inventory of starter homes for our kids and the younger generation to have the opportunity of homeownership.
• Infill, transit interaction with new units, redevelopment of 1950s used car lots that stretch on existing state roads are the targets for townhomes.
• Recognize that we need more compact, dense housing with readied transit.
• My team will engage with the State and other states to develop and expand the financing of owner-occupied units.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: The number two issue is Transportation with Environmental Protection.

On Transportation, I support strengthening and modernizing the Lynx transit system to better meet the needs of a growing Orange County, but expansion alone is not enough without meaningful reform and improved service efficiency. We need a more reliable, user-friendly system that includes smaller and more efficient buses, improved digital and web-based scheduling tools, and better-connected transfer stations, especially in the Eastern and Southern parts of the county. We also need express routes that reduce travel times. Transportation funding conversation must be grounded in accountability and focus on tangible improvements such as pedestrian safety, lighting, intersection upgrades, green spaces and trails, better traffic signal timing, and critical roadway improvements in high-impact corridors. We will improve the daily commute time by 10-15 minutes each way with simple, smarter transportation solutions

On environmental protection, I strongly support preserving Orange County’s rural boundary and have demonstrated that commitment through my votes, including serving as the deciding vote on multiple occasions to prevent urban sprawl. As Mayor, I will continue to lead efforts to protect our rural communities while promoting smart, responsible growth within our existing urban areas. Preserving our rural boundary also means protecting our wetlands, improving flood control, and safeguarding our natural resources with consistent, science-based standards across the county. It is time that we have one set of rules for wetland and flood control in Orange County, as those areas cross jurisdictional boundaries.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: The number 3 issue is Fiscal Responsibility. While not glamorous, the third issue is maximizing the return to our citizens on their tax dollars. We need to efficiently spend. We need to live within our means. As Mayor, my budget priorities will begin with protecting core services that residents rely on every day, including public safety, fire rescue, corrections, transportation, and critical infrastructure. For example, let’s look at public safety. While it will always be a funding priority, the increased costs need to be minimized. I have no problem paying the deputies and fire fighters and jail guards appropriately. But, at the same time, we need to find efficiencies in those budgets. I believe we have a responsibility to ensure every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely. I will implement a “zero-based budgeting approach” that requires every department to justify its spending, identify inefficiencies, and eliminate waste rather than simply increasing budgets year after year. Instead of tackling the waste and inefficiencies in the system, many budgets were increased by 20-40% under the current Mayor. Under my leadership, this won’t happen again. I will also pursue greater operational efficiencies by centralizing and modernizing back-office functions across county government and exploring innovative approaches to reduce rising insurance costs, which now exceed $200 million annually for the General County Government, the Sheriff, Fire, Corrections and Constitutional Officers.

FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I want to make Orange County a better place where our Children will want to and be able to work and prosper. I support private industry. I will hold people accountable in the spending of tax dollars. I challenged the status quo on tourism marketing spending, and they went after me for that when I simply thought they were granted too much money, and when two years later they would not return $20 to $40 million to the general fund that was improperly spent, I voted against giving them a free pass. I am now raising my children here and have been a champion for people. I know what it takes to make Orange County better with attainable housing, transportation, and good-paying jobs. I have made tough choices where my focus is on putting people first, not the Status Quo.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? That is the Number 1 issue affecting our citizens. The cost of property insurance, transportation, and basic commodities is rising, making it difficult for working families, retirees, and young people to get by. As Mayor, I’ll prioritize growing the workforce and affordable housing, making permitting easier to bring down housing costs, investing in transportation solutions that save residents time and money, and promoting economic growth that brings more higher-paying jobs in varied industries such as tech, auto, and manufacturing. I will also seek to minimize unnecessary regulatory burdens on small businesses, strengthen workforce development partnerships, and ensure public monies are spent wisely and transparently. The County can’t solve every affordability concern alone, but we can make wise local decisions that bring down the cost of living, improve economic opportunities, and support Orange County as a place where families can afford to live, work and prosper.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions?* Florida’s affordability challenges are real, and homeowners deserve meaningful property tax relief. I have yet to be provided in written detail on the effects on Orange County. As a homeowner, I support raising of the homestead exemption. And our County is better situated than Seminole or Osceola Counties with the amount of commercial taxable properties. But it is going to cause real problems in other counties and small cities within the county. I would have preferred an open discussion to provide offsets such as increasing taxes on tourism, as the Governor mentioned. Our citizens want efficient government. Some past practices need to change, and efficiencies expanded. Constitutional votes are hard to take back. So, I am still uncertain as to whether we can govern with loss of revenue. I am waiting for more of the detail which has not been forthcoming.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Affordable, reliable utilities are critical to our residents’ quality of life and Orange County’s economic competitiveness. The general public should not subsidize the delivery of energy to data centers. We need to make sure that residential customers aren’t unfairly stuck with increased energy costs as demand for electricity increases from data centers and other major industrial users. I think utility regulators need to demand more openness in how rates are set, look hard at the long-term impact of large energy consumers and make sure those that create big additional demand are paying their fair share for the infrastructure expenses needed to accommodate them. At the same time, Florida should continue to invest in grid modernization, energy efficiency and robust infrastructure to improve dependability and help limit long-term costs. We should be supporting innovation and economic progress while not saddling families, elderly and small businesses with subsidizing those uses.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Balancing expansion with the conservation of our natural resources is one of the greatest environmental concerns facing Orange County. As our population continues to grow, we must maintain our lakes, springs, watersheds, wetlands and drinking water, manage stormwater better and invest in resilient infrastructure that lowers flooding and protects our ecosystem. Smart growth implies combining economic development with conservation by protecting environmentally sensitive regions, increasing green spaces and ensuring new development is supported by the infrastructure needed to maintain sustainable communities. As Mayor, not only is conserving our environment about conservation, it’s also about protecting public health, improving our economy and preserving the quality of life that makes Orange County a great place to live, work and raise a family. And, a hidden issue is that we need to protect our community’s water supply from development and for preservation of recreation. This has been silenced. We need to acquire areas where our water supply is recharged. I will engage on this issue, and develop a plan and start such purchases.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Orange County Clerk of Courts Democratic Primary

The clerk of courts is the keeper of court records in Orange County. They also handle all court-related fines and fees, handle passport applications, and issue marriage licenses. The current clerk of courts, Tiffany Moore Russell, is leaving to run for Orange County mayor.

The constitutional office is considered a partisan race, which means you must be a member of a political party to vote in August. All voters will be able to choose from a final slate of candidates in November.

The winner of the Democratic primary will go on to face Terrell Thomas, a No Party Affiliate candidate, in November.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our partners at the Orlando Sentinel compiled the candidate responses for the Orange County Clerk of Courts Democratic Primary, emailing and calling the candidates over several weeks. You can see the full Orlando Sentinel Voting Guide HERE.

Maribel Gomez Cordero

NOTE: Maribel Gomez Cordero dropped out of the race on July 27. Since vote-by-mail ballots had already gone out, her name will be on the ballot in Aug. 18 primary.

Rick Singh

WEBSITE: http://www.votericksingh.com

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Modernizing Court Operations and Reducing Delays

The Clerk’s Office must function as a modern, efficient hub within the court system, where performance is measurable, processes are streamlined, and delays are actively reduced. If performance cannot be measured, it cannot be improved.

As Orange County Property Appraiser, I led the transformation of a traditional government office into one of the most technologically advanced and highly rated agencies in Florida. By implementing performance metrics, accountability standards, and modern digital systems, we significantly improved service delivery and customer experience. At one point, average phone hold times were reduced to 2 minutes and 39 seconds, down from waits that previously extended to hours. That improvement was achieved through data-driven management, technology upgrades, and continuous process refinement.

Those same principles will guide my approach as Clerk of Court. I will prioritize upgrading technology infrastructure, expanding secure digital filing and records systems, and improving case management and tracking tools. Manual processes that create unnecessary delays will be reduced through automation and workflow modernization, improving both speed and accuracy across operations.

Modernization will be paired with clear performance standards and accountability measures so that efficiency is continuously monitored and improved. This includes identifying operational bottlenecks, strengthening internal workflows, and ensuring staff have the training and tools needed to meet service expectations consistently.

By leveraging technology, setting measurable benchmarks, and focusing on continuous improvement, we can reduce delays, improve transparency, and provide faster, more reliable service to judges, attorneys, litigants, and the public while maintaining strong stewardship of taxpayer resources.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Transparency and Secure Public Access to Court Records

Public trust in the Clerk’s Office depends on both openness and security. Court records must be accessible in a timely and user-friendly manner, while also protected by strong cybersecurity and compliance standards.

I will expand and modernize digital access to court records so residents, attorneys, and stakeholders can retrieve information efficiently and reliably without unnecessary barriers. At the same time, I will ensure that sensitive data is protected through updated security protocols, system safeguards, and ongoing compliance oversight.

In prior public service, I helped expand online accessibility and digital tools that improved public-facing services while maintaining accuracy and compliance standards. That experience demonstrated how technology can improve access without compromising security or integrity.

The goal is a system that is both transparent and secure—where access to public information is efficient, dependable, and responsibly managed.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Customer Service, Accessibility, and Operational Consistency

The Clerk’s Office serves residents during some of their most important legal and administrative moments, including court filings, official records requests, and property-related transactions. Service must therefore be consistent, professional, and accessible across all channels.

As Property Appraiser, my office earned recognition for customer service excellence through improved training, performance standards, and technology-driven service delivery. We reduced wait times, expanded digital access, and improved responsiveness across multiple platforms by focusing on accountability and staff performance.

I will bring that same approach to the Clerk’s Office by strengthening staff training, standardizing service expectations, and ensuring consistent performance across all locations and customer touchpoints. Technology will also play a central role in improving accessibility, allowing residents to complete more services online while reducing in-person delays.

The result will be a more responsive, consistent, and user-focused Clerk’s Office that serves the public efficiently and professionally.

Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I bring proven public-sector leadership experience and a strong understanding of government operations, financial accountability, and service delivery. I have previously served as an elected Property Appraiser, where I gained firsthand experience managing large-scale public systems, budgets, and taxpayer-facing services.

I understand that government must be both efficient and accountable. My focus is on reducing waste, improving performance, and ensuring public agencies deliver high-quality service at the lowest responsible cost to taxpayers.

I am committed to innovation, transparency, and fairness in public service. My goal is to modernize the Clerk’s Office so it works better for families, attorneys, and businesses while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accessibility.

Roberta Walton Johnson

WEBSITE: voteroberta.com/

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Expanding Access to Justice. Every resident deserves equal access to the courts, regardless of income or whether they have an attorney. As Clerk, I will continue expanding customer-focused services, improving court navigation resources, and ensuring residents can access the information and assistance they need with dignity, professionalism, and respect.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Modernizing Services and Technology. Orange County continues to grow, and the Clerk’s Office must keep pace. I will champion technology improvements that make services more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly while reducing wait times, streamlining processes, and improving online access to court services and information.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Protecting Public Records and Public Trust. Residents deserve confidence that their court records are secure, accurate, and managed responsibly. As Clerk, I will protect the integrity of public records, ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely, and uphold the transparency and accountability that Orange County residents expect from their government.

Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I have dedicated my career to serving others and helping residents navigate some of the most important moments in their lives. From representing underserved families through legal services, to serving in local government, nonprofit leadership, private practice, and more than a decade in leadership within the Clerk’s Office, my work has always been focused on ensuring government is more accessible, responsive, and accountable. As General Counsel for the Orange County Clerk’s Office, I work every day on the legal, operational, and policy issues that impact our courts and the public we serve. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the Clerk’s responsibilities and how this office can better serve our community. I am ready to lead on day one and continue building a Clerk’s Office that residents can trust to deliver professional, efficient, and transparent service.

A draft notice published Friday in the Federal Register says a nearly year-long review “provided sufficient data” to suggest the bond program effectively enforces compliance with visa conditions, and would be made permanent.

The notice is to be formally released on Monday, the day the program becomes permanent, and additional countries may be added to the list, which can be found here. The pilot program set the maximum bond amount at $15,000, with lower amounts of $5,000 and $10,000 based on a consular officer’s discretion. The final regulation raises the maximum to $20,000 and removes the $5,000 low-end payment.

The program requires holders of passports from the affected countries to pay the bond to be interviewed for business and tourist visas — known as B1 and B2 visas — to travel to the United States. The bond is refunded if the visa application is denied or, if granted, if the person adheres to the visa terms.

The Trump administration rolled out the program last August to crack down on visa overstays and as part of its broader efforts to curtail illegal migration. The government estimates that arresting and deporting visitors who have overstayed their visa costs about $18,000 per person.

State Department officials have hailed the program as a great success. In 2024, nearly 45,500 visitors from the 50 countries in the program overstayed their visas, according to the notice. In the first 10 months of the pilot visa bond program, the number of overstays from those countries was fewer than 50, it said.

Critics have said it imposes an unnecessarily harsh burden on people from impoverished countries to visit family members or to pursue education or business opportunities in the U.S.

According to government projections and statistics from the first year of the program, the State Department initially expected that about 2,000 visa applicants would be required to post the bond. Instead, the department found that roughly 20,000 applicants were covered by the bond requirement.

Nearly half of those applicants chose not to pay the bond and there was an 83% decline in the number of business and tourist visas issued to citizens of countries on the list.

“The department expects that this final rule will contribute to the continued reduction of demand for B1/B2 visa applications from nationals of countries subject to the program,” the notice said.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Democratic U.S. House District 3 candidates

The Democratic U.S. House District 3 primary is open to all registered Democrats residing in District 3, which includes part of Marion County in Central Florida, as well as parts of the following counties:

• Alachua
• Bradford
• Union
• Baker
• Columbia
• Gilchrist
• Levy
• Dixie
• Lafayette
• Suwannee
• Hamilton

The primary will decide who represents the party in the November general election against the incumbent congresswoman, Republican Kat Cammack.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates. Where possible, for candidates who did not respond, our collaborative partners sought to fill in details. These are the responses that our partners at Central Florida Public Media received.

You can also see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Troy Albers

WEBSITE: albersforcongress.com/

If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? First, the economy. High unemployment rates plus high inflation rates are choking the economy. People are working harder to get less.

Second is health care. Rural hospitals are closing one after another. This results in people having to drive over an hour to get care.

Third is insurance. Florida leads the nation in the cost of property insurance and is second in the nation for the cost of automobile insurance. It has reached a point where people cannot afford insurance.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? The federal government could pass the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act. This would create a tax incentive for developers, builders, and local governments to build lower-cost housing in eligible underserved communities.

Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. I am a no vote on the elimination of property taxes. Cities and Counties need property taxes to pay for the services they provide citizens. I do not like paying property taxes. However, how does the county or city pay for services?

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? First, I am a big no on data centers. They consume more resources than the value they produce for society. The utility companies need to find ways to produce energy without burning something.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? The government should do more regarding climate change. The Earth is our landlord. If we don’t make the changes to help our landlord, we could face eviction.

Seth Harp

WEBSITE: www.sethharpforcongress.com/

If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? Florida’s 3rd District faces three urgent challenges: affordability, healthcare, and trust in government. My “13 Stripes of Strength” tackles rising housing, insurance, grocery, and utility costs through the H.E.A.R.T. and H.O.M.E. Acts. My U.N.I.T.E. Act expands affordable healthcare. I will also defend constitutional rights, strengthen public education, restore transparent, accountable government & put working families ahead of special interests every day.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Our 13 Stripes of Strength includes the H.E.A.R.T. Act (Housing Equity & Affordable Residential Titles Act) to restore the dream of homeownership. It increases taxes on large Wall Street investors that buy excessive numbers of single-family homes, protects homeowners and small landlords, and creates tax incentives for builders to construct affordable homes for first-time buyers and middle-class families.

Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position: No. We have a stronger solution: the H.O.M.E. Act (Housing Ownership & Middle-class Empowerment Act). It expands homestead property tax relief for working families earning under $85,000 and seniors on fixed incomes, creates a property tax rebate for low-income renters, and funds that relief with a modest surcharge on the value of primary homes over $2 million. It cuts taxes for those who need it most while asking the wealthiest homeowners to pay a little more.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Regulators should require rigorous cost-of-service studies before approving new data center projects, prohibit utilities from shifting infrastructure costs onto residential customers & strengthen oversight of rate increases to block unjustified hikes. We also need to invest in grid modernization and energy efficiency to help homeowners lower their monthly bills through weatherization incentives.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? We should be doing more to both mitigate the causes of climate change and adapt to its impact, especially in a state like Florida, where stronger storms, flooding, extreme heat, and rising insurance costs are already affecting families and businesses.We must modernize our electric grid, expand renewable and nuclear energy, protect Florida’s freshwater resources and coastlines, invest in stronger infrastructure & encourage innovation in clean technologies.

George Hubac

WEBSITE: hubacforcongress.com/

If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?

A kidney stone taught me how Washington works: at best, they ease the pain; they rarely treat the cause, and this year they took the pain meds away.

My treatment plan:

1) Put the safeguards back: reverse the cuts to Medicaid, food assistance, and health insurance.

2) Bring our money home: our congresswoman refuses to request community project funding; I’d fight for our share, clean water and mobile clinics.

3) Change the diet: co-ops so what’s made here stays here, and a permanent income floor.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Housing got unaffordable when homes became investment assets, bought in bulk by funds and rented back to us. I’d curb Wall Street’s bulk-buying of single-family homes, fund community land trusts and co-ops so housing is owned locally instead of extracted, and pair that with a basic income floor. Affordability isn’t just the sticker price; it’s whether a paycheck earned here can cover a life here. When a dollar earned here gets spent here, it does the work of three.

Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. No. Eliminating property taxes sounds like relief, but it guts what they fund: schools, fire, police, roads. The money still has to come from somewhere, and the usual replacement is a higher sales tax that hits working families hardest while big property owners pocket the savings. I’d instead expand homestead protections and circuit-breaker relief so seniors and working homeowners aren’t taxed out of their homes, without defunding our kids’ schools.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Data centers should pay their own way, not put their costs on your bill. Pause speculative projects until the water and grid math adds up; for those built, set dedicated rates so AI demand doesn’t raise household bills, and make big users bring their own generation. For families, guarantee the right to generate and store your own power with fair two-way buyback: if the utility sells us power at retail, it buys ours at retail. Energy should be owned close to home, not rented from one utility.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? More, and Florida is ground zero. We’re already paying through a collapsing home-insurance market, flood-exposed property, and saltwater creeping into our aquifer. I treat it as an opportunity, not just a threat: clean energy people own themselves. Give every household the right and the means to generate and store power, with fair two-way buyback. That’s lower bills and real resilience, built from the bottom up, not handed down as a mandate or rented back by one utility.

Tom Wells

WEBSITE: www.tomwellsforcongress.com/

If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? 1) The Supreme Court - the supreme problem. I’ve said this to 5,000+ folks at public events in CD3; 99+% concur.

2) The Florida aquifer is collapsing. The pending Hyperscale AI Data Centers are insane as: A) They drive cost of power, water, hence crops (e.g. peanuts) - crushing the export market and B) China now has a glass substrate chip 100x the speed, 10% the heat. That market is theirs.

3) ICE is murdering people in the streets; 6 Justices gave Trump the OK. We live in a Fascist State.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? There is a bill in Congress to limit the number of houses investors can buy in a given market. I have little confidence in the efficacy of bills brought by our corp Congress. Basically, homes cannot be an investment opportunity. We ought to have learned that from the 2008 home mortgage collapse. Clinton, 9 years before, had ‘modernized’ banking. The crash was predicted. The banks made many billions. A few million families lost their homes. We must restore Glass-Steagall now or the crash will recur.

Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. Yes, but with reservations. The text giveth here and taketh away there - so the range of results is difficult to quantify. However, if the folks in Tally wanted, at any time in the last 17 years, to help their constituents, they could simply accept the ACA Medicaid benefits - to provide healthcare for those just scraping by; bringing 10s of B$ and 1000s of (tax-paying) doctors and nurses into the state.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Nominally, this is a state-level issue. This problem ought to have been finessed by Congress banning data centers. Our Congress represents corporations quite generously; the people - rarely. I will legislate to delay data centers until they can demonstrate engineering innovation competitive with China. A month or 2 ago, the five AI teams laid off 96,000 US engineers. As AI will not innovate, tossing the engineers looks like a total collapse of the sector.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? We have been destroying the Climate faster than any other nation. Behind a facade of Greening, oil and natural gas production increased every year under Obama and Biden. It dropped significantly at the end of Trump 1 due to COVID. The Congress has stacked the stock market like a Jenga endgame. And the Keynesian way to build our way out of this pending depression: climate collapse: Gift solar (China has massive excess capacity), sodium batteries (US has 90% of global proven reserves).

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Republican U.S. Senate candidates

The Republican U.S. Senate primary is a statewide race open to all registered Republicans in Florida to decide who will represent the party in the November general election.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates. However, none of the Republican candidates for Senate responded to our questions. They did, however, respond to our news partners at WJXT News4Jax in Jacksonville.

You can find those responses in the News4Jax Voting Guide HERE.

Chris Gleason

WEBSITE: www.voteforgleason.com/

Mr. Gleason did not respond to our questionnaire.

Ashley Moody - Incumbent

WEBSITE: ashleymoody.com/

Sen. Moody did not respond to our questionnaire.

Neelam Taneja Perry

WEBSITE: www.perryforfl.com/

Ms. Perry did not respond to our questionnaire.

Ernest Rivera

WEBSITE: ernie4senate.com/

Ms. Perry did not respond to our questionnaire.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Democratic U.S. Senate candidates

The Democratic U.S. Senate primary is a statewide race open to all registered Democrats in Florida to decide who will represent the party in the November general election against the incumbent senator, Republican Ashley Moody.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates. Where possible, for candidates who did not respond, our collaborative partners sought to fill in details.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for the U.S. Senate Democratic primary. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile.

You can see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Angie Nixon

WEBSITE: angienixon.com/

Rep. Nixon did not respond to our questionnaire.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? On her campaign website, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate writes the following about affordability: “Washington has stood by while Floridians are priced out of their own lives. We are ending the era of corporate capture. Crack Down on Corporate Price-Gouging: We will pass and enforce federal legislation to stop corporations from inflating prices on groceries, fuel, and essential goods to pad their bottom line. Housing is a Right: We will fund and build affordable housing at scale, expand down-payment assistance, and stop the displacement of working families from the communities they built. Breaking the Insurance Cartel: We will establish a federal backstop and impose strict transparency and accountability requirements on the insurers driving unmanageable rate hikes. Lower the Cost of Living Directly: We will take on the corporate consolidation and monopolies that are driving up costs across every sector of daily life.”

Alex Vindman

WEBSITE: alexvindman.com/

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Lowering costs for Floridians is my top priority. As I travel the state to meet voters, everybody tells me that life is unaffordable in our state. We need to lower the cost of housing, groceries, insurance, and health care. I also plan to fight the political corruption catering to special interests that is responsible for this affordability crisis. My campaign released a “Florida First” policy agenda to make Florida more affordable. One of the key planks of this platform is a plan to solve Florida’s homeowners insurance crisis by increasing market competition, holding insurers accountable, and addressing the underlying risks driving up premiums. I will also work to cut red tape that slows construction, support policies that allow first-time homebuyers to break into the market, and take on corporate investors who view housing purely as a speculative asset and are buying up homes and driving up prices across the state.

Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. This is a half-measure that fails to address the homeowners insurance crisis that is making Florida unaffordable. Local government officials have said that this proposal will force municipalities across the state to cut funding for law enforcement and fire services, and I will never vote to defund the police. This proposal is just a fig leaf to hide the fact that career politicians in Tallahassee have failed to address rising costs for decades, and Floridians are frustrated and pissed off. That’s why I’m 100% focused on how we can cut costs for Floridians.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Our state is suffering from an affordability crisis, and Florida’s utility regulators should respond by making sure that data centers are paying for their electricity and not passing these costs onto the backs of working Floridians suffering from our state’s affordability crisis. I believe we need a moratorium on data center construction until we have a policy ensuring that the extra costs associated with data centers are not passed onto Floridians.

Do you agree with the current federal and state governments’ approaches to immigration enforcement? Why or why not?

As an immigrant refugee myself, I am staunchly pro-immigration reform. I oppose efforts to expand inhumane immigration detention that treats all undocumented as criminals and dangers to society. A system that swiftly and fairly adjudicates immigration status aligns with the U.S. Constitution’s expectation of speedy trials. I believe that existing asylum laws are broadly functional and permit asylum seekers access to the U.S. I loathe the policies of family separation and seriously question the policy of family detention that equates to collective punishment, including the innocent. I will always support those coming to this country for a better life, and I will proudly vote for and cosponsor legislation that creates a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status holders, and essential workers. We need clear and fair immigration systems, while also preserving border security that assures U.S. national security.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Democratic U.S. House District 7 candidates

The Democratic U.S. House District 7 primary is open to all registered Democrats residing in District 7, which includes parts of Volusia and Seminole counties in Central Florida.

The primary will decide who represents the party in the November general election.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Oviedo Community News compiled the candidate responses for U.S. House District 7. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile. To see the full responses, go to the Oviedo Community News candidate page link for each candidate.

You can also see the full Oviedo Community News Voting Guide HERE.

Bale Dalton

WEBSITE: baledalton.com/

Oviedo Community News Candidate Profile:

oviedocommunitynews.org/profile/bale-dalton/

Candidate Q&A: The questions below are based on voter questions and expressed priorities. Each of the candidates within a race were asked the same questions and given the same amount of time to respond. The candidates’ answers were fact checked, checked for spelling and grammar but otherwise unedited.

• If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?

1. The No. 1 problem we need to address is Central Florida’s cost-of-living emergency. Making Florida affordable again requires reversing this administration’s illegal tariff taxes, repealing the health care premium hikes that Congressman Cory Mills voted for repeatedly and avoiding wars of choice that have sent our gas prices through the roof. We have also seen property insurers and utility providers hike their prices in the absence of any real competition. Tallahassee isn’t acting, so we need federal representatives who will provide real oversight. With housing prices going through the roof, I also support legislation to ban Wall Street from buying up homes, while investing in building. We need a wide-ranging affordability agenda, carried forward by representatives who will fight for hardworking families – not billionaires and special interests. That’s why I support cutting taxes for working people, not the ultra-wealthy.
2. Our current cost of living crisis is also rooted in DC corruption – as politicians sell out their constituents and cash in on inside information. Our current Congressman, Cory Mills, is currently being investigated by the House Ethics Committee for corruption, campaign finance violations and sexual misconduct. His corruption has been criticized by Republicans and Democrats. Tackling DC corruption starts with sending Rep. Mills packing, but it cannot end there. We need to place real penalties on politicians and insiders who get rich by betting against America and trading on insider information. This means banning Congressional stock trading, outlawing insiders and politicians from betting on prediction markets, and overturning Citizens United to reform our broken campaign finance system from the inside out.
3. Florida is facing a healthcare and retirement crisis at all levels. As mentioned, Congressman Mills has voted repeatedly to raise health insurance premiums on hardworking families by thousands of dollars every month. This is a crisis of Congress’s own making, and one of my first priorities would be reversing these premium hikes, along with the cuts to Medicaid Rep. Cory Mills voted for. Further action is needed, however, to protect Social Security and Medicare for seniors who have paid into these programs for all of their lives, and who deserve to retire with dignity. With these programs set to go bankrupt, we must eliminate tax loopholes which allow the ultra-wealthy to avoid paying into these programs. We need to shore up our insurance coverage at every level of the system to ensure that, in the richest country on Earth, no one is one ER visit away from bankruptcy.

• For incumbents: Why do you deserve re-election to this race? For challengers and open seats: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I have spent my life in public service and leadership. As a Navy helicopter pilot and combat veteran, I deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa and the Pacific – and worked with [Florida’s former] Sen. [Bill] Nelson to protect Florida veterans, and helped lead over 16,000 employees as the Chief of Staff at NASA. Serious times call for serious leaders, which Florida’s Seventh District has been sorely lacking. I was born and raised in Central Florida. It makes me furious to see my friends and neighbors struggling while Congressman Mills – a foreign arms dealer who’s been slapped with a restraining order – is bogged down with his own ethics investigations in DC. I’m in this race to tackle corruption and lower the cost of living for our community, and will fight every day to deliver a better deal for Central Florida.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? The median age of first-time home buyers rose to 40 years old last year for one simple reason: housing is too expensive. The sticker price of first-time-homes has skyrocketed, alongside HOA fees, high interest rates and rising property insurance costs. Addressing these challenges requires building more housing at all income levels – and banning Wall Street speculators from buying up homes, driving up the cost of housing across our neighborhoods. We also need to provide meaningful oversight into property insurers, who have been hiking rates with no return in service or coverage provided when storms do arrive. Congressman Cory Mills supports the tariffs that raise the cost of building more housing — I oppose those tariffs.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes, and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I will vote no on the governor’s proposal to slash property taxes. While I support tax relief for working families, this proposal would imperil our ability to fund public safety, maintain our roads, and prepare for storms. This proposal is irresponsible and should not be enacted into law.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? We’ve seen far too often that when large energy users join the grid, they pass the cost onto ratepayers – which is absolutely unacceptable, especially with our utility costs from FPL and Duke Energy already through the roof. Costs should be shouldered by the new users consuming large amounts of electricity, and we must do more to lower energy costs and help hardworking families afford their utility bills.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? I was dismayed to see this administration propose opening Florida’s coast for offshore oil drilling. Florida’s coastline is a key driver of our local economy – and the test ranges off our coasts help power our military and space programs, to keep our nation secure. We must protect our coasts and public lands here in Florida, to ensure that the beautiful state we’re proud to call home is something we can pass along to the next generation.

Alan Grayson

WEBSITE: electgrayson.com/

Oviedo Community News Candidate Profile:

oviedocommunitynews.org/profile/alan-grayson/

Candidate Q&A: The questions below are based on voter questions and expressed priorities. Each of the candidates within a race were asked the same questions and given the same amount of time to respond. The candidates’ answers were fact checked, checked for spelling and grammar but otherwise unedited.

• Top problem and your suggested solution: The top problem is the looming Trump dictatorship. My suggested solution is to fight back by any means necessary, from impeachment to civil disobedience. “Name and shame.”
• Problem 2 and your suggested solution: The second most-pressing problem is the cost of living, caused in large part by Trump. Most people feel caught in a rat race that they just can’t win. But there are numerous rational solutions. We should eliminate all taxes on driving, right down to the tax on driver’s licenses. There should be no federal income tax on households making less than $50,000, which is a bill that I wrote when I was in Congress. Healthcare costs are crushing people, and the solution is Medicare for All. (I also wrote a law to do that.) The cost of owning and keeping a home is skyrocketing. One solution, for Florida, would be to extend national flood insurance to cover hurricanes and storms (another law that I wrote). Another solution would be to allow everyone to refinance mortgages through the state at 1.5% lower interest rates. There is such a program, and only 0.1% of Florida homeowners use it. Another solution would be to increase the national minimum wage, which is lower now (adjusted for inflation) than it was in 1968. If it had kept up with productivity, it would be $20 or more per hour now. In other words, I am in favor of rational thought to solve national (and local) problems.
• Problem 3 and your suggested solution: We are not doing enough to invest in future generations. Every child should be able to see a doctor when he or she is sick, and get all the care that’s needed to be the best that he or she can be. In other words, Medicare should cover everyone until 18. The cost is minimal, because most children are healthy. We need to get children off their phones and paying attention in class. We need to make special effort to meet special needs. We need to teach more subjects that are germane to living, like how to find a job and how to pay your taxes and how to stay healthy, in lieu of the details of European history. Schooling has to recognize that each child is a unique bundle of talents, skills, capabilities and limitations, each one on a different arc through life, and school should bring out the best in each one. We need to improve pre-K childcare dramatically, and subsidize it in the same way that we do for K-12 children. One reason why younger people are having far fewer children is that they just can’t afford it. That has to change.
• For incumbents: Why do you deserve re-election to this race? For challengers and open seats: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? Because I will do the job best.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? As I said, the cost of owning and keeping a home is skyrocketing. One solution, for Florida, would be to extend national flood insurance to cover hurricanes and storms (a law that I wrote). Another solution would be to allow everyone to refinance mortgages through the state at 1.5% lower interest rates. There is such a program, and only 0.1% of FL homeowners use it. On a typical mortgage balance of $350,000, that would save more than $5000 per year. The insurer of last resort, “Citizens,” is a disgrace, and it should be prohibited from operating at a profit at our expense. Regarding renters, the federal government rations its programs to extend federal credit for building apartments by not appropriating money for them, and these programs should be expanded substantially. Renters actually pay more in property taxes, indirectly, than homeowners do, and to be fair, there should be the equivalent of a “homestead exemption” for renters.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes, and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? We should do whatever people want to do. If people decide, collectively and through legal means, that property taxes need to be cut, that is democracy in action. As to how to make it up, I would be against service reductions, because state services generally are already miserable.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Data centers will require a substantial expansion of utilities, and the data centers should bear the cost of that themselves. If capacity is expanded, then there is no justification for any price increase to anyone else. The real problem with utility prices is the complete collapse of state regulation in Florida. If Florida had a properly functioning Public Service Commission, then this wouldn’t be the same kind of problem. There still would be the huge problem of massive fuel cost increases due to errors at the top, but that’s the price we all are paying.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? I don’t think that there is a “biggest” issue. The government is responsible for clean air, clean water and clean food. It also is responsible for minimizing pollution, and punishing [violators] when appropriate. It also is responsible for respecting and preserving nature, and protecting recreation. And the only opportunity that we have to reduce climate chaos is through government action. As the saying goes, “there is no Planet B.”

Marialana Kinter

WEBSITE: www.kinterforcongress.com/

Oviedo Community News Candidate Profile:

oviedocommunitynews.org/profile/marialana-kinter/

Candidate Q&A: The questions below are based on voter questions and expressed priorities. Each of the candidates within a race were asked the same questions and given the same amount of time to respond. The candidates’ answers were fact checked, checked for spelling and grammar but otherwise unedited.

• Top problem and your suggested solution: The cost of living. Combating the economic squeeze our working class is facing by investing in American trade jobs, strengthening Social Security, expanding voluntary full-day pre-K options, and breaking up the corporate monopolies driving small businesses under.
• Problem 2 and your suggested solution: Restoring government accountability. Corruption and corporate capture have made the government unresponsive to the people. I am bringing a “Zero-Fail” standard to Washington, which includes term limits, a ban on congressional stock trading and an aggressive effort to overturn Citizens United to get big money out of politics.
• Problem 3 and your suggested solution: Stopping overdevelopment and data centers. The housing crisis is driven by corporate investors and a lack of supply for working families. I will sponsor the Stop Predatory Investing Act to ban hedge funds from buying single-family homes, and I support increasing federal investment in the National Housing Trust Fund to expand rental assistance and incentivize the construction of affordable starter homes for primary residents.
• For incumbents: Why do you deserve re-election to this race? For challengers and open seats: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I am not a career politician. I am a Navy veteran and a working class advocate. I have spent my life overcoming the same obstacles as the people of FL-07, from the foster system to the nuclear reactor plant, and I know that true leadership requires accountability. I am beholden to the people, not corporate PACs. We deserve a representative that works from sunrise to sunset to deliver results and improve the conditions of the lives of Floridians.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Beyond local zoning, this is a national failure. I support federal legislation to prevent corporate entities from monopolizing the single-family home market. We must prioritize a federal reinsurance backstop to stabilize the homeowners insurance market, stop corporate entities from buying up residential property and invest in union and trade jobs to grow our local economy.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes, and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I am generally skeptical of slashing property taxes through state-level constitutional amendments if they are not paired with a sustainable plan to protect essential services like public schools and first responders. I would need to see the specific language to ensure it does not unfairly shift the tax burden onto renters and first-time homebuyers.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? We cannot allow big tech energy-intensive data centers to hike the electric bills of our families. Regulators must require data centers to pay their full, uncapped share of infrastructure costs and meet strict sustainability mandates so their energy demand does not degrade service or raise prices for the public. I support a moratorium on data centers to stop building and a complete ban of building on protected natural spaces until a complete and thorough investigation and study of the environmental and economic impacts is conducted.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? Water security, quality and protecting the rural boundary are the most pressing issues. Our aquifers and springs are under constant pressure from overdevelopment and pollution, and protecting our natural resources is a necessity for Florida’s long-term economic and human survival. I will fight to protect the rural boundary through federal incentives that make our nature preserves and green spaces protected on a federal level to prevent industrial and developer encroachment.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Republican U.S. House District 6 candidates

The Republican U.S. House District 6 primary is open to all registered Republicans residing in District 6, which includes parts of Flagler, Lake, Marion and Volusia counties in Central Florida, as well as parts of the following counties:

• St. Johns
• Putnam

The primary will decide who represents the party in the November general election.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates. These are the responses that our partners at Central Florida Public Media received.

You can also see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Manuel P. Asensio

WEBSITE: www.asensio4congress.com/

NOTE: Mr. Asensio did not submit a response to our questionnaire.

Aaron Baker

WEBSITE: aaron4fl6.com/

If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? Mr. Baker did not provide a response to this question.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? The federal government needs to stop spending money unnecessarily. Continued years of deficit spending has caused inflation. We need to concentrate on the needs of Americans first and foremost.

Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. (State Issue) Personally, I believe the homestead exemption should be raised to $250,000 for primary residence. I support a 3% cap on yearly increases for residences and a 5% cap on yearly increases for other properties in Florida. One point not included in Governor DeSantis’ current proposal: I believe the $250k cap should be adjusted annually by CPI.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? In the short to medium term, we should focus on existing technologies- clean coal and natural gas. In the long term, we should focus on nuclear energy. The federal government needs to provide an infrastructure bill focused on reducing permitting time for small nuclear reactors and building the needed infrastructure to meet current demands.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? In Florida, we should focus on expanding our Wildlife Corridor, protecting our beaches, and improving our drinking water. I will do everything in my power to protect our environment.

Dan Bilzerian

WEBSITE: www.bilzerianforcongress.com/

NOTE: Mr. Bilzerian did not submit a response to our questionnaire.

Randy Fine - Incumbent

WEBSITE: www.voterandyfine.com/

NOTE: Mr. Fine did not submit a response to our questionnaire.

Charles Gambaro

WEBSITE: voteforgambaro.com/

NOTE: Mr. Gambaro did not submit a response to our questionnaire.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Democratic U.S. House District 6 candidates

The Democratic U.S. House District 6 primary is open to all registered Democrats residing in District 6, which includes parts of Flagler, Lake, Marion and Volusia counties in Central Florida, as well as parts of the following counties:

• St. Johns
• Putnam

The primary will decide who represents the party in the November general election.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates. Where possible, for candidates who did not respond, our collaborative partners sought to fill in details. These are the responses that our partners at Central Florida Public Media received.

You can also see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Robert Cooper II

WEBSITE: robcooperforcongress.com/

If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? The three biggest problems I hear about in Florida’s 6th District are the high cost of living, access to health care, and support for veterans and seniors. Families are struggling with rising housing, insurance, grocery, and utility costs. I support increasing affordable housing, lowering prescription drug prices, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and improving access to mental health, recovery, and veteran services. Government should focus on people, not politics.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Housing should be within reach for working families, veterans, and seniors. I support expanding the supply of affordable homes, offering incentives to builders who include workforce housing, helping first-time homebuyers with down payment assistance, and addressing rising property insurance costs. We also need to increase wages, curb corporate practices that drive up housing prices, and invest in infrastructure so communities can grow responsibly.

Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. Yes. Property taxes have become an increasing burden on homeowners, especially seniors, veterans, and working families living on fixed incomes. I support eliminating property taxes only if Florida creates a fair and reliable replacement that does not raise costs on working families or reduce funding for schools, public safety, and local services. Tax relief should help people stay in their homes and build stronger communities.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida’s utility regulators should ensure families and small businesses are not forced to subsidize the growing energy demands of large data centers. Companies that require significant power should pay their fair share for infrastructure upgrades. Regulators should encourage investments in energy efficiency, modernize the grid, and expand diverse energy sources while maintaining reliability and keeping rates affordable for residents.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? The government should do more to prepare for and reduce the impacts of climate change. In Florida, that means protecting our coastlines and waterways, strengthening infrastructure against storms and flooding, supporting clean and reliable energy, and encouraging innovation that creates good-paying jobs. We can protect our environment and grow our economy at the same time.

Steve Morgan

WEBSITE: morganforcongress.us/

If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? Budget - We need to balance the budget and reduce our deficit. We need to do so by amending our tax code so that the billionaires and corporations pay a higher tax rate. Right now, the average billionaire only pays 7.2% in federal taxes.

Affordability - We need to reinstate SNAP, Medicare, Medicaid, and health care subsidies.

Respect - We need to treat one another with respect, treat our public employees with respect, and show respect across party lines even if we don’t agree on everything.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? We need to repeal the Bodaciously Bad Bill and bring back health care subsidies, SNAP benefits, and fully fund Medicare and Medicaid. In addition, we need to revamp the tax code. The average American pays 14.5% of their income in federal taxes. The average billionaire pays 7.2%. We need to reverse those percentages. We also need to limit new housing development until we have enough affordable housing in Florida.

Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. No. The money has to come from somewhere, and without property taxes, the money will have to be made up with more regressive taxes like sales taxes and license fees and others. In other words, the lower-income Floridians who are struggling the most will end up paying even more than they cannot afford.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Ban the approval of the hyper data centers. And take a hard look at any data center. They raise energy costs, they pollute the environment, they are horrible neighbors, and they provide low-paying jobs.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? Much more. We need to get back to the Paris Accord, and we need to incentivize green energy and disincentivize greenhouse gases.

Ronnie Murchinson-Rivera

WEBSITE: www.ron4congress.com/

If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? The three biggest issues I hear about across FL-06 are affordability, healthcare, and protecting our democracy. Families are struggling with rising housing, insurance, utility, and grocery costs. We must lower costs, protect Social Security and Medicare, expand access to healthcare, and reduce the influence of special interests in politics so government works for everyday people.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? We must address housing costs, insurance premiums, healthcare expenses, and wages together. I support building more affordable housing, stopping corporate price gouging, lowering prescription drug costs, increasing wages, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and investing in workforce development so families can afford to live and work in our communities.

Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. No. Eliminating property taxes would create massive funding gaps for schools, public safety, roads, and local services. Instead, we should focus on lowering insurance costs, increasing affordable housing, and providing targeted relief to seniors and working families without jeopardizing essential public services.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Utility regulators should ensure that residential customers are not unfairly subsidizing large energy users. Data centers and other high-demand facilities should pay their fair share of infrastructure and energy costs. We should invest in grid modernization, energy efficiency, and consumer protections to keep utility bills affordable.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? More. Climate change is already affecting Florida through stronger storms, flooding, rising insurance costs, coastal erosion, and extreme heat. We should invest in resilience, clean energy, infrastructure improvements, conservation, and disaster preparedness to protect communities, reduce costs, and strengthen our economy.

Eric Yonce

WEBSITE: yonceforcongress.com/

If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? My priorities are lowering living costs, investing in infrastructure, and managing AI growth responsibly. People are struggling while government often serves special interests. We need reforms that reduce corporate influence and actually strengthen the working class. Our district needs better roads, water systems, and flood protection, with federal investment that keeps pace. AI and data center growth must protect resources, workers, and communities while ensuring broad benefits.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Housing affordability is one of the biggest challenges facing our district. We need to push back on large corporate investors buying up large numbers of homes and driving up costs for working families. We also need stronger investment in affordable and workforce housing. Many housing authorities are underfunded while people live in unacceptable conditions. Growth should pay for growth so existing residents are not left covering the cost of overdevelopment.

Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. I do not support eliminating property taxes in Florida. Property taxes fund essential local services, and eliminating them would create major revenue shortfalls for municipalities, schools, infrastructure, and public safety. That does not mean government cannot do better. We need stronger accountability and transparency to ensure tax dollars are spent responsibly and reduce wasteful spending instead of creating cuts that shift costs onto working families.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Working families should not bear the utility costs created by large-scale data center growth. Florida’s utility regulators should require AI and data center operators to cover the infrastructure and energy costs they create, whether through dedicated power generation, direct cost recovery, or long-term energy investments. Residents should not see higher electric bills to subsidize private corporate expansion.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? Government should be doing more to address and adapt to climate change. We need to trust science and acknowledge the impacts of human-driven climate change that communities are already experiencing. That means investing in renewable energy, improving resilience, and making clean energy more accessible and affordable. Florida has the opportunity to be a national leader in solar energy, but we have not invested at the scale needed.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Republican U.S. House District 7 candidates

The Republican U.S. House District 7 primary is open to all registered Republicans residing in District 7, which includes parts of Volusia and Seminole counties in Central Florida.

The primary will decide who represents the party in the November general election.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Oviedo Community News compiled the candidate responses for U.S. House District 7. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile.

To see the full responses, go to the Oviedo Community News candidate page link for each candidate.

You can also see the full Oviedo Community News Voting Guide HERE.

Ryan Elijah

WEBSITE: elijahforcongress.com/

Oviedo Community News Candidate Profile:

oviedocommunitynews.org/profile/ryan-elijah/

Candidate Q&A: This candidate did not respond to multiple requests to answer questions that were based on voter questions and expressed priorities. Each of the candidates within a race was asked the same questions and given the same amount of time to respond. OCN reporters emailed, texted and called the candidate, who was given several weeks to respond.

Michael Johnson

WEBSITE: www.votemichaeldonjohnson.com/

Oviedo Community News Candidate Profile: oviedocommunitynews.org/profile/michael-johnson/

Candidate Q&A: The questions below are based on voter questions and expressed priorities. Each of the candidates within a race was asked the same questions and given the same amount of time to respond. The candidates’ answers were fact-checked, checked for spelling and grammar but otherwise unedited.

• If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?

1. Foreign influence that is out to change the values of our nation is the greatest threat to our nation. I will introduce legislation and a Constitutional amendment to require all members of Congress and federal judges to be born in the United States.
2. Runaway spending by federal government agencies is driving us into bankruptcy. I will introduce legislation that will require the federal budget be separated into two parts: all of the social programs – Social Security, workers’ comp, unemployment insurance, etc. – be separated from the Cabinet department budgets. Programs that support the social net programs must show specific sources of funding. The Cabinet agencies must be specific as to where their funding comes from. A detailed audit must be done on each and require audits by [an] independent organization to look for savings and/or sources of funding.
3. Many seniors and veterans are being neglected by the social net programs and Veterans Agency. I will introduce legislation that will require these agencies to create offices that will require help to [those] having issues getting their benefits. I will also introduce legislation that will allow seniors and vets to earn tax credits to help them.

• For incumbents: Why do you deserve re-election to this race? For challengers and open seats: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? We need term limits. I am the most qualified based on my work experience.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Give first-time homebuyers tax credits. Help end regulations that add expenses to homeowners. Encourage industry to be required to compete on costs of insurance, electricity, water and sewer costs. Add competition in utilities industries.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes, and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I will vote yes. Cities and counties must give up their non-government spending. Privatize non-essential services.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Build data centers near our oceans and large water bodies to use cooler water and build salination plants to help water needs. Innovate electricity inventions to reduce costs of cooling, heating, cooking and other forms of products that run on electricity. Florida utility regulators must include those outside the big companies that have a grip on residents.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? Water and sewer issues that impact our aquifer. Flooding is wrecking havoc on local older cities.

Cory Mills

WEBSITE: millsforflorida.com/

Oviedo Community News Candidate Profile:

oviedocommunitynews.org/profile/cory-mills-2/

Candidate Q&A: This candidate did not respond to multiple requests to answer questions that were based on voter questions and expressed priorities. Each of the candidates within a race was asked the same questions and given the same amount of time to respond. OCN reporters emailed, texted and called the candidate, who was given several weeks to respond.

Sarah Ulrich

WEBSITE: www.ulrichforflorida.com/

Oviedo Community News Candidate Profile:

oviedocommunitynews.org/profile/sarah-ulrich/

Candidate Q&A: The questions below are based on voter questions and expressed priorities. Each of the candidates within a race was asked the same questions and given the same amount of time to respond. The candidates’ answers were fact checked, checked for spelling and grammar but otherwise unedited.

• If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?

1. The greatest threat to our republic is not that Washington is broken, but that too many in Washington serve everyone except the American people. Too often, our representatives answer to powerful corporations and special interests instead of those who elected them. Simple reforms can help restore accountability. We should ban insider trading and impose term limits, which is why I signed the U.S. Term Limits Pledge. Public service was never meant to be a lifelong career. Limits on campaign length would reduce the influence of money and ensure representatives spend more time governing than campaigning. We should also restrict the revolving door between elected office, lobbying and foreign entities. Americans should expect their elected officials to be civil servants accountable to the people, not career politicians seeking personal gain.
2. The greatest threat to our prosperity is not capitalism, but crony capitalism that rewards greed and extraction instead of competition and innovation. Too many corporations enrich a handful of executives while workers, consumers and investors pay the price. We must stop corporations from poisoning our people and the environment with chemicals banned elsewhere but still found in our food and products. Americans also deserve stronger privacy protections. Individuals should own their data, and corporations should not profit from personal information without consent. Greater separation between executives and corporate boards is needed to ensure proper oversight and accountability. Capitalism works best when competition is fair, consumers are protected and success is earned rather than extracted. Corporate leadership should answer to consumers, employees, shareholders and the communities they affect, not simply to themselves.
3. The greatest threat to our future is not a recession or foreign adversary, but a federal government that spends far beyond its means and passes the bill to future generations. Congress has not balanced the budget in more than two decades, and changing that must begin with changing the behavior of government itself. Last year, the federal government collected roughly $5 trillion and spent nearly $7 trillion. Debt is accelerating, and we are nearing a point where interest payments consume much of the budget. If this continues, the dollar and America’s global influence will be at risk. Families already feel the consequences as inflation erodes earnings and savings, making homeownership, debt repayment and financial stability harder to achieve. Instead of relying on rushed continuing resolutions and shutdown threats, Congress must return to regular order and responsible budgeting. These measures fuel instability and enable unrelated spending provisions that burden taxpayers.

• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Owning a home has long been one of the most reliable paths to financial stability and generational wealth. For more than 25 years, I have helped Central Florida families purchase homes, and served on the Volusia Affordable Housing Advisory Committee because this issue matters deeply to me. Congress is considering legislation to improve affordability, including a provision I support that would prevent institutional investors owning more than 350 homes from buying additional single-family homes. That would be an important first step, but it cannot be the last. Large investment firms own significant numbers of homes in concentrated Central Florida neighborhoods, influencing prices and reducing inventory for working families. Buyers should not have to compete with corporations for their basic needs. We must also address the economic pressures driving housing costs. A balanced federal budget can reduce inflationary pressure, while lower inflation can help bring down interest rates and monthly mortgage payments. Energy costs matter as well: higher fuel prices raise the cost of materials, transportation and construction. Homes should be stability for families — not simply assets for large corporations to accumulate.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes, and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions?No. While I applaud the effort to reduce the tax burden on Florida homeowners, the reality is that local governments still have to fund emergency services, infrastructure and other essential community needs. If property tax revenues are reduced, many municipalities will look for other ways to make up the difference. In many cases, that means replacing property tax revenue with flat fees and assessments. Unlike property taxes, which generally scale with a home’s value, these fees are often charged at the same rate regardless of a property’s worth. As a result, homeowners with lower-value homes can end up paying a disproportionately larger share of the cost, creating an unintended consequence for the very families these policies are intended to help. My greater concern is that these proposals shift decision-making authority away from local communities and toward the state government. Local officials are best positioned to understand the needs and priorities of their residents. When the state takes greater control over revenue and spending decisions, it gains the power to determine which communities receive resources and which do not. I believe those decisions should remain as close to the people as possible, where local voters can hold their elected officials directly accountable.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Artificial intelligence will not magically solve the world’s problems or deliver the future its biggest advocates promise. AI outputs are only as good as the information put into them. While it can create efficiencies and reduce processing times, more technology is not the answer to every challenge facing our country. We should ask: Will this make America better? Had we asked that before allowing social media to grow largely unchecked, we might be less divided and less vulnerable to foreign influence. AI already enables convincing fake videos, images and propaganda, and those threats will only become more sophisticated. There are also concerns about cost. Regulators are pushing energy providers to connect AI data centers more quickly, promising companies will pay for upgrades and consumers will not see higher bills. We have heard similar promises before. The federal government should establish basic AI safeguards while allowing states to adopt stronger protections. AI is making it easier to identify and exploit weaknesses in our infrastructure, financial systems and national security. Innovation matters, but so does caution. America should lead responsibly; not simply race to keep up.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? Dwindling freshwater supplies are a growing concern for Florida. In many ways, we are becoming victims of our own success. Rapid population growth is placing increasing pressure on our aquifer, pushing this vital resource closer to its limits. Without a reliable supply of clean water, both our quality of life and our economy will suffer. The growing demand from large-scale facilities, including data centers, could further exacerbate this challenge. While the federal government should not dictate solutions to the states, it should stand ready to support and partner with Florida in protecting our environment. Once natural resources are damaged, restoration is often extraordinarily expensive and, in some cases, impossible. Protecting what we have today is far wiser than trying to rebuild it tomorrow.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Republican U.S. House District 9 candidates

The Republican U.S. House District 9 primary is open to all registered Republicans residing in District 9.

Because of redistricting this year, U.S. House District 9 was dramatically redrawn. It now includes parts of Orange and Osceola counties in Central Florida, along with parts of the following counties:

• Polk County
• Indian River
• Okeechobee
• Highlands
• Glades

The primary will decide who represents the party in the November general election against the incumbent congressman, Democrat Darren Soto.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Osceola News Gazette compiled the candidate responses for U.S. House District 9. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile. To see the full responses, go to the Osceola News Gazette candidate page link for each candidate.

You can also see the full Osceola News Gazette Voting Guide HERE.

Ben Butler

WEBSITE: www.butlerforflorida.com/

Osceola News Gazette Candidate Profile: www.aroundosceola.com/election-2026/voting-osceola-meet-us-congressional-district-9-republican-candidates

• Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I am running because I believe Congress needs more people who have spent their lives solving real-world problems rather than climbing the political ladder. As a ninth-generation Floridian, dairy farmer, cattle rancher, and public servant with experience in water management, I understand the challenges facing Florida families because I live them every day. I know what it means to make payroll, manage rising costs, work through regulations, and balance competing priorities. I want to bring that practical perspective to Washington and be a strong advocate for the people of the 9^th District.
• If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?
• • Affordability and Cost of Living: Florida families are struggling with the rising costs of housing, groceries, insurance, and energy. Washington must reduce deficit spending that fuels inflation, support domestic energy production to lower costs, and remove unnecessary regulations that increase prices for consumers and small businesses.
  • Housing Affordability and Supply: Florida’s growth has outpaced housing supply in many communities. We need policies that encourage the construction of attainable workforce housing, invest in supporting infrastructure, and reduce regulatory barriers that unnecessarily increase housing costs while preserving local control over development decisions.
  • Food Security and Economic Resilience: America’s food supply depends on strong domestic agriculture. We should support family farms and ranches, strengthen supply chains, reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, and ensure that the United States remains capable of feeding itself in an increasingly uncertain world.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability starts with addressing the root causes of inflation. Washington’s spending policies have driven up costs for everything from groceries to housing. We need a federal government that lives within its means, expands domestic energy production to lower utility and transportation costs, and removes unnecessary regulations that increase construction costs and limit housing supply. We also need to strengthen our economy so wages can keep pace with the cost of living. Families shouldn’t have to leave Florida because they can no longer afford to live here.
• Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position: Yes. Florida homeowners deserve relief from rapidly rising property tax burdens. Any proposal must be implemented responsibly to ensure local governments can continue providing essential services, but taxpayers should not be punished simply because their property values have increased. Floridians should be able to stay in the homes they worked hard to purchase without being taxed out of them.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? By prioritizing affordability and reliability for consumers. Florida needs an all-of-the-above energy strategy that increases generation capacity while protecting ratepayers from unnecessary cost increases. Large industrial users, including data centers, should pay their fair share of infrastructure costs rather than shifting those expenses onto residential customers. Transparency and accountability should guide every rate decision.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? Water quality remains Florida’s most important environmental challenge. Clean water is essential to our economy, our agriculture industry, our tourism sector, and our quality of life. We need continued investments in water storage, treatment infrastructure, Everglades restoration, and science-based solutions that improve water quality while respecting private property rights and supporting economic growth.

Marcus Carter

WEBSITE: carter26.com/

Osceola News Gazette Candidate Profile: www.aroundosceola.com/election-2026/voting-osceola-meet-us-congressional-district-9-republican-candidates

• Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I’ve done the work it takes to get around the money and run the kind of campaign necessary to truly restore authentic representation. What I learned back in 2016 with President Trump’s first election was that one man alone will never save us, and that was never the way it was supposed to be in the first place. Our political system is indeed rigged to support the elite at the expense of the American people, and until the American people do more to change that themselves, that is how our leaders will continue to operate. That’s why my campaign runs exclusively on volunteers from right here within the district, and why I will never accept money from corporations or special interests. We’re out to prove there is indeed a pathway around money in politics.
•  If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?
• • Address the ongoing mental health epidemic: A mental health epidemic can be seen in our schools, in our hospitals, and on the streets of our cities. In the past 18 months, while knocking on more than 20,000 doors, I have never encountered a voter who wasn’t thinking of someone when I brought up mental health. Yet it seems no one is truly doing anything about it. We feed pills to the mentally ill without a clear indication that they help, even raising suspicions that they might be making things worse. I will be calling on Congress to formally declare the mental health epidemic a national emergency, prompting a special subcommittee consisting of representatives who do not take money from Big Pharma and have no other conflicts of interest to begin a deep and transparent dive into the multifaceted attack on Americans’ mental health. At the end of the day, though, it truly takes a recalibration of our moral compass as a society. And that requires each individual, not some guy in Washington.
  • Housing and the Economy: The safest and most efficient way to stimulate the economy is by ensuring a healthy and robust housing market. The way the housing market has changed over the past decade has brought us to a point where intervention is necessary. I was pleased to see the recent legislation banning investment companies from owning single family homes, but there is still more to be done. I would love to include a nationwide home loan program that affords every American the opportunity to purchase a home similarly to how veterans purchase homes using their VA certificates. This would result in lower mortgage rates, no PMI, and possibly no down payment at all. I believe it would create a real pathway for millions of renters who would find themselves spending less on their mortgage than they ever did on rent while building equity of their own.
  • Social Security: The Social Security Administration has already announced a benefit payment shortage just a few years from now, and the economic implications are dire. Virtually every American alive today has lived in a world where Social Security was considered doomed to fail. Politicians kicked the can down the road until they finally ran out of road. But we can prevent the collapse in a way that doesn’t shatter our economy. I believe the only mathematical way to stabilize it is by removing the income cap on Social Security withholding entirely. Once the program is stable, the work must begin to sunset Social Security once and for all. Not tomorrow, and not even in ten years, but over time in a way that neither strips benefits from those who will depend on them nor robs younger Americans who may never receive what they contribute.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? This is precisely why it is one of my top priorities.
• Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position: Yes. Not only does it cut straight to the heart of affordability, it also requires governments to cut back on their wasteful spending and bloated budgets. I understand the concerns of citizens in our more rural areas, but I do not fear we will lose essential services. This referendum is essential to restraining our elected officials’ addiction to spending our money. While residents in Glades County may not immediately see the silver lining, and I understand their perspective, I’m confident the state will compensate for any shortfalls that truly exist once waste, fraud, and abusive spending practices are reined in.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? The natural resources required to maintain AI data centers are simply untenable. While elected officials see the tax revenue as the incentive, at what cost does that newfound revenue come to our water table, our electric grid, and, despite Governor DeSantis’ assurance that data centers will shoulder the burden, our energy costs as well? This is a classic example of elected officials doing what is best for themselves and their donors without considering what is best for the people they serve. As for energy costs in general, I believe they also need to be heavily scrutinized. Solar fields placed throughout the state are not a cost-effective use of our land and natural resources.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? There are several, whether it’s related to overdevelopment or invasive species. However, in our district, my greatest concern exists in and around Lake Okeechobee. I learned how growth to the north created a more polluted Kissimmee River, how chemicals have found their way into the lakebed. I learned how dissatisfied citizens are with the water management system. I learned how politics comes into play when determining where water gets to flow and how, in the end, the people who suffer the most are those who live in and around the lake. I understand this is primarily a state and local issue, and I would ask Secretary Kennedy to come down and investigate the effects these chemicals have had on both our health and our environment.

Thomas Chalifoux

WEBSITE: thomas4fl.com/

Osceola News Gazette Candidate Profile: www.aroundosceola.com/election-2026/voting-osceola-meet-us-congressional-district-9-republican-candidates

• Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? America does not need another career politician; it needs proven leadership. I have pledged to serve only two terms, then come home. Congress should have term limits, members should be prohibited from trading individual stocks, and they should live under the same laws and health insurance system as every American who struggles to pay for insurance and gets very limited coverage. Public office should be about service, not personal enrichment. I served our nation for 30 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Colonel. After military service, I spent nearly five decades building businesses that created thousands of jobs throughout Central Florida in construction, commercial real estate, franchise restaurants, property management, and agriculture. I have already built my career. I am not looking for another one. I am asking for two terms to fight for Florida families, restore accountability in Washington, and then I will come home. That is my promise.
• If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?
• • Restore Accountability in Washington: Career politicians have created a government that spends too much, accomplishes too little, and answers to itself instead of the American people. We need congressional term limits, a ban on congressional stock trading, balanced budgets, and full accountability for every taxpayer’s dollar.
  • Secure the Border and Enforce Immigration Law: We must finish securing our border, enforce our immigration laws, and remove criminal illegal immigrants. Every nation has the right and responsibility to know who enters the country and to keep its citizens safe.
  • Lower the Cost of Living: Washington’s reckless spending has fueled inflation that affects every Florida family. We must reduce unnecessary regulations, encourage American energy production, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and allow small businesses to grow so families can once again afford housing, groceries, and everyday necessities.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? As a lifelong general contractor and commercial real estate developer, I have watched government make housing increasingly expensive. Inflation fueled by excessive federal spending has dramatically increased construction costs. At the same time, excessive regulations, permitting delays, impact fees, and government bureaucracy have added substantial costs before construction even begins. We need policies that reduce inflation, streamline permitting, eliminate unnecessary regulations, and encourage the private sector to build more attainable housing.
• Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position: Yes. Florida homeowners should not face automatic tax increases simply because their property values rise. Local governments should live within their means just as Florida families do. Meaningful property tax relief will help seniors, working families, and small businesses remain in their communities.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Consumers deserve utility rates based on efficiency—not monopoly profits. Having owned and operated a private water and wastewater utility for 16 years, I understand utility regulation firsthand. Too often, utilities are rewarded for increasing costs instead of controlling them. We need greater transparency, stronger oversight, and policies that put ratepayers first. Regarding data centers, Florida should welcome innovation while ensuring adequate power generation and protecting our natural resources.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? Water quality is Florida’s greatest environmental challenge. Protecting Florida’s water begins upstream. For years, treated wastewater discharges, stormwater runoff, excessive nutrients, and other pollutants entering the Shingle Creek and Kissimmee River watershed have contributed to downstream water-quality challenges affecting Lake Tohopekaliga, Lake Okeechobee, the Indian River Lagoon, and the Everglades. Having served for 30 years in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, I understand that successful water management requires practical engineering solutions—not political talking points. We need stronger accountability for water polluters, better stormwater management, meaningful nutrient reduction, additional water storage, and long-term solutions that improve water quality while protecting communities from flooding. Florida should never have to choose between protecting families from flooding north of Lake Okeechobee and protecting our estuaries from damaging discharges. We must do both.

Dan Green

WEBSITE: dangreenfl.com/

Osceola News Gazette Candidate Profile: www.aroundosceola.com/election-2026/voting-osceola-meet-us-congressional-district-9-republican-candidates

• Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? The honor of public service is earned. I believe I am the most prepared in terms of leadership experience, both as a civilian and as a member of the U.S. military. I served in the Trump Administration as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy and Force Development and have led at a senior level at the U.S. Dept. of War/Defense. I am a Captain in the U.S. Navy Reserves with 23 years of experience, and I have led units of 50-135 members. With five deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, I have been tested under several challenging circumstances that have built resiliency in my approach to leadership.
• If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?
• • Affordability: It astounds me how much we are paying for groceries when there are regulations on the books that only drive prices higher. We need to reduce unnecessary regulations and bureaucracy, facilitate price transparency, and promote greater free market competition. We should be doing more to support U.S. manufactured and grown products that support American farmers, small businesses, and manufacturers.
  • Restoring Constitutional Government: Congress need to build positive and constructive coalitions that focus on balancing the budget and reducing the national debt. This can be achieved, in part, by providing more effective oversight of out-of-control bureaucracies built over decades. There has never been a greater need to pass a national budget on time when it comes to serving the needs and will of our people. Passing the budget is also a major national security concern; it is a core issue that will assist in achieving a more affordable way of life for our nation.
  • Building Peace Through Strength: It is important to prioritize when and where our national leaders decide to use military force. Detering our main adversaries requires us to build our capabilities, capacity, and resiliency and to spend judiciously. The most significant national security threat to our nation is the People’s Republic of China. The U.S. Dept of War must be prepared to deter, defend against, and, if needed, defeat them. After five tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, I have learned that we must always be prepared for worst-case scenarios.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? I believe the current federal 21st Century Road to Housing Act is a strong step forward to address housing affordability. This facilitates the building of additional homes which will help to address cost issues. According to Time Magazine, the bill will “streamline environmental reviews in an effort to speed the process of constructing homes.” This includes providing recommendations on zoning reform, supporting local communities on loans and grants, and stopping large corporations from turning single family homes into tax shelters and business ventures that restrict American families from being able to start their American dream.
• Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position: Yes. We should endeavor to reduce the tax burden on Floridians when affordability issues are so important. Individuals are better positioned to spend their hard-earned tax dollars than government and the proposed constitutional amendment will promote more responsible budgets, reduce waste and fraud, and allow residents to keep more of their paychecks.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? I am greatly concerned about the impact of data centers on the electrical grid, water usage, noise pollution and other quality of life issues. We must ensure consumers, our water supply, and our quality of life are protected first and foremost. It is important to learn the lessons of how other states have dealt with data centers and, where appropriate, incorporate them into public planning. I am greatly concerned about the impact of data centers on the electrical grid, water usage, noise pollution and other quality of life issues.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? It is incredibly important to address the health of the Florida aquifer, our waterways, and lakes. Water pollution has taken its toll on the quality of our water. Droughts, algae blooms, and nitrogen levels in the water are factors that affect Florida’s environment.

Jorge Martinez

WEBSITE: martinezforcongress.com/

Osceola News Gazette Candidate Profile: www.aroundosceola.com/election-2026/voting-osceola-meet-us-congressional-district-9-republican-candidates

• If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?
• • School choice and parental rights: Expand plans for parents to choose schools for their kids. Get rid of the Department of Education and allow states and parents to have more of a voice on the school curriculum. Ensure that all schools teach reading, writing, math, science and history rather than gender or political ideology.
  • Affordability: Reducing high cost of living due to government overspending - reduce government spending and cap increases. Limit the negative effect of overregulation and taxes on small businesses. Address the insurance crisis in Florida.
  • Immigration Reform: Deal with passing and adjusting legislation on DACA, passing the FACE Act.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Housing affordability can be addressed by reducing the impact fees (taxes) that municipalities are putting on home building. Also address issues with insurance and insurance availability. Lastly reduce the fees and other hidden costs related to home ownership and home acquisition.
• Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position: Yes (no further explanation was given)
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Data centers that are built need to be in extremely rural areas that do not affect residential or farmlands. We also need them to be self-sufficient when it comes to power generation and water needs. Clean energy like solar, natural gas and the use of new nuclear mini power stations will help to ensure that our utility bills don’t increase.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? The preservation of our wetlands and waterways. The natural beauty of Florida is accentuated by those issues. The persistent problem with the runoff from Lake Okeechobee and its effect on the Everglades, Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. The issue with red tide and seaweed growth are directly related to that.

Steve Rance

WEBSITE: steverance.org/

Osceola News Gazette Candidate Profile: www.aroundosceola.com/election-2026/voting-osceola-meet-us-congressional-district-9-republican-candidates

• Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I am not a career politician or a creature of the Washington establishment; I am a veteran, a business professional, and a pastor who has spent my entire life answering the call to serve and protect. My leadership style was forged in the discipline of the United States Air Force Security Forces and grounded in the moral clarity of ministry. Central Florida families are feeling entirely forgotten by the current political class. I bring a combination of real-world legislative budgeting experience, a servant’s heart, and a proven backbone. I am running to execute a mission: to secure our borders, stop the reckless spending causing inflation, protect parental rights, and fiercely defend our constitutional freedoms.
• If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?
• • The Unsecured Southern Border & National Security. The total collapse of our border is bringing fentanyl, human trafficking, and criminal illegal aliens directly into Central Florida neighborhoods. I will fight to fully fund and finish the border wall, deploy advanced military surveillance technology, increase the number of active border patrol agents, and enforce a policy of immediate deportation for criminal illegal aliens.
  • Crushing Cost of Living & Excessive Inflation. Reckless federal spending and big-government bureaucracies have severely eroded the purchasing power of hard-working Florida families. I will work with the America First coalition to block massive omnibus spending bills, vote to aggressively audit and downsize wasteful federal agencies, and push to unleash American energy production to drastically reduce fuel and utility costs across the nation.
  • Encroachment on Parental Rights & Family Values. Federal overreach and radical ideological agendas are continuously attempting to push their way into our public school systems, undermining the ultimate authority of parents. I will support legislation that ties federal education funding strictly to academic transparency and parental rights, ensuring that schools focus entirely on core education—like reading, writing, math, and science—rather than political or social agendas.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? At the federal level, housing affordability is primarily driven by three things: high interest rates caused by massive federal spending, skyrocketing building material costs due to overregulation, and inflation. To fix this, Congress must first restore fiscal sanity to lower inflation, which will allow the Federal Reserve to safely bring interest rates down so families can actually qualify for a mortgage again. Secondly, we must slash the burdensome supply-chain regulations and energy restrictions that make it drastically more expensive to manufacture and ship construction materials. Locally, we need to champion policies that increase housing supply without creating massive government dependencies or picking winners and losers in the free market.
• Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position: Yes. I believe that families should not have to continuously pay the government rent just to live on their own property. I strongly support the “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes” amendment (Amendment 3) heading to the November ballot. Raising the non-school homestead exemption to $250,000 gives immediate, direct relief to Florida families who are being squeezed out of homeownership by rising costs. The amendment protects our long-term interests by lowering the non-homestead assessment increase cap to 5% to protect small businesses, requiring a five-year residency requirement to protect local taxpayers from sudden out-of-state surges, and explicitly  mandates remaining property taxes must be prioritized for core services like public safety, infrastructure, and flood control.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Utility regulators must prioritize the financial stability of Florida families and small businesses ahead of corporate interests. While tech innovation is important, everyday rate-payers should never be forced to subsidize the massive energy demands of incoming data centers through higher monthly bills. Regulators need to implement strict cost-causation principles: if a data center requires a massive expansion of the power grid or specialized infrastructure, that specific commercial entity must bear those capital infrastructure costs—not the residential consumer. We must remove artificial barriers to reliable, dispatchable power like natural gas and nuclear energy, ensuring our grid’s capacity grows responsibly without compromising energy security.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? The single biggest priority must be the long-term infrastructure, management, and preservation of Florida’s clean water supply, specifically focusing on flood control and the health of our local aquifers. In Central Florida, rapid growth makes it crucial that we protect our natural water resources from runoff and contamination while maintaining modern, resilient stormwater infrastructure. We must focus government efforts on real, tangible conservation and infrastructure projects—such as localized Everglades restoration and updated water treatment facilities—rather than wasting taxpayer funds on globalist green-energy mandates that kill American jobs and do nothing to improve the local environment.

Justin Story

WEBSITE: votejustinstory.com/

Osceola News Gazette Candidate Profile: www.aroundosceola.com/election-2026/voting-osceola-meet-us-congressional-district-9-republican-candidates

• If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? 
• • Secure our borders and sovereignty. Pass a clear and concise constitutional amendment to end birthright citizenship for children of foreigners with no parental ties to the United States and close the loopholes visa holders exploit to fuel birth tourism. We must also continue strong enforcement of our immigration laws.
  • Reduce the size of government. We must immediately cut wasteful and fraudulent federal spending, eliminate duplicate programs, and pass a balanced budget amendment. We are no longer borrowing from our children’s future, we are purposely stealing from them.
  • Protect our God-given liberties. Aggressively fight every attempt by the federal government to infringe upon our natural rights. Protect our liberties by fighting tooth and nail against any and all encroachments on our Bill of Rights.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? We have to level the playing field. Expand the capital gains tax exclusion on the sale of primary residences so families can keep more of the equity they have built. Limit Wall Street investors and hedge funds from dominating the housing market. Extend the same tax advantages to individual homeowners that are currently given to landlords and developers.
• Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position: Yes. Local governments can function effectively without continually raising taxes on homeowners. The data clearly shows that tax relief stimulates economic growth and ultimately strengthens local budgets when paired with spending discipline.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida should decentralize its energy markets to increase competition and fast-track natural gas power plants along with the development of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs). We must pursue safe, reliable, clean, and affordable energy solutions rather than forcing ratepayers to subsidize the massive power demands of data centers and other power-intensive industries.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? Over-development is destroying our farmland, natural areas, and floodplains due to haphazard and improper planning. Also, leveling farmland or natural areas for federally subsidized solar farms is not, nor ever will be, an environmentally friendly solution.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Republican gubernatorial candidates

The Republican Gubernatorial primary is a statewide race open to all registered Republicans in Florida to decide who will represent the party in the November general election.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates. Where possible, for candidates who did not respond, our collaborative partners sought to fill in details from other sources.

Jay Collins

WEBSITE: www.jayforflorida.com/

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? Lt. Gov. Collins did not answer this question.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Florida families should be able to own a home and build a life, not just survive the bill. I will eliminate taxes on homesteaded property, protect essential services, speed permitting for the housing families actually need, and keep pressure on insurance costs. Local communities should not get run over by bad projects that raise bills and strain roads, water, and schools.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Yes. I support eliminating taxes on homesteaded property. The current proposal is a step in the right direction, even if it is not as strong as Governor DeSantis wanted. As Governor, I will deliver real homestead property tax relief, protect essential services, and keep working until Florida families fully own their homes.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Regulators should put Florida families first. Data centers and large loads should pay their own way. No shifting infrastructure costs onto households. Protect ratepayers, water, and reliability. Require transparency and enforceable promises. Ordinary Floridians should not get stuck with higher bills for somebody else’s project.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Water. Florida’s aquifers, springs, beaches, and long-term water supply must come first. Big projects should prove they will not drain communities or stick ratepayers with the cost. Protect the Everglades, harden infrastructure for storms, and put Florida families and natural resources ahead of reckless overbuilding.

Byron Donalds

WEBSITE: byrondonalds.com/

This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done for the answers to these questions.

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? The topmost priority on Donalds’ campaign website is to “enact the Trump agenda” and “Make America Great Again.” He will protect conservative values, including defending Floridians’ constitutional right to bear arms, protecting life and keeping “radical woke ideology” out of schools, according to his website.

Other top priorities on his website are to fight illegal immigration and make Florida more affordable. Donalds will work with the president to secure the border to keep families and communities safe, end taxpayer “handouts” to illegal immigrants and stop drugs from coming into the state, according to his website.

On the affordability issue, the website said Donalds believes Florida is too expensive for many families and seniors and he will focus on solving the property insurance crisis and lowering housing costs.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Donalds’ campaign ads indicate that he will make Florida more affordable for families by lowering property tax and homeowner’s insurance costs. In an interview on the Cartier Family podcast on July 11, 2026, Donalds said he could potentially lower insurance rates by 20% by reforming the state’s property insurance regulatory framework.

In that same interview, he pointed to a study by the National Association of Homebuilders that said government costs account for about 30% of new home construction. Donalds said modernizing Florida’s permitting and planning processes for new home construction is one avenue he would explore for lowering housing costs for Floridians.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? At a campaign event in Tampa in September 2025, Donalds cautioned that if the state were to eliminate or substantially reduce property taxes, it would cause a spike in sales tax that would make it more expensive for people to travel to Florida and harm the state’s tourism industry.

Speaking at the same event, he indicated he would support raising the homestead exemption from $50,000 to between $300,000 and $400,000.

In comments published in Florida Politics on March 23, 2026, Donalds said on “day one as governor,” he would be “focused on delivering real property tax relief and trying to repeal homestead property taxes overall.”

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? In campaign ads, Donalds pledged to protect Floridians from AI data centers that he said will “jack up” utility rates and make everything else more expensive. He will fight for a ratepayer protection plan to ensure that Florida families do not see an increase in utilities as a result of data centers, according to campaign ads.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Donalds is committed to preserving Florida’s environment, according to his website. This means working to complete Everglades restoration, improve water quality, expand access to water supply and protect Florida beaches and other natural resources, according to his website.

James Fishback

WEBSITE: fishback2026.com/

This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to the answers to these questions.

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? According to his website, Fishback said home ownership is one of his biggest issues. Fishback said private equity firms, including Blackstone and BlackRock, have made it difficult for young families to own by purchasing single-family homes in bulk.

His solution is to bar private equity firms from buying single-family homes and force them to divest the homes they already own over a five-year period. He pairs this with a “Rise and Shine” program – a one-time, zero-interest $10,000 loan toward a home for young married couples where at least one spouse graduated from a Florida high school, at least one works full time, and neither has drawn government welfare in the past year.

Another major issue is homeowners insurance, according to his website.

Fishback frames this argument that fewer claims and more competitors mean lower premiums. He attributes Florida’s insurance costs to four causes: hurricane and flood risk, fraud, too little competition, and insurer conduct – and is proposing a remedy for each.

He would spend 1 billion on drainage infrastructure across all 67 counties to cut flood claims, create a statewide insurance fraud task force to prosecute assignment of benefits abuse and predatory contractors, personally meet with the CEOs of the largest U.S. insurers to draw carriers back into the market and increase competition, and create a no-cost legal advisory service to help homeowners fight wrongful claim denials.

Another priority is public safety and homelessness. Fishback said homeless encampments in communities are “neglect with a bumper sticker on it.” He’s pledged to surge state resources to move people off the streets and into what he describes as structured care and treatment facilities.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Fishback makes affordability his central theme and has said the emphasis was partly inspired by – though opposed in substance to – Zohran Mamdani’s 2025 New York City mayoral campaign.

Beyond his housing and insurance policies, his affordability agenda includes eliminating homestead property taxes for Florida residents. He wants a $50,000 transaction tax on out-of-state buyers of Florida vacation homes, what he calls the “Mamdani Tax,” to keep residents from competing with wealthy nonresidents, according to his X page. He’s also calling for mandated transparency and itemized budgets for HOA and condominium associations, with criminal penalties for self-dealing.

Finally, he wants to end Florida employers’ use of the H-1B visa program, which he ties to suppressed wages for recent Florida graduates. He proposes paying for new spending through a $50 tourism surcharge on hotel stays, rental cars, theme park tickets, airports and cruise ports, which he claims would raise about $7 billion a year from tourists rather than residents, according to his website.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Fishback’s platform position aligns with eliminating property taxes, but only on the homesteaded properties of Florida residents – explicitly not on second homes, short-term rentals, snowbird properties or high-value estates.

On replacing lost revenue, he claims local governments now collect roughly “$20 billion more in property taxes than five years ago,” and he would work with them to roll spending back to free up that money, which he says more than covers the roughly $18 billion cost of eliminating homestead property taxes. He insists this can be done “without compromising funding for essential services like police, fire, and our public schools,” according to his campaign website.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? According to his website, Fishback wants to ban new data centers in all 67 counties through statewide preemption, stopping county commissions from approving them in the first place, rather than regulating or reforming the industry. He argues data centers raise electric bills, jeopardize the water supply and lower nearby property values, according to his website.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? His biggest environmental issue is overdevelopment and the loss of Florida farmland, according to his website. The concern is closely linked to his opposition to data center construction, plus water quality. Fishback describes himself as a conservationist, pledges to preserve more park space, and has said he supports further Everglades restoration and cleaning the state’s waterways.

Jim Holcomb

WEBSITE: jimholcomb4governor.com/

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? Mr. Holcomb did not answer this question.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? I, Jim Holcomb, know that government waste/regulations can be changed to reduce this problem. In the past, the expense of road curbs did not exist. Standardize construction codes like the SSTD 1093 should be implemented. Constitutional practices where rain that falls on a property stays on that property. Finally, a governor with building construction knowledge should be elected.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Yes. Property taxes should not be a never-ending property expense. The tourist tax should be used to reduce property taxes. The increased homestead exemption is a very good idea. A percentage of profits from Florida mineral resources could reduce property taxes, similar to the mineral payments/programs in Alaska.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? I, Jim Holcomb, believe that the private Florida utility companies are doing a very good job and should not be interfered with by government. I, Jim Holcomb, believe the utility companies want to help those who need it; maybe the rich politicians could give back their pay and pensions, as I have committed to do if elected governor and everyone’s taxes will be reduced.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Answer. I, Jim Holcomb, believe that nature will fix its own problems even when we are the problem. Somehow, bumblebees can fly. As nasty as an opossum looks, they may eat 50 ticks per day. Fire ants eat termites. If we want clean water, we should leave rain where it falls and stop running stormwater into the aquifer through storm wells.

Arthur Joseph McCaffrey

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? Mr. McCaffrey did not answer this question.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Housing prices are too high. We need to find a way to bring it back down to the way it used to be some years ago. The current ECONOMY has been purposely sky-rocketed, which should not have been done. MINIMUM WAGE is what controls our ECONOMY. Also, the PROPERTY TAX modification that I intend to do will be to reduce certain PROPERTY TAX properties, and be able to repair many houses. There is more...

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? PROPERTY TAXES can be reduced... but not eliminated, because we need the REPAIR FUND to help poor people repair their homes.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? There are many solutions to lower UTILITIES. And it can be done. But the utility companies will be against it. Florida has the right to choose how UTILITIES are created. The UTILITY businesses do NOT own FLORIDA. Florida can choose the way they want it. And that is on my list of over 100 items to be done as GOVERNOR.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? All those VINES on so many trees need to be removed (they are literally taking over the whole State of Florida). Huge trees should not be grown right beside a house (due to HURRICANES). Big trees can be grown the same distance from a house as the tree’s growth height (it won’t be a law though). I feel that Florida has a good environment. The air is good. The water is good. The temperatures are good. Not much rubbish on the ground. If there are any issues, then we will fix them.

Daniel Nokovich

WEBSITE: www.nokovichforgovernor.com/

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?

Top problem in Florida is the disunity of purpose and public civility. Solution: Return Florida back to the people and the people back to God.

Problem 2) Toxic water distribution to residents. Solution: Criminalize toxic water sales and distribution by companies and municipalities, and hold ministers of this precious resource accountable.

Problem 3) Florida has the 3rd highest sex/human trafficking statistic in the nation. Solution: focus our great FHP on this blight. Reward citizen involvement.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Florida can expand land possession for individuals unable to access developed housing. Lower insurance rates, provide low-interest loans to individuals willing to be educated in business and counseled in a business venture.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? A yes would be the usual answer if the counties and cities were barred from raising the millage rates. Under the current property tax act, counties and cities are free to double their millage rates to compensate for the loss of tax revenue. [This is not true - see https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/florida-property-tax-amendment-ballot-language-summary.] Millage rates should be capped and older people should be exempt from millage rates. Cap the millage rates to less than 5% and remove all property tax fees, and I’m in.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Deregulate and decentralize all utilities. Meaning, we should receive the money for solar panels instead of buying them for the likes of FPL. FPL has a monopoly and should be suited for breaking antitrust laws. Utility companies have condemned residential well water, and yet drill their own wells into the same aquifers and then treat the water with chemicals that we have to pay for.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? I would say the biggest environmental issue has to be Atmospheric Air Quality. We must prohibit the use of chemical delivery systems in our skies. We must stop weather modification operations over Florida.

Paul Renner

WEBSITE: voterenner.com/

Top problem/Your suggested solution: Affordability. Florida families are currently squeezed by rising property taxes, utility and housing costs, and insurance premiums. I will eliminate property taxes by shifting the tax burden toward tourists, real estate speculators, and new residents. My plan includes reducing homeowners’ insurance premiums by 20%. Lower electric rates will be made possible through transparency and accountability in the rate-setting process. I plan to pass an immediate moratorium on the construction of Hyperscale AI Data Centers that threaten Florida’s aquifer, land, and power grid, saving Floridians from rising electrical costs. We must make Florida affordable again.

Problem 2/Your suggested solution: Public safety and illegal immigration. Florida must remain a law-and-order state. I plan to stop public corruption by going after self-dealing by elected officials, lobbyists, and appointed officials. We will enforce illegal immigration laws, enact the death penalty for human trafficking of minors, and limit the death penalty appeal process to three years. I will pass an Open Carry law so we can strengthen Second Amendment rights and repeal gun ownership restrictions from the Parkland Bill. Florida will never become a sanctuary state if I am elected Governor.

Problem 3/Your suggested solution: Protect Health Freedom and our Environment. We should strengthen the Medical Freedom Act to end mandates and protect parental rights. I will enforce laws that prohibit geoengineering and weather modification. We will stop digital IDs and strengthen digital data privacy, while expanding Florida’s Wildlife Corridor and keeping a permanent moratorium on the development of state parks.

Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I have the experience and record to lead Florida. I am a Navy veteran of 23 years, 2 wars, a former prosecutor, and Speaker of the Florida House from 2022-2024. As Speaker, I worked with Governor DeSantis to enact major conservative reforms, which included expanding educational freedom, protecting parents, restrictions on abortion, and measures that defended individual liberty. I don’t just talk about conservative principles; I have produced conservative results.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? My affordability plan eliminates property taxes and reduces insurance costs so that buying a home is not just possible for Florida residents but also makes the home affordable. My plan limits future increases, provides relief for small businesses, and addresses insurance and utility costs. Florida must reduce the government-imposed costs that make homes more expensive while increasing the supply of housing. Most importantly, we must do this for Florida residents, not speculators or snowbirds. I support faster and more predictable permitting, being responsible in our development, protecting private-property rights, and cutting out unnecessary fees.

Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. Yes. Any means of providing property-tax relief is better than the system currently in place, which has allowed tax collections to grow faster than many families’ incomes. However, the proposed amendment does not go far enough. Florida should provide immediate relief without waiting for a constitutional amendment. If I am elected Governor, I will quickly eliminate property taxes on homesteaded property while protecting essential services.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? We must put Florida First, not Big Tech special interests. Residents of Florida should never subsidize the enormous electricity and infrastructure demands of Hyperscale AI Data Centers. I support a statewide halt on AI data-center development.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? Protecting Florida’s water is our most urgent environmental responsibility. Our drinking-water supply, springs, rivers, wetlands, and the Everglades are important to public health, agriculture, tourism, and the quality of life for all Floridians. We must restore natural systems, improve our water infrastructure, prevent pollution and runoff that is harmful.

What is the single biggest issue the government should address when it comes to public education in Florida?

The most important issue is educational outcomes for students. Every child in Florida should graduate with the ability to read, write, reason, and be competitive in the job market. Florida must focus on academic achievement, discipline in the classroom, teacher quality, parental involvement, and supporting educational freedom. Funding matters and I support teacher salaries increases to be competitive with other states. However, the educational outcomes should remain our measure of success in Florida public education.

Do you agree with the current federal and state governments’ approaches to immigration enforcement? Why or why not? Yes, I will continue the proactive enforcement against illegal immigration that Governor DeSantis has established. Also, legal immigration must be orderly, merit-based, and consistent with our economic and security interests. For example, I will prohibit H-1B visas in state employment and state contracts.

Do you believe abortion restrictions in Florida should be more strict, less strict, or stay the same? I support life from the moment of conception through natural death. I was the champion of the Heartbeat Protection Act and an outspoken opponent to Amendment 4. Florida should support expectant mothers, strengthen adoption services, improve maternal healthcare, and support families who are raising children.

Rachel Rodriguez

WEBSITE: rachelforgov.com/

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? Ms. Rodriguez did not answer this question.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? We must make Homeowner insurance affordable, reform HOA regulation to require regular community approval for association, reduce property insurance with balancing Live Local Act rebates for developers, and to relieve the rest of the budget for Floridians, promote food sovereignty and security: update outdated regulations, create tax-free zones for food processing-related companies and basic food needs removed from sales tax, even while all tax moves from production-side to consumption-side tax.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? YES - as a moral matter, real property belongs to the owner and the state should not be able to take it by eminent domain, or redistribute it to a developer, nor force the owner to pay “rent” on its use through property tax with the threat of foreclosure. Property tax penalizes production of wealth, and we should be incentivizing production and capital gains for all Floridians instead.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? The real threat regarding AI data centers is the Surveillance State, and Florida should reject surveilling Floridians. We can compete with technological updates by decentralization of AI development. AS for the centers already built, we must enforce contractual agreement terms and regulations that require the centers not to tax the utility grid. The data centers can be built in an essentially self-contained manner, so any pull on Florida resources of energy and water is unacceptable.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Right now, the disaster prevention infrastructure needs to be updated, as a matter of both environmental protection and the safety and security of Floridians. Additionally, our aquifer system level is at dangerous levels for the environment and for our water supply, and our coastlines need to be protected. We can hold developers to standards of self-sustaining construction and incentivize environmentally protective solutions from our state’s top talent to steward our natural resources.

James W. Shaw

WEBSITE: www.votejim.us/

NOTE: Mr. Shaw did not respond to our request to fill out the survey. What follows is information gleaned from his campaign website.

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? Based strictly on what’s stated on votejim.us (mostly via the homepage content/video titles), he emphasizes:

1. Stopping AI / AI data centers
2. Education “back to basics” + homeschooling
3. Growth/sprawl & land protection

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? The site does not spell out an affordability plan (housing/insurance/taxes, etc.). It does show he’s focused on utility/safety/AI/sprawl/education, but no explicit affordability solutions are stated in the extracted text.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? The site content does not state a YES/NO position on that amendment and does not describe any plan to replace revenue.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? The site strongly signals opposition to AI data centers (“I Will Protect Us… From AI Data Centers”).

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Not stated as a single “biggest” issue, but he emphasizes protecting Florida land and opposing urban/residential sprawl.

Caneste Succe

WEBSITE: succeforgovflorida.com/

NOTE: Mr. Succe did not respond to our request to fill out the survey. What follows is information gleaned from his campaign website.

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?

1. Restoring agriculture & self-reliance — strengthen local farming/food security by “encouraging Floridians to grow their own gardens, support local farmers, and create communities that are self-reliant in food resources,” and “restore the homestead focus.”
2. Prison reform through rehabilitation — shift prisons toward “places of transformation” by “investing in effective rehabilitation programs” to reduce relapse into crime, save taxpayer dollars, and build safer communities.
3. Ending paycheck-to-paycheck living (cost of living / economic strain) — “building an economy that works for everyone” by supporting small businesses, creating “equitable infrastructure for families to grow income,” and “opening new avenues for entrepreneurship.”

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? He frames it as “No More Living Paycheck to Paycheck” and says he would:

• Support small businesses (noting they’re being crushed by red tape, unfair competition, and lack of support)
• Create equitable infrastructure for families to grow income
• Open new avenues for entrepreneurshipHe also says Florida should be a place “where hard work pays off” and where people aren’t forced to choose between necessities like rent and food.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Not stated on the site.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Not stated on the site.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Not stated as an environmental issue; the closest related content is his emphasis on agriculture, land, and food supply resilience, but he doesn’t label a specific environmental priority.

Bobby Williams

WEBSITE: bwflgov.com/

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? Mr. Williams did not answer this question.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Stop big corporations from buying up housing and creating a false real estate and rental market. Replace boards to not allow any increases. Property tax relief. Quit allowing private companies to sell our water and get our water bills cheaper.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Yes - I use the metaphor of a spoiled, rotten teenager who has access to their parents’ credit cards. When will they ever quit spending? The answer is when you take it away from them. So to stop these counties from wasteful spending, we have to not allow them access to. It’s going to put more money into the taxpayers’ pockets

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? We have to have boards appointed by the governor who is not going to allow these utility companies to keep robbing the citizens of Florida. We have to quit allowing the utility companies to donate to campaigns that get people voted in that will allow them to keep making profits. Also, foreign entities should not own our utility companies.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Stop spraying and allowing corporations to pollute our waters.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Democratic gubernatorial candidates

The Democratic Gubernatorial primary is a statewide race open to all registered Democrats in Florida to decide who will represent the party in the November general election.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates. Where possible, for candidates who did not respond, our collaborative partners sought to fill in details.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for the Florida governor’s race.

You can also see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Evelyn Castillo-Bach

WEBSITE: evelynforgovernor.org/

What are the three most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them?

1. Healthcare: Uninsured rate is 10.9%. Solution: Ban medical debt. Create Florida Direct Care -- pay doctors directly for people with no insurance.

2. Housing: Rents up 39% since 2019. Solution: Fund affordable housing via fees on hyperscale data centers and large companies not providing affordable healthcare. Create rental voucher program.

3. Environment: Everglades, water and land threatened. Solution: Empower environmental advocacy groups to protect water, land and Everglades.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Florida families are crushed by property insurance and rent. A 2022 report found insurers’ affiliates made nearly $14 billion while executives paid themselves $680 million in dividends. I will eliminate the middlemen who are the affiliates. For renters, rents are up 39% since 2019. I will create a Florida State Rental Voucher Program and fund affordable housing via mandatory fees on hyperscale data centers, large companies, luxury vessels over $10 million and luxury real estate over $20 million.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? No. Property taxes pay for essential services we all benefit from. The major threat is property insurance, not property taxes. Too many in Tallahassee avoid facing insurance companies by pushing property tax cuts instead. The Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times exposed the affiliate scheme where excessive profits are made on the backs of homeowners while rates soar. I will eliminate the middlemen who are the affiliates. I will tackle taxes by eliminating inefficiency and potential fraud.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida utility regulators need to focus on protecting families, not dividends. My administration will direct a cap on utility profits, ban rate increases caused by hyperscale data centers, and add solar tax breaks for homeowners. Hyperscale data centers must pay full cost of electricity, water, roads, sewer, pipelines -- not one dollar shifted to ratepayers or taxpayers. My administration will ban hyperscale data center NDAs, require mandatory fees to fund the Florida Affordable Housing Fund.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? The biggest environmental issue is protecting Florida’s Everglades, land, water, and farmlands. Overdevelopment and corporate exploitation are real threats. Hyperscale data centers threaten our environment on multiple levels: water, noise, and disrupting natural habitats. My administration will empower environmental advocacy groups to protect our Everglades, water, land, and natural habitats from these threats.

Thomas Eloy Fernandez

WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/NovaForFlorida

What are the three most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Mr. Fernandez did not answer this question.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Florida families are facing rising housing costs, insurance premiums, and everyday expenses that are growing faster than wages. We need practical solutions that help people keep more of what they earn. I support expanding affordable and workforce housing, increasing pathways to homeownership, addressing the property insurance crisis, and investing in workforce development. My goal is to help Florida families achieve financial stability and build a stronger future.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Property taxes help fund essential services such as public safety, schools, roads, and infrastructure. While I understand the frustration many homeowners feel, I do not support eliminating property taxes without a responsible replacement. I support meaningful tax relief for homeowners, seniors, veterans, and working families while ensuring communities continue to receive the services they depend on.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Rising utility costs place an additional burden on Florida families, seniors, and small businesses. Regulators should prioritize transparency, accountability, and consumer protection when reviewing rate increases. As Florida grows, we must invest in reliable infrastructure and efficiency improvements that help control long-term costs. Large energy users, including data centers, should pay their fair share while keeping utility services reliable and affordable.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Florida’s biggest environmental challenge is protecting our water resources and preparing for the impacts of growth and severe weather. Clean water is essential to our health, economy, agriculture, tourism, and quality of life. We must continue investing in Everglades restoration, protecting our waterways, improving infrastructure, and promoting responsible growth so future generations can enjoy the Florida we know and love.

Dayna Marie Foster

WEBSITE: www.fosterforflorida.com/

What are the three most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Ms. Foster did not answer this question.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Florida’s affordability crisis demands we treat housing as a human right, not a speculative asset. To address this critical issue, I will fully fund the Sadowski Trust Fund to expand affordable housing statewide while leveraging private investment, work collaboratively to repeal the state ban on local rent control so communities can stabilize rents, and strengthen protections for renters and mobile home residents against displacement.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Eliminating property taxes without a clear, sustainable replacement would strip critical funding from our public schools, first responders, infrastructure, and local services that Floridians rely on every day. Instead, we should reform the system; expand homestead protections, limit unfair assessment spikes, and make the tax structure more equitable. Without risking deep cuts or shifting the burden onto more regressive taxes that hit working families hardest.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Regulators should apply strict cost-causation: They should require data centers to fully fund new generation, transmission and interconnection so households aren’t the ones responsible for subsidization. Large-load tariffs must be mandated with minimum bills, long-term contracts, and exit penalties to avoid stranded costs. On-site or contracted power is a must as well as encouraging demand flexibility and strengthening oversight of utility forecasts to protect affordability and reliability.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? The biggest, and most urgent environmental issue is the rapid development of data centers in our state. They are currently being built on natural resources critical to millions of Floridians. As governor, I plan on removing all funding to these facilities and will work to restore ecologically sensitive land to sustainable levels.

David Jolly

WEBSITE: davidjolly.com/

What are the three most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? My top priorities are housing, healthcare, and education. I will lower homeowners’ insurance costs by creating a state catastrophic fund and investing in workforce and affordable housing. I will expand Medicaid and access to primary care through community health clinics, nonprofits, and federally qualified health centers. I will lead a 10-year renaissance in public education by raising teacher pay and ensuring that all publicly funded choice schools meet the same academic and service standards.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Florida’s affordability crisis starts with housing. I’ll work to lower homeowners’ insurance costs by creating a state catastrophic fund that removes hurricane coverage from the private market, reducing premiums. I’ll fully fund the Sadowski Housing Trust Fund to expand workforce and affordable housing, remove unnecessary barriers to increasing supply, and invest in smart growth so working families, seniors, veterans, and young Floridians can afford a place to call home.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? The current ballot language of the proposed property tax elimination amendment is under court consideration. I am concerned that the current effort is rushed and puts critical services and rural counties at risk, while likely shifting the tax burden to renters. We do need property tax relief. As Governor, I would propose moving to greater local control of property taxes, exemptions, and spending, recognizing and better addressing the financial disparity between urban and rural communities.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida should place an immediate moratorium on new data centers until regulations address their impacts on electricity demand, water resources, and utility costs. Families should not subsidize massive commercial energy users. I support capping regulated utility profits at the national average to lower bills while maintaining reliable service. We must also accelerate clean, renewable energy to reduce costs and protect Florida’s environment.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Florida must address water pollution and quality throughout the state, continue Everglades restoration, address contamination north of Lake Okeechobee that contributes to unhealthy discharges, protect springs, wetlands, and beaches from overdevelopment, and maintain a ban on offshore oil drilling. We must also strengthen resilient infrastructure to address sea level rise, flooding, and stronger storms while expanding clean energy and smart growth to protect our environment and economy.

Dotie Joseph

WEBSITE: dotiejoseph.com/

What are the three most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Ms. Joseph did not answer this question.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? I’ve filed bills to lower costs for healthcare (increase post-partum coverage from 30 days to 1 year, universal care, and expand Medicaid), housing (Real Affordable Housing Relief Act - HB 1493), gas, and groceries (Florida Economic Prosperity and Immigration Act). I’ll cap insurance premiums, raise wages, and end corporate welfare that rigs our tax system against working families.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? No, eliminating property taxes shifts total funding authority to the State, forcing people to travel to Tallahassee to beg for funding to meet our basic community needs, which are currently served by local governments. Property taxes fund police, fire, trash collection, transit, parks, local road maintenance, senior programs, and rather than give Tallahassee the power to defund our local needs, we should focus on regulating skyrocketing insurance premiums, which fund CEO bonuses.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? We need full transparency before approving energy-intensive data centers, and I filed HB 1517 to address this issue precisely. Before a local government approves a data center, the bill requires facility applications to disclose critical data on electricity use, grid impacts, emissions, and public incentives. To empower the local community, local governments must post disclosures on their websites and issue written notice to nearby residential and commercial landowners and renters.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Florida is ground zero for climate change, and our ability to build climate resilience systems-that protect rather than endlessly exploit our national resources-is the defining environmental issue of our time. I’ve sponsored legislation to advance climate resilience, support farmers with sustainable agriculture incentives, set renewable energy goals, mitigate insurance costs, and strengthen drinking water standards to monitor PFAS.

Kenneth Stephann Norman

WEBSITE: www.sn4flgovernor.org/

What are the three most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Mr. Norman did not answer this question.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? One of my solutions for housing affordability is reducing the rent in Florida. DeSantis and Republicans created and signed into law a bill called the Live Local Act that has prevented any form of rent stabilization or reduction. Under the Norman administration, that will change. My plan is to lower the cost of living in Florida.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? My personal vote is no. The property tax elimination that is currently on the ballot in November is a Trojan horse. The measure is intentionally entrenched in deception for Floridian homeowners because Republicans have not yet found a way to replace that money, which funds not only our social services but our police officers, firemen, and our street construction workers. There is a better way to address property taxes in Florida; this measure on the ballot is the wrong way.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Utility companies in Florida have been price gouging their customers because DeSantis has been appointing commissioners such as in Hillsborough County, where the commissioners have always said yes to TECO, Duke Energy, and other utility companies. AI Data centers have corrupted our environment and our politicians alike. Under the Norman Administration, Florida regulators will stop saying yes to utility and insurance rate hikes and start putting Floridians first.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? The biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida is corporate greed. Issues from overdevelopment to constructing major AI data centers, the crux of the issue is always who is being paid. Moreover, it is the environment and Floridians who are left with the fallout. Under the Norman Administration, this corruption will be addressed and will come to an end, because the current leadership’s corruption seems to have metastasized to the environment. Time for a clean sweep FL!

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Republican CFO candidates

The Republican CFO primary is a statewide race open to all registered Republicans in Florida to decide who will represent the party in the November general election.

The CFO has a large number of duties:

• Managing the state’s finances and collecting state taxes
• Running auditing agencies
• Overseeing insurance regulations
• Overseeing fraud investigations
• Acting as State Fire Marshal
• Overseeing funeral and cemetery services
• Overseeing workers’ compensation

Go to MyFloridaCFO.com to learn about the office and the agencies under it.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates. Where possible, for candidates who did not respond, our collaborative partners sought to fill in details.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for the Florida CFO race.

You can also see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Frank William Collige

WEBSITE: www.frankforchange.com/

Why are you qualified to lead the Florida Department of Financial Services?

I am qualified to lead the Florida Department of Financial Services because I have spent my career protecting Floridians, not special interests. As a veteran of the United States Air Force, I learned leadership, accountability, and mission-focused decision-making under pressure. As a former Florida investigator, I understand how government operates, how regulations are enforced, and where oversight too often fails. As a Doctor of Business Administration and a successful business owner, I have experience managing budgets, leading organizations, and making difficult financial decisions. As a licensed public adjuster representing policyholders, I have worked directly with thousands of Florida families and businesses navigating insurance claims, giving me firsthand knowledge of the systemic problems driving our insurance crisis.

Unlike career politicians, I bring practical experience from both the public and private sectors. I understand insurance from the consumer’s perspective, financial accountability from the executive level, and government from the inside. My priorities are simple: restore transparency, conduct real audits instead of political spending reviews, eliminate waste, protect consumers, and ensure that every dollar entrusted to the Department is managed with integrity. The Department of Financial Services should work for the people of Florida, and that is exactly how I intend to lead it.

What changes, if any, do you think are needed in Florida’s regulations on banking and other industries? Florida’s regulations should protect consumers while allowing businesses to compete and innovate. I believe the government should focus on fairly enforcing existing laws, increasing transparency, and holding bad actors accountable rather than creating unnecessary bureaucracy. In the insurance industry, we need stronger financial oversight, greater transparency in rate filings, meaningful audits when insurers seek rate increases, and stronger consumer protections. I also support modernizing financial crime investigations, improving fraud detection, and increasing public access to financial information so Floridians can see how their government spends taxpayer dollars.

In banking and other regulated industries, my priority is ensuring institutions remain financially sound, comply with the law, and protect consumers from fraud and deceptive practices. Regulations should be predictable, consistently enforced, and designed to encourage economic growth without sacrificing accountability. My goal as CFO will be to restore public confidence by making the Department of Financial Services a model of transparency, integrity, and responsible oversight.

What is the main message you would like to see the state communicate to Florida residents when it comes to educating them on insurance or other financial topics? The state’s message should be simple: Insurance is a contract, not a favor. Know your rights before you need them. For too long, consumers have been told to “trust the process,” only to discover after a loss that they never understood their policy, the claims process, or their rights under Florida law. The Department of Financial Services should educate people before disaster strikes, not after.

Every homeowner should know how to read a declarations page, understand deductibles and exclusions, document property before a storm, avoid assignment and contractor scams, recognize claim delays and unfair settlement practices, and know exactly where to turn when an insurance company fails to honor its contractual obligations. Likewise, every Floridian should have access to practical education on fraud prevention, identity theft, financial planning, and avoiding investment scams.

An educated consumer is the strongest form of consumer protection. My goal is to make the Department of Financial Services the most transparent and educational agency in state government, giving Floridians the knowledge they need to protect their property, their finances, and their future, rather than leaving them dependent on insurance companies or government bureaucracies to explain their rights after it’s too late.

What area is in the most need of increased attention when it comes to rooting out fraud? Fraud must be rooted out wherever it exists, regardless of who commits it. That includes individuals, contractors, healthcare providers, financial criminals, and insurance companies. Too often, the conversation focuses on one type of fraud while ignoring others. Floridians deserve equal enforcement under the law.

The area that deserves increased attention is insurance fraud at every level. We should aggressively investigate staged losses, fraudulent claims, contractor scams, and public corruption. At the same time, we must hold insurers accountable for fraud, financial misrepresentation, deceptive claim practices, and misconduct that shifts costs onto policyholders. Fraud is fraud, whether it is committed against an insurance company or by one.

As CFO, I will ensure the Department of Financial Services follows the evidence, not politics or special interests. The goal is simple. Protect honest Floridians, prosecute those who break the law, and restore confidence that our financial and insurance systems operate fairly, transparently, and with accountability.

Blaise Ingoglia - Incumbent

WEBSITE: blaiseforflorida.com/

NOTE: Blaise Ingoglia did not participate in this voter guide. What follows is a mix of information from his campaign website, public filings and news reporting (linked to original sources).

Why are you qualified to lead the Florida Department of Financial Services?

Blaise Ingoglia is the incumbent Florida CFO. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Ingoglia to the open cabinet post in the summer of 2025. Ingoglia, a homebuilder from Hernando County, was serving in the Florida Senate at the time. He previously also served in the Florida House of Representatives and as the chair of the Republican Party of Florida. He’s been a close ally of Gov. DeSantis.

Ingoglia refers to himself as “a conservative pitbull” and a “MAGA businessman.” He lists his three main priorities as 1) Property tax relief, 2) Holding local governments accountable, and 3) Pushing down property insurance rates.

Since taking on the role of CFO, he has toured the state, targeting what he calls excessive spending by local governments across the peninsula, part of his push for a constitutional amendment that would phase out most local property taxes.

As a lawmaker in the Florida Legislature, Ingoglia also pushed for reform meant to lower property insurance costs for homeowners by cutting down on frivolous lawsuits that line the pockets of “bad actors” in the insurance industry.

What changes, if any, do you think are needed in Florida’s regulations on banking and other industries? Blaise Ingoglia lists property insurance reform among his top priorities. “So far as CFO, Blaise has helped to levy millions of dollars in fines to insurance companies for not doing what they are supposed to be doing, protecting homeowners,” according to his campaign website.

What is the main message you would like to see the state communicate to Florida residents when it comes to educating them on insurance or other financial topics? No answer.

What area is in the most need of increased attention when it comes to rooting out fraud? “We need to hold the insurance companies accountable to do what they say that they are going to do, what they are contractually obligated to pay, because if they don’t they’re going to get fined,” he said while launching his campaign in September of 2025. “I am not here to protect the profits of insurance companies. I am not here to protect the profits of trial attorneys. What I am here to do is protect you, the policyholders, and I will continue do that.”

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Democratic CFO candidates

The Democratic CFO primary is a statewide race open to all registered Democrats in Florida to decide who will represent the party in the November general election.

The CFO has a large number of duties:

• Managing the state’s finances and collecting state taxes
• Running auditing agencies
• Overseeing insurance regulations
• Overseeing fraud investigations
• Acts as State Fire Marshal
• Overseeing funeral and cemetery services
• Overseeing workers’ compensation

Go to MyFloridaCFO.com to learn about the office and the agencies under it.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates. Where possible, for candidates who did not respond, our collaborative partners sought to fill in details.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for the Florida CFO race.

You can also see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Earle Ford

WEBSITE: earleforcfo.com/

Why are you qualified to lead the Florida Department of Financial Services? Leading the Florida Department of Financial Services requires deep financial expertise, strict accountability, and the discipline to protect taxpayer dollars. My career embodies these.

As an attorney who worked within the IRS Estate and Gift Tax Program, where I routinely audited trusts and estates well over $100M, I developed the forensic financial skills and legal skills required to navigate complex entities, while having a robust understanding of government. I have also been fortunate enough to spend time at the State Attorney’s Office, where I enforced the law and held bad actors accountable. Finally, my service as a U.S. Army paratrooper instilled the decisive leadership and values that are desperately needed in Tallahassee. As a father of two, my mission is to ensure Florida’s economic foundation remains secure, transparent, and built to support the next generation. My belief is that my status as a non-career politician/candidate, my 15 years of professional experience allow me to truly comprehend the struggles of Floridians. I will bring the same tenacity to the investigation the insurance fraud, corruption, and financial crimes targeting vulnerable Floridians that I have during my career. I believe this skill set helps me ensure rigorous compliance and oversee Florida’s auditing functions with precision.

What changes, if any, do you think are needed in Florida’s regulations on banking and other industries?

1) Property Insurance (Maximize Transparency and Enforcement). Florida’s property insurance market is broken because Tallahassee has consistently allowed the insurance lobby to write the rules. We need a CFO who serves as a watchdog for working families, not a lapdog for industry. I would push to force insurers to open their books before they are granted any further rate hikes, demand complete transparency on claims data to aggressively investigate bad-faith denials, and ensure more oversight of affiliate profit shifting. While also pushing to expand consumer advocacy across the board.

However, the job of CFO is also to pursue aggressive enforcement of the law. We need to ruthlessly pursue the bad actors--fraudulent roofers, abusive litigators, and shady adjusters--who are also contributing to rising premiums for hardworking families. I would push to expand the resources of the DFS Criminal Investigations Division to increase arrest rates for insurance fraud.

2) Predatory Lending, Junk Fees, and Scams. Working Floridians are being squeezed by predatory financial practices. We need to aggressively expand the Office of Financial Regulation’s consumer protection mandate to crack down on undisclosed “junk fees” in banking, subscriptions, and loans. I would advocate for stricter caps on interest rates for payday loans and cash advances, which disproportionately trap low-income families and communities of color in endless cycles of debt. This involves partnering with financial entities to counter scammers who disproportionately target older adults, the young, and those with limited financial resources, who are often subject to more risk.

3) Fair Lending and Economic Fairness. The Department of Financial Services must actively combat systemic financial discrimination. I would prioritize enforcing fair lending laws, specifically targeting modern-day redlining and algorithmic bias in mortgage lending and insurance underwriting. We must also actively support credit unions, minority-owned banks, and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to ensure that capital flows equitably into historically underserved communities, giving more Floridians the opportunity to buy a home or start a business.

What is the main message you would like to see the state communicate to Florida residents when it comes to educating them on insurance or other financial topics? Lack of transparency and accountability is driving Florida’s affordability crisis. By explaining the true hidden costs behind skyrocketing insurance premiums, we empower residents to see past industry spin and demand real legislative accountability. Under my watch, I want to give Floridians unprecedented access and encourage them to seek what is going on behind the scenes.

Teaching Floridians to spot financial fraud is accountability in action. When an educated public knows the red flags for contractor scams and predatory billing, they become our eyes and ears. This intelligence actively allows the state to hunt down, audit, and prosecute financial predators. Ultimately, consumer education is the foundation of government accountability. We are giving you the tools to follow your money, while setting a strict, zero-tolerance standard for true waste, fraud, and abuse.

What area is in the most need of increased attention when it comes to rooting out fraud? Insurance Fraud & Bad-Faith Practices. Florida’s property insurance crisis is the heaviest tax on working families, yet the state rarely investigates the industry itself. We need to investigate carrier insolvency, internal corporate fraud, and systemic third-party bad-faith practices aggressively. When insurance companies systematically underpay, delay, or deny legitimate homeowner claims to pad their bottom lines, that is fraud. Again, the CFO also acts as a referee, ensuring accountability works both ways by enforcing the law to ensure we have a fair system for everyone involved.

Annette Taddeo

WEBSITE: annettetaddeo.com/

Why are you qualified to lead the Florida Department of Financial Services? As a small business owner who has paid Florida’s skyrocketing insurance premiums for more than 30 years and served five years on the Florida Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, I understand the challenges Florida families and businesses face every day. In the Florida Senate, I earned a reputation for working across the aisle, holding our government accountable, and fighting for consumers when Floridians needed help, including during the collapse of Florida’s unemployment system during the pandemic. I will bring that same independent leadership to the Department of Financial Services as a watchdog for taxpayers and consumers.

What changes, if any, do you think are needed in Florida’s regulations on banking and other industries? Florida’s regulations should protect consumers, not powerful interests. That starts with stronger oversight of the insurance industry to ensure homeowners are treated fairly, claims are handled promptly, and insurance companies are held accountable for their actions. As new technologies like artificial intelligence become more common, we also need safeguards to ensure important decisions aren’t made by algorithms without meaningful human review and a clear appeals process. Just as importantly, Florida needs stronger accountability in government. The Department of Financial Services’ F.A.C.T.S. database was created so taxpayers can see how their money is being spent, yet too often contracts -- including no-bid contracts -- are kept out of public view by being classified as purchase orders. That’s not transparency. As CFO, I’ll enforce the law, ensure contracts are publicly accessible as intended, and shine a light on how taxpayer dollars are spent because accountability is the best safeguard against waste and corruption.

What is the main message you would like to see the state communicate to Florida residents when it comes to educating them on insurance or other financial topics? Floridians deserve to know they’re not on their own. The Department of Financial Services should empower people with clear, practical information about their insurance coverage, their financial rights, and where to turn if they need help. Too often, consumers feel like they’re fighting insurance companies or navigating government on their own. The CFO’s office should be their advocate. My priorities are affordability, accountability, and anti-corruption. That means giving consumers the tools they need to make informed decisions, ensuring insurance companies play by the rules, and making government more transparent. Taxpayers should be able to easily see how their money is being spent through resources like the Department’s F.A.C.T.S. database, and there should be no hiding contracts or taxpayer spending behind loopholes. An informed public is one of the strongest safeguards against waste, abuse, and corruption.

What area is in the most need of increased attention when it comes to rooting out fraud? Florida needs stronger oversight at the state level, especially when it comes to no-bid contracts and the misuse of taxpayer dollars. Too often, politically connected companies receive lucrative contracts with little public scrutiny, while required audits go undone and transparency laws are ignored. Taxpayers deserve to know who is receiving government contracts, how those contracts are awarded, and whether public dollars are being spent responsibly.

The diversion of Hope Florida funds and the billion dollars spent on Alligator Alcatraz underscore why independent oversight matters. As Chief Financial Officer, I will follow the money, enforce transparency through the Department’s F.A.C.T.S. database, conduct the audits required by law, and ensure every taxpayer dollar is spent in the best interest of Floridians -- not political insiders.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Republican commissioner of agriculture candidates

The Republican commissioner of agriculture primary is a statewide race open to all registered Republicans in Florida to decide who will represent the party in the November general election.

The commissioner of agriculture has a large number of duties:

• Inspects and tests food products
• Helps protect crops and livestock
• Promotes Florida agriculture
• Manages state forests
• Handles gun licenses
• Serves as a clearinghouse for consumer complaints

Go to the agency’s website HERE to learn about the office and the agencies under it.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates. Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture race.

You can also see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Wilton Simpson - Incumbent

WEBSITE: wiltonsimpson.com/

NOTE: Candidate did not respond to survey; information obtained from candidate website:

AGRICULTURE: Florida farms are legacy businesses that contribute to our nation’s food supply and billions of dollars to our state’s economy. Laws are frequently updated to recognize changes in other industries, and Wilton has made it clear our hardworking Florida farmers will not be left behind. As more and more people leave densely populated areas of the country and relocate to rural areas of our state, residential development encroaches on our rural areas. Friction between these competing land uses can lead to frivolous lawsuits that threaten the survival of legacy farming communities. Wilton wants to make certain we continue to preserve existing farms, which create critical jobs our agricultural communities have relied on for generations.

ENVIRONMENT: As a member of the Florida Cabinet, Wilton stood with Governor Ron DeSantis in May 2023 to approve the preservation of approximately 18,279.38 acres of working agricultural land through cost-effective conservation easements totaling nearly $58 million. The preservation efforts will prevent future development of the land and allow agricultural operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy and the production of food, timber, and other resources vital to the prosperity of the Sunshine State. These nine acquisitions are the largest through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program ever approved in the history of the program.

Matt Taylor

WEBSITE: treadback.com/

NOTE: Candidate did not respond to survey; information obtained from candidate website, other sources.

Why are you qualified to lead the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services? Florida’s growing fast, but not in the right ways. We’re losing farmland, clean water, and the small-town way of life that built this state. I’m running for Commissioner of Agriculture to stand up for the people who work the land, not the ones paving it over.

What changes, if any, do you think are needed in Florida’s regulations on agriculture and consumer services? I’m against overdevelopment. Too much of our farmland is being turned into subdivisions and solar fields, and once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.

I’ll fight to:

• Expand programs to help farmers who want to keep their land in agriculture instead of selling to developers.
• Stop industrial and solar projects from taking over productive farmland.
• Give tax relief to family farms and timber owners who protect their property.
• Make sure state funding supports smart growth and local voices, not unchecked sprawl.

Farming should be profitable, not a fight to survive. I’ll work to:

• Launch a Florida Grown First program that directs state agencies, schools, and public institutions to buy Florida-grown food whenever possible.
• Get disaster relief and crop insurance to small farms faster.‚Ä¢ Cut pointless regulations and fees that drive up costs.

Our kids deserve real, healthy food and our farmers deserve steady markets. I’ll push to:

• Provide school meals made with Florida-grown produce and whole milk.
• Connect schools directly with local farms through stronger farm-to-school programs.

Florida’s land and water are being stretched thin by overdevelopment, neglect, and the over-spraying of dangerous chemicals. Here’s what I’ll do:

• Use the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program to help landowners get paid for keeping their land in agriculture instead of selling to developers.
• Expand voluntary conservation programs that help farmers protect soil and water without adding more red tape.
• Push the Cabinet to prioritize conservation easements and block bad land deals that destroy working land or water resources.
• Hold corporate polluters and irresponsible developers accountable when they abuse land or water, and make sure the state isn’t rewarding bad behavior with tax breaks.

Consumer Protection: Everyday Floridians should get what they pay for. I’ll:

• Modernize inspections at gas pumps and grocery stores.
• Crack down on price gouging.
• Keep the Department transparent and accountable.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Democratic commissioner of agriculture candidates

The Democratic commissioner of agriculture primary is a statewide race open to all registered Democrats in Florida to decide who will represent the party in the November general election.

The commissioner of agriculture has a large number of duties:

• Inspects and tests food products
• Helps protect crops and livestock
• Promotes Florida agriculture
• Manages state forests
• Handles gun licenses
• Serves as a clearinghouse for consumer complaints

Go to the agency’s website HERE to learn about the office and the agencies under it.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates. Where possible, for candidates who did not respond, our collaborative partners sought to fill in details.

Joey Mendoza Atkins

WEBSITE: www.joeyforflorida.com/

Why are you qualified to lead the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services? I am seeking this office because I believe the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services deserves leadership that is competent, accountable, and focused on results. The Commissioner oversees one of the largest and most diverse agencies in state government, and that responsibility requires sound judgment, integrity, and a commitment to serving the public.

As a Florida attorney, I have built my career solving complex problems, interpreting and applying the law, and holding individuals and institutions accountable. Those experiences have prepared me to lead a department responsible for protecting consumers, supporting Florida agriculture, conserving our natural resources, and enforcing the laws that keep our markets fair and our food supply safe.

My graduate education in international economic development broadened my understanding of the relationship between agriculture, economic growth, conservation, and public policy. It reinforced my belief that a strong agricultural economy and responsible stewardship of our natural resources go hand in hand. Throughout my career, I have sought practical solutions that strengthen communities and expand opportunity.

I also understand that leadership begins with listening. Florida’s farmers, ranchers, foresters, consumers, and small businesses are the experts on the challenges they face every day. As Commissioner, I will work collaboratively with those stakeholders, rely on sound science and data, and ensure the Department remains transparent, efficient, and responsive.

My goal is simple: to lead a Department that protects consumers, supports Florida’s agricultural community, manages our natural resources responsibly, and earns the public’s trust through competence, fairness, and results.

What changes, if any, do you think are needed in Florida’s regulations on agriculture and consumer services? Florida’s regulatory system should be modern, efficient, and focused on results. I do not believe the goal should be more regulation or less regulation simply for the sake of ideology. The goal should be smart regulation that protects consumers, supports Florida’s agricultural economy, and allows honest businesses to thrive.

For Florida’s agricultural community, that means making regulatory requirements clear, predictable, and efficient while reducing unnecessary bureaucracy for producers who consistently comply with the law. The Department should be a partner to farmers, ranchers, foresters, and agricultural businesses by providing timely guidance and responsive service.

At the same time, consumer protection must remain a core responsibility of the Department. Floridians should have confidence that the food they purchase is safe, fuel pumps are accurate, businesses are operating honestly, and those who engage in fraud or deceptive practices will be held accountable. Enforcement resources should be focused on bad actors rather than creating unnecessary burdens for businesses that follow the rules.

I also believe the Department should continue investing in conservation efforts that protect Florida’s soil, water, and forests while embracing technology and data-driven decision-making to improve efficiency and transparency. Strong agriculture, responsible stewardship of our natural resources, and effective consumer protection are complementary goals that strengthen Florida’s economy and improve quality of life.

What changes do you think are needed in regulating Florida’s agriculture industry, conserving soil and water resources, managing state forests, protecting consumers from unfair trade practices, and ensuring the safety and wholesomeness of food in the marketplace? Florida’s Department of Agriculture should be a partner to the state’s agricultural community while remaining a strong advocate for consumers. I believe our regulatory system should be modern, efficient, and predictable. It must focus on helping honest farmers and businesses comply with the law while holding bad actors accountable. We should continue investing in conservation efforts that protect Florida’s soil, water, and forests because these resources are essential to our agricultural economy and quality of life. Smart conservation and responsible land stewardship are not obstacles to economic growth--they help ensure Florida agriculture remains productive for generations to come. Consumer protection must remain a top priority. Floridians deserve confidence that the food they purchase is safe, fuel pumps are accurate, and businesses operate honestly. The Department should aggressively enforce laws against fraud, deceptive trade practices, and unsafe products while making government more responsive and transparent. Above all, I believe the Department should be results-oriented: reducing unnecessary bureaucracy where possible, embracing innovation and technology, supporting Florida producers, and ensuring government works efficiently for both consumers and the agricultural community.

Donald Prichard

WEBSITE: www.donprichardforfl.com/

Candidate did not respond to survey. Information obtained from various sources.

Why are you qualified to lead the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services? From his website: Don Prichard has built a reputation as someone who leads with conviction, accountability, and a deep respect for the people he serves. In 1998, then 17-year-old Don Prichard joined the Florida Army National Guard. Two years later, he began his career with the Broward Sheriff’s Office.... Don’s responsibilities placed him at the center of public safety operations, strategic planning, crisis management, budgeting, and community engagement. He became known for bringing people together, improving efficiency, and finding practical solutions that protected both taxpayers and the communities he served.

What changes, if any, do you think are needed in Florida’s regulations on agriculture and consumer services? Could not find anything on his website that answered this question. However, in a news release announcing his candidacy on June 8, Prichard said he would focus more on the consumer protection side of the agency, including “aggressively shutting down telephone scams and consumer fraud to ensuring that the food sold in grocery stores is safe and free from pesticides. On his website, he says he will also advocate for a data center moratorium and to lower the state gas tax.

What changes do you think are needed in regulating Florida’s agriculture industry, conserving soil and water resources, managing state forests, protecting consumers from unfair trade practices, and ensuring the safety and wholesomeness of food in the marketplace? Could not find anything on his website that answered this question.

Some 27 million metric tons of self-sustaining sargassum have been recorded in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico in July, according to a report released Friday by the University of South Florida’s Optical Oceanography Lab.

The prickly seaweed covers miles of coastline, releasing a foul smell as it rots onshore.

This year marks the first time that scientists have observed sargassum growing in large quantities in areas including the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, instead of being swept into those areas by ocean currents.

The algae usually reproduces asexually as it travels from Western Africa, said Brian Barnes, a marine scientist and research assistant professor at the University of South Florida. “None of this is normal,” he said. “Every year is a little bit of a new story.”

The Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt has been growing since 2011, dumping an increasing amount of seaweed along coastlines in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Experts have said that agricultural runoff, warming waters and changes in wind, current and rain could be factors.

The sargassum that began reproducing in the region earlier than usual this year stems from a record 40 million metric tons reported last year.

“The 2025 bloom was so big it never really left,” Barnes said. “It was enough to start a new bloom locally.”

Seaweed threatens tourism

Sargassum levels in the Caribbean reached record levels in June, while the amount present in the Gulf hit 5 million metric tons in June, nearly double last year’s record, according to the University of South Florida.

Scientists expect 2026 to be the second largest amount of sargassum recorded in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, noting that June alone saw 34 million metric tons, which was only 10% lower than the year-earlier period.

Mexico said Thursday it plans to invest $115 million to tackle the blooming algae, which poses an environmental and economic threat. The government estimates that up to 9,000 tons reach its Caribbean coastline on the worst days. Given current resources, Mexico says it can only gather 1,200 tons of sargassum a day.

On a recent evening, Alan Vázquez closed the restaurant where he works as a waiter in the popular tourist town of Playa del Carmen because there were no customers. He had resisted closing for several hours, hoping he would receive a tip and salvage the day, but vast quantities of decomposing sargassum are turning the famed turquoise waters black, driving away tourists.

“It’s sad that such a beautiful and lively place...has ended up like this,” Vázquez said.

He fears suffering the same fate as four of his colleagues who were laid off two months ago due to a drop in tourism that has devastated hotels and businesses in the state of Quintana Roo, one of Mexico’s tourism gems, where sales fell 30% in the first half of the year, according to estimates from local businesses.

In Puerto Rico, sargassum blankets the waters around popular tourist areas, including La Parguera.

“I don’t recall ever having that much concentration in so many places at once,” said Waldemar Quiles, the U.S. territory’s natural resources secretary.

Much of the record sargassum reported last year ended up along Puerto Rico’s coastline, prompting the governor to declare a state of emergency.

It surpassed the previous record set in 2022 with a peak of some 22 million metric tons.

“It’s not a one-off event anymore,” said Emmanuel Maldonado González, an environmental sociologist at East Carolina University. “It’s becoming a growing hazard.”

Experts warn proliferation will worsen

Patches of sargassum in open waters provide a healthy breeding ground for wildlife, including turtles, fish and seabirds, and can be “a bit of an oasis of life in the middle of the ocean,” Barnes said.

But once it’s closer to shore, it reduces oxygen in the water, smothers mangrove roots and blocks sunlight from reaching coral and sea grass.

Once it washes ashore it can prevent newly hatched sea turtles from reaching the ocean, while the heavy machinery used to remove it from beaches risk destroying fragile turtle nests, scientists say.

“The coastlines are not built for this,” Barnes said.

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, people are walking up to 25 feet (seven meters) on mats of seaweed before even reaching the water, according to Amy Dempsey, an environmental consultant.

“This is by far the worst I’ve seen it in the last five years,” she said. “We are getting slammed in the Virgin Islands.”

The smell of rotten eggs permeates communities where large piles of decaying sargassum emit ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.

“The effects of these gases on people can be severe,” warns the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, noting it can cause nausea, headaches and lung irritation.

Used in composting and bioenergy production

Officials on the French Caribbean island of Martinique recently opened a shelter to temporarily house those affected by the toxic gases after residents protested.

So far this year, crews in Martinique have collected more than 11,500 tons of sargassum — including 638 tons in four days alone this month — according to government data. Sea barriers catch some of the seaweed, while crews on shore collect the remainder by hand, storing and processing it for composting and bioenergy production.

Researchers at the University of South Florida and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration used artificial intelligence and found that from 2003 to 2022, macroalgae blooms increased by more than 13% per year in the tropical Atlantic and Western Pacific.

Overall, the blooms reached 16.9 million square miles (43.8 million square kilometers), according to a study published earlier this year.

___

Associated Press reporter María Verza in Mexico City contributed.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Florida Senate District 10 Democratic candidates

The Florida Senate District 10 election is a Democratic primary for registered Democrats living in the district. The winner will move on to the general election in November to face incumbent Republican State Sen. Jason Brodeur.

Florida Senate District 10 represents Seminole County and part of Orange County in Central Florida.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Oviedo Community News compiled the candidate responses for Florida Senate District 10. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile. To see the full responses, go to the Oviedo Community News candidate page link for each candidate.

You can also see the full Oviedo Community News Voting Guide HERE.

H. Alexander Duncan

WEBSITE: duncan2026.com/

Oviedo Community News candidate profile: oviedocommunitynews.org/profile/h-alexander-duncan/

Candidate Q&A: The questions below are based on voter questions and expressed priorities. Each of the candidates within a race was asked the same questions and given the same amount of time to respond. The candidates’ answers were fact-checked, checked for spelling and grammar but otherwise unedited.

If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?

1. Government: Increased transparency of government. From budgets to actions, to create greater accountability of elected officials and honesty in public service and to both increase citizens’ accessibility to government and to simplify more government services for everyday citizens. To increase government production, while we decrease government corruption.
2. Environment: Locally, protection of the Seminole County rural boundary and greater preservation of natural lands. Statewide, to increase protections for conservation lands and a return of more robust Home Rule powers to increase local control and say in environmental issues.
3. Affordability: To reduce government taxes and fees on individuals, families and small businesses. To bring down healthcare, childcare and elder care costs for working families. To address out-of-control insurance rates from cars to homes, and to address home prices and rent.

For incumbents: Why do you deserve re-election to this race? For challengers and open seats: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I’ve never sold the public a false image. I’ve always just been me. Nothing more, nothing less. I don’t carry a briefcase, I wear a backpack. I’m not a suit-and-tie type of guy but I try to dress for the occasion. I’m not clean-cut; I have nearly a half-dozen tattoos. I don’t speak in legalese and political jargon, I just talk straight and in plain English. I’m not into being politically correct nor a politician. I’ve been elected, arrested, a protester and the protested. I meet with citizens in churches, mosques and temples, but I also visit citizens in trap houses, on street corners and at trailer parks. In my life – I’ve drank heavily, smoked good and partied hard. In my service – I’ve worked late, been honest and cut no deals. I’ve always loved politics, but I’ve always hated “politicking.” So, in my efforts to return OUR government to “We The People” by “leading by example,” I say: I’m just me. Nothing special, not a saint. I’m as flawed as anyone, but I’m never afraid. When it all hits the fan and I’m under attack, I’m being accused, questioned and drug through the mud? That’s cool. I’m doing it for the right reasons: my community, my fellow countrymen, our future generations.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? To reduce taxes and fees on residents; reform the state insurance industry and to address healthcare costs and childcare costs for Florida families. To implement new and innovative methods in housing construction (to reduce new home construction costs) and home loans (for both new homeowners and renewed homeowners).

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes, and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I would have to vote no. The bill is poorly written, partisan-centered and currently off-base in addressing lost funding concerns, nor does it seem forward-leaning in being flexible to unforeseen future changes in political, social and economic terms.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Reality says we must stop these data centers. We must protect our natural resources, mainly our waters. This is a question of high-tech fracking, basically. These utilities, starting with the state commission itself, must be investigated, held accountable and then reformed in concern to rising costs to consumers.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? As the former Vice Chairman of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, I’d say: land conservation and preservation and the protection of water resources.

John Lowndes

WEBSITE: www.johnlowndesforflorida.com/

Oviedo Community News candidate profile: oviedocommunitynews.org/profile/john-lowndes/

Candidate Q&A: The questions below are based on voter questions and expressed priorities. Each of the candidates within a race was asked the same questions and given the same amount of time to respond. The candidates’ answers were fact-checked, checked for spelling and grammar but otherwise unedited.

If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?

1. Affordability. Families are being squeezed by rising costs for housing, insurance, healthcare and utilities. I’ll focus on lowering those costs by increasing accountability in the insurance market, promoting more affordable housing options, protecting consumers from unnecessary utility rate increases and making government work more efficiently.
2. Protecting local communities from overreach and irresponsible growth. As Mayor, I’ve seen how local leaders understand their communities best. I’ll fight to restore local decision-making, protect Seminole County’s rural boundary and support responsible growth that preserves our quality of life.
3. Strengthening public education. Every child deserves a great public school. I’ll work to ensure public schools have the resources they need, support raises for teachers and make sure taxpayer dollars are spent in ways that improve student outcomes.

For incumbents: Why do you deserve re-election to this race? For challengers and open seats: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I’ve spent more than a decade serving our community on the Maitland City Council and as mayor, solving problems instead of creating political fights. My career as an attorney working on land use, utilities, infrastructure and public policy has given me a practical understanding of how government works. I’m running because families need someone focused on lowering costs and delivering real results, not partisan talking points.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Housing affordability starts with increasing supply in the right places while protecting existing neighborhoods and natural resources. We should encourage workforce housing, streamline permitting where appropriate, invest in infrastructure that supports smart growth and address the insurance and utility costs that are making homeownership increasingly unaffordable. Housing isn’t affordable if you can’t afford the insurance or utility bill that comes with it.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes, and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I have concerns about the amendment as currently proposed because it doesn’t identify a responsible way to replace the revenue that funds local services like police, fire protection, parks and roads. Floridians have worked hard and they deserve relief, but property taxes aren’t the core affordability problem facing most Floridians; skyrocketing insurance premiums are. Any tax reform should provide meaningful relief without simply shifting costs onto taxpayers through service cuts or higher fees. For those reasons, I will be voting no.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Utilities should demonstrate that new infrastructure primarily serving large industrial users, including data centers, does not unfairly shift costs onto residential customers. Regulators should require transparency, encourage energy efficiency and ensure investments are necessary and cost-effective. Families shouldn’t end up subsidizing private development through higher monthly utility bills.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? Florida’s natural lands are one of our greatest assets, and once they’re gone, we can’t get them back. We need to protect Seminole County’s rural boundary, preserve Florida’s wild spaces, and safeguard the lakes, rivers, wetlands and aquifers that support our communities and economy. Growth should happen where infrastructure already exists — not at the expense of our natural lands and water resources. We can accommodate growth while preserving the quality of life that makes Central Florida such a great place to live.

But most of the people who made the crossing soon returned voluntarily, the Spanish government said, after the sudden arrival of so many migrants triggered chaos and a humanitarian crisis.

Some migrants swam several miles through the sea and faced down authorities who tried to turn them back with water cannons, tear gas and warning shots. Those who died included some who drowned or were killed in a stampede to cross a breakwater barrier near a border checkpoint.

Spain deployed its armed forces and additional police to restore order in Ceuta, which sits on the Strait of Gibraltar at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea and has been a Spanish possession since 1580. On the Moroccan side of the border, security forces clashed with migrants. The chaos also had ripple effects abroad, with Italy and France pledging to tighten their controls on people arriving from Spain.

“The situation that Ceuta is going through is absolutely unsustainable,” Ceuta President Juan Jesús Vivas told journalists.

Meanwhile, migrants from Morocco also attempted to cross into Melilla, Spain’s other territory at the tip of North Africa, where they clashed with police.

Spanish prime minister condemns border breach

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited Ceuta on Friday and condemned the border breach, which he described as “a violation of Spain's territorial integrity.”

Sánchez blamed human smugglers for the crisis, saying they “deceive so many young people and ultimately lead many of them to their deaths," whether in the ocean or in the city.

The Spanish Interior Ministry released its own figures shortly after Vivas spoke, estimating that some 50,000 people had crossed from Morocco since Thursday. It added that 48,300 had already returned to Morocco by Friday evening, with hundreds more going back by the hour.

Rachid Sbihi, who leads a local workers association representing Civil Guard officers, described the situation as a “serious humanitarian crisis,” saying thousands of migrants, including unaccompanied children, were left sleeping in parks and on sidewalks, while others roamed the streets aimlessly.

“It’s chaotic,” Sbihi said.

The Moroccan Interior Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the migrant figures released by the Spanish authorities.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the images from Ceuta "are unacceptable.”

“We cannot allow anyone to come to our Union without abiding by our rules,” she said Friday in an online statement. “Dangerous crossings must stop immediately. Smuggling networks must be dismantled. And returns must be swift, as our rules allow.”

Dozens died in the chaos

Some of the 57 people who died had drowned, Sbihi said, but some were also killed in a stampede to cross the breakwater fence at Tarajal Beach, an urban beach near a border checkpoint with Morocco. The waters near the border fence were littered with buoys, shoes and other abandoned belongings.

Many young Moroccans who crossed into Ceuta told The Associated Press that they had hoped to find better work opportunities in Spain but were returning given the mayhem in Ceuta.

“There’s nothing at home. I’d have to work 12-hour shifts for a meager wage. That’s why I came here,” said 21-year-old Abdulah Buji, who hails from the city of Tetouan. “But I haven’t found any opportunities here either, so I have to go back.”

Moroccan police used water cannons and fired warning shots into the air to prevent migrants from crossing into Ceuta, according to rights groups in Morocco.

Morocco’s ambassador to Spain said the situation in Ceuta had unfolded against Morocco’s wishes.

“We have always prioritized legal, orderly and safe migration for all,” Karima Benyaich said. She did not comment on what prompted the migrants to cross into Ceuta.

To reach Ceuta, on the northern African coast, migrants often swim from the Moroccan town of Fnideq, covering about 3 miles (5 kilometers) to reach Spanish territory. Others attempt the crossing from the nearby town of Belyounech, where the distance is shorter.

Border surge linked to Supreme Court ruling

The authorities in Ceuta and Madrid have linked the border surge to a recent decision by the Spanish Supreme Court, which ruled that migrants arriving by sea could not be summarily deported, unlike those who cross by land or climb the border fence.

Sánchez said migrant smugglers misinterpreted the ruling.

The interpretation of the Supreme Court’s ruling “spread like wildfire over the past few hours through the networks of human trafficking organizations,” triggering the surge, Sánchez said.

Spain has bucked anti-immigration trend

Sánchez has bucked the anti-migration trend that has gained ground across Europe and in the U.S.

Earlier this year, his government moved to give residency and work permits to hundreds of thousands of migrants already living in the country without permission.

Sánchez, a Socialist, argued that it would be good for the economy and the demographics of an aging Spain. Migrants who entered irregularly after Jan. 1 this year were not included.

His critics have jumped at the opportunity to attack his policy, saying it encouraged more migrants to come.

“Sánchez allows Spain to be invaded through Ceuta,” Spanish conservative politician Isabel Díaz Ayuso wrote on X.

The U.S. expressed its support for “the people of Spain, and all Europeans, against this egregious violation of their sovereignty and human rights.”

In a post on X, the State Department added that “this unacceptable incident is the direct result of the Spanish Government’s deliberate efforts to enable and facilitate mass illegal migration into Europe.”

Sánchez on Friday defended his migration policy and distanced it from the events in Ceuta.

In the tumult, Italy temporarily suspended its open-border Schengen agreement with Spain, re-imposing border controls for air and sea. The Interior Ministry said the decision amounted to a “closure” of the borders, but experts said it was merely a resumption of border controls. The agreement allows travelers to fly between the two countries without presenting passports.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said France would also strengthen border checks with Spain.

The crisis in Ceuta "has nothing to do with the regularization of migrants adopted by the Government of Spain, as is being falsely claimed by some,” the Spanish government said in a statement late Thursday after Meloni's announcement.

Pressure grows on second Spanish territory in Africa

Migrants from Morocco also attempted to cross into Melilla, the other Spanish territory at the tip of North Africa.

There was widespread chaos in Bni Nsar, the Moroccan town bordering the Spanish territory, where migrants clashed with police, throwing rocks and setting police vehicles ablaze, according to local media and rights groups. They reported injuries among security forces and the arrest of dozens of people attempting to cross.

Like Ceuta, Melilla is a self-governing Spanish city. Many Moroccans consider both cities to be occupied territory.

___

Naishadham reported from Madrid. Brito reported from Barcelona, Spain. Associated Press journalists Joseph Wilson in Barcelona, Spain; Akram Oubachir in Casablanca, Morocco; and Antonio Sempere in Ceuta, Spain, contributed.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Florida House District 21 candidates

The Florida House District 21 election is a universal primary to determine who will represent District 21 in Tallahassee. Since only Democrats qualified to appear on the ballot, the election is now open to all registered voters.

Florida House District 21 represents part of Marion County in Central Florida, as well as Alachua County.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities. Where possible, for candidates who did not respond, our collaborative partners sought to fill in details from other sources.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for Florida House District 21.

You can also see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Sylvain Dore

WEBSITE: sylvaindore.us/

Central Florida Public Media Candidate Profile:

• What are the two most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Top Issue: Marion and Alachua residents face rising costs, limited access to decisions, untrust and uncertainty about the future. On Day 1, I will file vetted bills on healthcare, education, housing affordability, transparency, and accessibility. I will protect renters and owners from being priced out, lower insurance and utility burdens, and bring resources home. These issues are not red or blue. At UF, I helped deliver accountability, student housing, childcare, safety, and facilitate collaborations.
  • Issue #2: Public safety depends on trust, prevention, and accountability. At UF and with local partners, I helped secure de-escalation and taser police training, speed humps on University Ave, and no-turn-on-red signals. I will expand evidence-based safety standards at school, work, place of worship, home, bike path and road, support law enforcement, and invest early in mental and preventive health, veterans, youth, reentry, and workforce programs. I propose live portals showing how tax dollars are used.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? As a small real estate business owner, I know Florida’s market pressures firsthand. We need a strategic plan to increase supply, fix zoning barriers, cut needless fees, and make housing attainable near jobs and schools. I will protect the Sadowski Housing Trust Fund, support accountable affordable units, and pursue insurance reform that passes savings to consumers. Housing is essential infrastructure, not just an investment product.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? No. Eliminating property taxes would primarily benefit owners of the most expensive homes, while shifting costs to renters and local services. A rushed repeal could create a ~$25B gap for schools, fire rescue, law enforcement, parks, roads, and libraries. We should reform wisely: protect seniors and struggling families, close loopholes for large speculators, lower energy costs, and make sure insurance savings reach consumers.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? The Public Service Commission must put Florida consumers first. Data centers and high-energy users should meet clear public needs and pay their fair share for grid, road, water, land, and health impacts. I would create a reserve funded by major energy users to support resilient energy, statewide charging, universal high-speed internet, and local vocational training so Floridians build, staff, and benefit from these projects.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Protecting our environment is personal. On Lake Santa Fe, my kayak dock now sits on dry land; runoff and failing septics can flip into an algae-choked bay. Our fragile/iconic aquifer and springs/lakes face stress from overdevelopment. I propose strict planning, wastewater management and promote sensitive eco-tourism for local jobs. I plan to set up independent data portals tracking PFAS, E.coli , radon, boil notices, air quality, zoonotic risks, predatory zoning and keep our communities livable.

Antione Fields

WEBSITE: www.fieldsforflorida.com/platform

Central Florida Public Media Candidate Profile:

EDITOR’S NOTE: This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to provide answers to the following questions.

• What are the two most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Top Issue: From Fields’ website: The cost of living is the biggest issue facing Florida families. Rent, insurance, groceries, utilities, healthcare, and childcare have all become harder to afford. Wages have not kept up, and too many people are working hard but still falling behind. I believe Florida should lower everyday costs, raise wages, and hold corporations accountable when they use their power to make life more expensive for everyone else.
  • Issue #2: From Fields’ website: Healthcare should be a right, not something tied to your job or your ability to pay. I support universal healthcare because nobody should have to skip medicine, delay care, stay in a bad job, or go broke because they got sick. We also have to address the Black maternal health crisis. Black women are too often ignored or dismissed in the healthcare system, and Florida needs stronger postpartum care, more support for doulas and midwives, better data, and real accountability when patients are mistreated.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? In an Instagram post from May 3, 2026, Fields said the following in the caption to a video posted by the campaign about issues of affordability: Families across our community are paying more for rent, gas, healthcare, and groceries, and too many politicians in Tallahassee have sold working people out to the highest bidder. That is why this campaign is all about taking power back for working-class people.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? In an interview published by Main St. Daily News out of Gainesville, Florida, before state lawmakers voted to put the property tax amendment on the ballot, Fields is quoted as saying the following when asked what would guide him through the upcoming special session on property tax reform: I would go into that special session focused on whether this actually lowers costs for working families in a real way. Floridians are getting hit from every direction. Housing costs are up. Insurance costs are out of control. Utility bills are high. Wages have not kept up. People need relief. But I am not interested in fake fixes that sound good for five minutes and then gut funding for schools, fire rescue, roads, storm prep, and basic local services. Property tax reform cannot become another excuse to weaken local government while pretending families are getting help. If lawmakers want to change the system, they need to come with real numbers, a serious plan, and honesty about the tradeoffs. Local communities should not get stuck paying the price later because politicians wanted a headline today. As someone who worked in the Legislature, I have seen firsthand how the decisions made in Tallahassee hit people back home. I would be guided by whether working-class Floridians.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Fields, on his campaign website, says the following about AI data centers driving up utility costs for Floridians and AI in general: AI is moving fast, and Florida should not let tech companies write the rules for themselves. Data centers can use huge amounts of water and energy, and local communities should not be forced to carry the cost while big tech gets the profits. The simple truth is that people do not want massive data centers in their backyard if it means more pollution, higher utility bills, and risks to their drinking water. People are also rightfully worried about privacy, scams, discrimination, and jobs being taken away by AI.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? From Fields’ website: Clean water, farmland, and rural land are part of what makes this district special. Our springs, aquifer, wetlands, and farmland are under pressure from pollution, sprawl, and development that does not always come with the infrastructure communities need.

Xavier Monroe

WEBSITE: xavierforflorida21.com/

Central Florida Public Media Candidate Profile:

• What are the two most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Top Issue: The most pressing issue facing North Central Florida is affordability. Families are struggling with rising housing, insurance, grocery, and healthcare costs. Growing up in East Gainesville and with family roots in Williston, I understand these challenges firsthand. I will focus on expanding affordable and workforce housing, addressing the property insurance crisis, investing in workforce development, supporting small businesses, and lowering healthcare costs.
  • Issue #2: Healthcare is the second issue I hear about most from voters. Too many families are delaying care because they cannot afford it or cannot find a provider close to home. We need practical solutions that expand primary care, preventive care, mental health services, telehealth, and community clinics while strengthening Florida’s healthcare workforce. In Tallahassee, I’ll focus on bringing people together to deliver results.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Housing costs have risen much faster than wages, making it difficult for teachers, nurses, first responders, young families, and seniors to live in the communities they serve. I support expanding affordable and workforce housing, encouraging responsible growth, reducing unnecessary barriers to construction, and addressing rising property insurance costs. People who work in North Central Florida should have the opportunity to live, raise a family, and retire here.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? NO. Floridians deserve tax relief, but eliminating property taxes altogether would create a significant loss of funding for our schools, law enforcement, fire protection, roads, libraries, and other essential local services. I believe in solving problems responsibly. We can provide meaningful tax relief by improving government efficiency and addressing the real drivers of affordability, especially housing and insurance costs, without weakening the services our communities rely on every day.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida families and small businesses should not be asked to subsidize unchecked growth or the energy demands of large corporate users. Data centers may bring economic opportunities, but growth must be planned responsibly. Utility regulators should require transparent planning, ensure costs are allocated fairly, and invest in grid modernization and energy efficiency. Consumers and working families must come first.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Protecting our water is the single biggest environmental challenge facing North Central Florida. Our springs, aquifer, rivers, and drinking water are essential to our health, economy, and quality of life. We can support responsible growth while ensuring development does not outpace infrastructure or threaten these irreplaceable resources. Protecting clean water and our natural beauty must remain a top priority.

Malik Moore

WEBSITE: www.mooreforfl.com/

Central Florida Public Media Candidate Profile:

• What are the two most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Top Issue: Affordability is the most pressing issue facing District 21. Families are struggling with rising housing costs, soaring property insurance premiums, and the increasing cost of everyday necessities. I will prioritize legislation that increases transparency and accountability in the insurance market, expands access to affordable housing, reduces barriers to homeownership, and creates economic opportunities so Floridians can build wealth instead of simply struggling to get by.
  • Issue #2: Education is the second most pressing issue facing District 21. Every child deserves a quality education regardless of ZIP code or income. I will fight to fully fund public schools, increase teacher pay, provide classroom resources, and keep politics out of education. I also support expanding career and technical programs and apprenticeships so students are prepared for college, military service, or high-demand careers.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Housing affordability is one of the greatest challenges facing District 21. I support reducing or eliminating documentary stamp taxes for first-time home buyers to lower the cost of purchasing a home. I also believe we should strengthen the Live Local Act by giving local governments a greater role in the program and providing resources to develop more workforce and affordable housing that meets the unique needs of our communities.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? No. I do not support eliminating property taxes because it would significantly reduce funding for essential local services like law enforcement, fire rescue, libraries, parks, and infrastructure. Floridians deserve meaningful tax relief, but it should not come at the expense of local communities. I support targeted relief that lowers costs while protecting local governments and ensuring they have the resources needed to provide critical public services.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? District 21 families are already burdened by high utility costs. Regulators should require utilities to publicly justify rate increases and ensure rates are fair and reasonable. Data centers must undergo rigorous review to assess impacts on utility costs, infrastructure, and the environment. Local governments and residents should have a meaningful voice before projects that significantly affect their communities are approved.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? The biggest environmental issue facing District 21 is protecting our water quality and conserving our natural resources. We must continue investing in efforts to transition communities from septic systems to sewer to protect our aquifers, fully fund Florida Forever to preserve environmentally sensitive lands, and ensure the Department of Environmental Protection has the resources needed to enforce environmental protections and provide lawmakers with recommendations to safeguard Florida’s future.

Jacquelyn Randall

WEBSITE: https://jackieforflorida.com/

Central Florida Public Media Candidate Profile:

EDITOR’S NOTE: This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to provide answers to the following questions.

• What are the two most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Top Issue: On Randall’s website: Jacquelyn will fight to rein in rising insurance premiums, utility costs, and everyday expenses, and oppose policies that pad corporate profits at the expense of working families. Jackie knows that strong communities start with good jobs and thriving local businesses. She’ll fight to attract responsible economic development, support small businesses, and make sure working families earn fair wages so they can build their futures right here in North Central Florida.
  • Issue #2: On Randall’s website: As a college professor, and someone who once helped rally parents to save her community local school from closure, Jackie has always fought for our children’s future. She will work to ensure public schools have the resources they need, support teachers as trusted professionals, and invest in career training and higher education so every student can succeed. She knows that our schools are the cornerstone of our communities and will fight budget cuts to close rural schools.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Randall did not fill out the questionnaire and nothing on her candidate website states how she would tackle housing affordability in her district. However, while mayor of Hawthorne, she is credited with moving forward and affordable housing project called Bella Meadows, which included the option of rent-to-own. SOURCE: https://jackieforflorida.com/accomplishments; Neighborhood Housing and Development Corporation.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? According to the Main Street Daily News, Randall has come out in opposition to the push to slash property taxes. On her last day as mayor of Hawthorne, Randall sent a letter to the state noting opposition from the city. Randall noted “smaller communities face the steepest impact.”
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Randall did not fill out the questionnaire and we could not ascertain where she stands on this issue.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Randall did not fill out this questionnaire, but her campaign website says the following about the environment: Jackie believes protecting Florida‚Äôs natural resources is both an environmental and economic priority. She‚Äôll work to preserve clean water, safeguard farmland, and invest in sustainable infrastructure that supports our tourism, agriculture and local farmers, and future generations of Floridians.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Florida House District 23 candidates

The Florida House District 23 election is a Republican primary for registered Republicans living in the district. The winner will move on to the general election in November

Florida House District 23 represents part of Marion County in Central Florida, as well as Citrus.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for Florida House District 23.

You can also see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Tod Cloud

WEBSITE: www.cloud4flhouse.com/

Central Florida Public Media Candidate Profile:

• What are the two most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Top Issue: Affordable homeowners’ insurance. I would think outside the box and make Florida’s Citizens Insurance the first choice and not the last choice. I would also explore the possibility of backs self-insuring their loans.
  • Issue #2: Water quality. Stop the spraying of herbicides in our waterways by the F.W.C. and limiting the spraying by the power companies to control vegetation. We also need to stop selling our natural water resources to bottling companies.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? We need more programs like Habitat for Humanity. Or find other Federal Grants to help build affordable housing.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? No! The ballot Amendment is not what the Governor had in mind. The House and Senate made it too complicated, instead of keeping it simple.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? No Data Centers. Unless the Data center is built next to a power company, like they could have done in Citrus County and they could also use the Gulf of America/Gulf of Mexico for its water-cooling system.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Overdevelopment is a very big problem in our district. We need to stop the overdevelopment of our Nature Coast. We also need to stop the Toll Roads.

J.J. Grow

WEBSITE: www.votejjgrow.com/

Central Florida Public Media Candidate Profile:

EDITOR’S NOTE: This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to provide answers to the following questions.

• What are the two most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Top Issue: Grow lists as the first issue on his campaign website the following: Cutting your taxes and fiscal responsibility. There is nothing more important than putting money back into the pockets of hard-working Florida families. JJ Grow voted to cut BILLIONS in taxes, including sales taxes holidays for school supplies, tools, and hurricane preparedness items and voted to place historic property tax relief on the ballot this November, potentially saving homeowners thousands of dollars a year in property taxes. JJ also voted to shrink the size of state government, voting for back-to-back balanced budgets that reduced spending, paid off early one billion in debt and put billions in the state’s Rainy Day Fund.
  • Issue #2: Grow lists insurance second on his campaign website under issues: Florida’s insurance market needs continued reforms to make sure we have a thriving, stable, and AFFORDABLE marketplace. Because of the reforms, passed a few years ago that targeted frivolous lawsuits and needless litigation, our insurance market is showing signs of improvement. We‚Äôve seen OVER 30 homeowners‚Äô insurance companies DECREASE their rates, we’ve seen OVER 40 auto insurance companies DECREASE their rates and we’ve had nearly two dozen new insurance companies come into Florida more competition helps lower prices. We have to remain vigilant and make sure that insurance companies are doing the right thing, paying out claims, and not hiding profits so homeowners and drivers can enjoy continued reductions in rates.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Grow believes reducing property taxes is a means to keeping Floridians in their homes. On his campaign website, he says he will preserve and expand property tax exemptions for seniors, veterans, and working families while also ensuring governments are using tax dollars efficiently.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Grow voted in favor of putting the property tax measure to voters in November. He did not respond to the survey, so it is unclear whether he will vote yes or no.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Grow did not respond to this questionnaire. However, he did, this past legislative session, vote in favor of a bill that supporters say will prevent utilities from shifting the cost of large-scale data centers onto small businesses and residential customers. That legislation, SB 484, is now law.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Grow did not respond to this questionnaire; however, he describes himself as an avid outdoorsman. Grow also states in a video on his website that in part, he’s running to make sure that we “take care of the conservation and the tourism being blessed with the natural resources that we have.”

The week before the Jacksonville Jaguars opened training camp, Hunter was photographed wearing a police vest posing with Sheriff T.K. Waters and members of the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department. It had the look of a ride-along, though Hunter wasn't saying.

“I was just out there just having fun with Sheriff T.K.,” Hunter said Friday.

Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner out of Colorado whom the Jaguars made the No. 2 pick in last year's draft, has enough to keep him occupied in training camp. Hunter is returning from injury, his rookie year ending two months into the season when he tore knee ligaments during noncontact drills.

In seven games, he played 324 snaps at receiver and 162 snaps at cornerback. The plan to use him on both sides of the ball has not changed, especially after the Jaguars shored up the core of their secondary by re-signing Montaric “Buster” Brown in March.

Hunter has been wearing a teal jersey for offense in three days of camp, with a white bib and his No. 12 he can slip on when he plays in the secondary.

“How do we balance his reps here, knowing that we’re trying to ease him in, but he also at some point needs to get double the amount that a normal player gets,” coach Liam Coen said. “And so what does that ramp-up look like? We have it all kind of mapped out ... on every single practice schedule, his reps are highlighted in here — where he’s in, what plays he’s in, where he’s at on the field. We’ve been extremely intentional about it.”

Hunter, who had surgery Nov. 11 to repair the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee, was limited during offseason workouts. But he used that time to build up some 10 pounds of muscle in his upper body and managed to get even faster.

He was clocked running at 22.6 mph at the team's facility last week.

“I was a small guy coming in. Everybody was like, ’Gain weight, gain weight,’” Hunter said. “I was scared at first. I'm like: ‘Dang, I’ve never played at this weight. I'm going to feel heavy, not going to be able to do what I do.' Training and being able to put those months in — not just on the grass but in the weight room — just putting in extra work, it made me feel lighter on my feet when I finally touched the grass.”

He looked like he was flying on grass when he ran the 22.6 mph — no pads, no one around him, not in a game — but it was another indication all was well.

“I'm trying to hit 23 now,” Hunter said. “That's the next goal.”

The Jaguars could use the production considering how much they gave up in a trade to get the second pick in 2025 — their No. 5 pick last year and No. 1 pick this year. They won nine of their last 10 games last year after Hunter was injured to win the AFC South.

For his part, Hunter feels like last year never happened in terms of his health.

“I put nine months in, so it doesn’t feel like I’m coming off an injury,” he said. "Just get the rust off right now. I’ve been gone for nine months, not able to be out here with my teammates for nine months, so finally being able to hit the grass, knock the rust off and just continue to click with the quarterbacks and click with the defense.”

Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile said Hunter is getting back into the flow, and the added muscle in his upper body is noticeable.

“You never want to see anybody get injured, but I think he really put his best foot forward in the weight room as he was recovering from a lower-body injury,” Campanile said. “He just looks really physical in the team work and in the individual period. So he's done a good job.”

And now it's all football, though the Engine 36 B-Shift crew said in its Facebook post for Hunter to let them know when he was ready for a ride-along.

“We promise, it's just as hot as training camp,” the post said.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Here are the most important developments across the Middle East today:

Gaza: Deal reached for Hamas to disarm, Israel to withdraw

Hamas said it will begin disarming as part of a deal announced by U.S. President Donald Trump that also requires Israel to end its strikes and withdraw from Gaza.

Hamas also said that laying down its heavy weapons, which would come later in the process, was contingent on the creation of a Palestinian state, something Israel’s current government adamantly rejects.

Reflecting the hurdles of the potential disarmament, a series of Israeli airstrikes shook Gaza again on Friday, killing at least one Palestinian and wounding at least four, including a child, according to officials in hospitals near the attacks. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement, calling it the only good news in recent days from a troubled region. The deal must be implemented “without any questions, skepticism, or determination to undermine it,” he told reporters.

Israel has not officially commented on the Hamas deal, which is part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire announced last October. That agreement called for Hamas to disarm and hand over power to an independent Palestinian administration. Israel was to withdraw and an International Stabilization Force was to be deployed.

But progress stalled, with Israel saying everything hinged on Hamas disarming, and Hamas accusing Israel of violating the agreement by continuing to carry out regular strikes on Gaza.

The war in Gaza began after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed more than 73,000 Palestinians, including those killed since the ceasefire, Gaza’s Health Ministry says.

The Associated Press is tracking the progress of Trump's plan to end the Israel-Hamas war.

Latest developments on the Iran conflict

No U.S. strikes were reported in Iran on Friday. Iran fired drones at Kuwait, a Gulf country hosting U.S. forces, and said it had also fired at oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil and gas shipments, which has been largely closed by the fighting.

1. Kuwait's Defense Ministry said Friday its armed forces had shot down drones inside Kuwaiti airspace. It said the Iranian attacks had targeted several vital military facilities, causing material damage from falling shrapnel but no casualties. It did not specify how many drones were intercepted. Iranian state media said Iran had targeted an air base in Kuwait with drones in retaliation for U.S. strikes on Thursday.

2. Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed to have hit two oil tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media said four other tankers had turned around. The report did not provide further details on the tankers' ownership, or whether there were any casualties.

Elsewhere in the region:

3. Saudi Arabia has announced a plan for a defense alliance of 14 countries to strengthen maritime security, safeguard freedom of navigation and secure international trade routes and energy supply corridors in the Red Sea region. The Iran war has severely disrupted global shipping. Yemen's Houthi rebels have declared a blockade on Saudi Arabia over a separate but related conflict, putting at risk another major trade corridor .

4. Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry said Thursday that the coalition is “defensive in nature,” and that access “remains open to all willing countries.” Oman and the United Arab Emirates were the only two Gulf countries that did not back Saudi Arabia’s statement. Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan were among those that joined the proposed alliance.

5. A Houthi official, speaking Friday on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to brief the media, said the Saudi initiative won't protect its vessels — that would happen only after the Saudis lift their blockade on Yemen. Large crowds of Yemenis, meanwhile, took to the streets in the capital, Sanaa, and other Houthi-controlled areas to show support for the Iran-backed rebels and their Red Sea attacks against Saudi Arabia. The rallies were organized by the Houthis.

6. In southern Lebanon, Israeli forces set off explosions Friday to destroy an underground tunnel network under the Crusader-built Beaufort Castle that Israel says had been used by Hezbollah militants as a command center. The 12th-century castle, also known as Al-Shaqif, was seized by Israeli forces in May. It was recently added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List over Israel’s objections.

7. Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun said the Israeli operation sent “negative messages” ahead of upcoming talks in Rome. Israeli and Lebanese negotiating teams are set to meet again there to continue hammering out a plan under which Israel would withdraw from southern Lebanon in exchange for Hezbollah’s disarmament.

___

Associated Press writer Fatma Khaled contributed to this report from Cairo. Becatoros contributed from Athens, Greece.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Florida House District 24 candidates

The Florida House District 24 election is a universal primary to determine who will represent District 21 in Tallahassee. Since only Republicans qualified to appear on the ballot, the election is now open to all registered voters.

Florida House District 24 represents part of Marion County in Central Florida.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for Florida House District 24. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile.

You can also see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Ryan Chamberlin - Incumbent

WEBSITE: ryanchamberlincampaign.com/

Central Florida Public Media Candidate Profile:

EDITOR’S NOTE: This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to provide answers to the following questions.

• What are the two most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Top Issue: We could find no information about what Chamberlain believes to be the most important issues in his district.
  • Issue #2: Again, Chamberlain did not respond to this questionnaire and we could find no information about what he believes to be pressing issues in his district.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Chamberlain did not respond to this questionnaire.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Chamberlain did not respond to this questionnaire, so we are unable to say how he will vote on the ballot measure. However, he has said that if lawmakers and the governor could get something on the ballot this year, he would be in full support. Chamberlain is on record as supporting the elimination of all property taxes. Earlier this year, he was behind an effort to get a citizen-led constitutional amendment on the 2028 ballot that would have done just that. Chamberlain has suggested replacing the property tax, in part, with funds that could come from charging tourists who may need to use local services.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? We were unable to ascertain through readily available information where Chamberlain stands on this issue.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? We were unable to ascertain through readily available information where Chamberlain stands on this issue.

Scott Wilkins

WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/people/Scott-Wilkins-for-FL-House-District-24/61590219422365/

Central Florida Public Media Candidate Profile:

• What are the two most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Top Issue: The most pressing issue for District 24 is education. Marion County ranks 58 out of 67 counties and recently received a C grade for our schooling. Our children deserve better than this and I would put forward legislation focusing on stronger literacy goals in K-6. I would work to support our teachers and administrators more, however that may be.
  • Issue #2: The second most pressing issue for District 24 is the lack of a strong growth management plan. Currently, overdevelopment, or rather a lack of strategic planning, is negatively impacting Marion County. If elected I would put forward legislation to slow urban sprawl and hold builders more accountable for infrastructure before building new developments. We also need to focus on more individual home needs, such as providing bigger lots, instead of building blanket communities.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Home buying is an American dream that is slowly slipping out of reach for the middle and lower class. I believe there should be more incentives for first-time home buyers, such as if you can show a certain amount of years consecutively paying a certain amount of rent on time that you should be able to get a house with a monthly mortgage at that amount. Credit and a high down payment should not be deciding factors.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Yes property tax should be eliminated but only if we have a strong plan in place to help relieve some of that revenue lost for counties. I believe this can be done by leaning more on the tourist industry and a hospitality tax for out-of-state residents. It can also be managed by charging developers a high-impact fee to build and ensuring that that money paid goes back into the community.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Data centers should not be allowed in our state for the toll it takes on the environment. As for utility companies, the taxpayers should not have to pay higher prices for the use of those utilities. Meters should be monitored more frequently for accuracy and reliability. They could look into utilizing solar power more without it costing the high price it currently does.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? The loss of trees and the drain on our local water sources. As we continue to develop, we lose a lot of our natural canopy which in turn provides less shade and makes it hotter. The continued development also draws on natural springs and the aquifer which is depleting those bodies of water. We need to hold developers accountable to plant more trees when they build, we need to invest in technology to find better ways to use water, and incentivize for more local farms.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Florida House District 25 Republican candidates

The Florida House District 25 election is a Republican primary for registered Republicans living in the district. The winner will move on to the general election in November.

Florida House District 25 represents part of Lake County in Central Florida.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for Florida House District 25. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile.

You can also see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Tom Vail

WEBSITE: tom4florida.com/

NOTE: This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to provide answers to the following questions.

What are the most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.

It is unclear what Vail believes to be the most important issues facing his district. However, on his campaign website, he does list the principles that underlie his legislative intent. Those principles are as follows:

• Preserve/restore/expand freedom
• Preserve and defend US Constitution and Constitutional Rights, protect speech, limit surveillance.
• Reduce size/spending/regulation of government.
• Stop Sharia law.
• Keep local control of development.
• Require development to pay for its own infrastructure, water, sewage treatment, electricity, rather than offloading expansion costs to current users.
• Control housing costs, insurance, taxes (restrictions on large investor purchases of single-family housing).
• Defend families.
• Stop Marxism.
• Expel illegal aliens.
• Defend law enforcement.
• Remove activist judges.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Vail did not respond to this questionnaire. However, on his campaign website, he does talk about the Live Local Act. Vail believes the following: The costs of building new infrastructure, electrical, sewage treatment, water must be borne by those investing and developing, NOT by the existing residents. This is why local control of government and local control of zoning is important.

Citizens MUST pay attention to the development in their own communities and make sure that their local officials follow their wishes.

State legislation should support this. The Live Local Act is one of the ways that local zoning control is removed from cities and counties in Florida, and is controlled in Tallahassee. This should be repealed.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Vail did not respond to this questionnaire and we were unable to find an answer to this question.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Vail did not respond to this questionnaire and we were unable to find an answer to this question.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Vail did not respond to this questionnaire and we were unable to find an answer to this question.

Taylor Yarkosky - Incumbent

WEBSITE: www.tayloryarkosky.com/

NOTE: This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to provide answers to the following questions.

Central Florida Public Media Candidate Profile:

What are the most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below. On his campaign website, Yarkosky said that public safety is his highest priority. He supports law enforcement, first responders and policies that hold criminals accountable.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Yarkosky, on his campaign website, says families should be able to keep more of what they earn. He says he is committed to lowering the cost of living by expanding tax relief, reducing housing costs and continuing reforms that make insurance more affordable.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Yarkosky did not respond to this questionnaire. It is unclear how he will vote on this issue but he did vote in favor of putting the measure on the November ballot.

In a Facebook post from June 1, Yarkosky said the following: One thing I know for certain in politics is this: when we trust the people and listen to the people, we get it right. The citizens of Florida have entrusted us with the privilege of serving them, and I will always support giving voters a direct voice on issues that impact their homes, families, and financial future.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Yarkosky did not respond to this questionnaire and it is unclear where he stands on this issue.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Yarkosky did not respond to this questionnaire and it is unclear where he stands on this issue.

The proposal from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation spares Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming from facing mandatory cuts for now. But it’s a temporary fix as the states that rely on the river still fight over a long-term management plan for the dwindling resource that powers huge swaths of the Western U.S.

Under the plan, the Lower Basin states could face collective cuts up to 3 million acre-feet (130 billion cubic feet) through 2036, “subject to hydrology,” according to a press release by the Department of the Interior. That’s about enough water to serve more than 25 million people a year.

The plan would also allow annual releases between 5 million and 12 million acre-feet from Lake Powell, the basin’s second-largest reservoir. Under the 10-year federal framework, water management decisions will be made every two years.

“This framework provides the flexibility to respond to changing hydrologic conditions while preserving the opportunity for the Basin States to continue working toward durable, consensus-based solutions,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum in the press release.

The proposed cuts in the Lower Basin states of California, Arizona and Nevada would be the biggest to date and could have huge impacts across cities and farms — higher water prices, increased groundwater reliance, more agriculture out of production and conservation mandates in places where none have existed before.

The federal plan comes after years of deadlocked negotiations and a record-dry winter that tipped Colorado River reservoirs to combined record lows. Federal officials are expected to finalize the plan in the coming days.

More than 40 million people in seven U.S. states, several tribal nations and Mexico, as well as farmers, wildlife, industries and hydropower, rely on the dwindling 1,450-mile (2,334-kilometer) Colorado River. Years of overuse combined with rising temperatures and drought have severely depleted flows in the Colorado today compared with decades past.

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This story has been updated to correct the Interior Secretary’s first name. He is Doug Burgum, not Dough Burgum.

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The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP’s environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in those elections. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Florida House District 31 Republican candidates

The Florida House District 31 election is a Republican primary for registered Republicans living in the district. The winner will move on to the general election in November.

Florida House District 31 represents part of Brevard County in Central Florida. The current incumbent, Republican Tyler Sirois, is term-limited.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for Florida House District 31. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile.

You can see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Mindy Gibson

WEBSITE: votemindygibson.com/

This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to provide answers to the following questions.

• What are the most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Gibson did not respond to this questionnaire and we could not ascertain what she believes to be the top issues in her community.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Gibson did not respond to this questionnaire, but according to her campaign website, she supports policies that lower taxes, eliminate burdensome regulations and foster an economy where small businesses and families can thrive. Gibson says she will champion economic growth, job creation, and financial security. At a forum put on by Space Coast Daily, when asked about the Live Local Act, which was created to help with this issue of making housing more affordable, Gibson says it was designed with larger cities in mind. Gibson says Satellite Beach doesn’t need an affordable housing project but it is getting one. She says she would repeal the section of Live Local that allows projects to be built with local input. Gibson noted that vacation rentals are the real cause for this issue and local governments should be allowed to regulate them.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Gibson is on record as opposing this amendment in its current form, stating it penalizes communities with high homestead rates. In a forum put on by Space Coast Daily, Gibson said that for an area like Satellite Beach where 85% of the homes are homesteaded, it would lose 25% of its revenue in the first year. She says services and quality of life would be diminished.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Gibson did not respond to the questionnaire and we were unable to ascertain her thoughts on the issue.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Gibson did not respond to this questionnaire, but in a Q&A on her campaign website, Gibson talks about protecting water quality and the Indian River Lagoon. She says she supports the half-cent sales tax renewal, responsible investment in stormwater infrastructure and resilience projects, septic-to-sewer projects that reduce nutrient pollution and new emerging technologies that deliver solutions more efficiently and with less burden on taxpayers.

Robyn Hattaway

WEBSITE: www.votehattaway.com/

• What are the most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Top Issue: The biggest challenge in District 31 is managing rapid growth without sacrificing our quality of life. We need smart infrastructure investments that improve roads, water systems, public safety, and environmental resilience while supporting job creation. As a former Port Commissioner, I’ve seen that thoughtful planning -- not bigger government --delivers lasting results.
  • Issue #2: Affordability: Government can’t spend its way to affordability. Florida should continue lowering taxes, reducing regulations, addressing the insurance crisis, and ensuring utilities remain affordable. Families deserve policies that let them keep more of their paycheck while protecting the quality of life that makes Brevard special.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Housing affordability deserves attention, but it’s only one part of the affordability crisis. Government should look for opportunities to reduce the cost of living across the board--from insurance and healthcare to groceries, utilities, and housing. That means cutting unnecessary regulations, supporting Florida farmers and ranchers, keeping taxes low, and making government more efficient so families can keep more of what they earn.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? No. Keep taxes as low as possible? Always. Eliminate waste before asking taxpayers for another $. Property taxes fund law enforcement, infrastructure & public schools. Eliminating them without a sustainable replacement simply shifts costs elsewhere or weakens essential services. Replacing taxes with fees doesn’t lower costs--it just changes the name. Real tax reform reduces the cost of government through efficient, transparent spending, not by simply renaming the bill in the mail.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Government should protect consumers by ensuring utility rates are fair, transparent, and justified. Families and small businesses should not subsidize major industrial users. Utilities should demonstrate efficiency before seeking rate increases, and regulators should encourage competition and innovation wherever practical to keep costs affordable.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Protecting our waterways, notably the Indian River Lagoon, is the most important environmental issue in District 31. We should invest in water quality, stormwater improvements, lagoon restoration, and resilient infrastructure while holding polluters accountable.

Marcus Herman

WEBSITE: www.marcusherman.com/

This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to provide answers to the following questions.

• What are the most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Top Issue: Herman, on his campaign website, says that helping working families and seniors is top priority. One way he says he’ll do this is by lowering insurance rates. Herman says skyrocketing insurance premiums are a threat to financial security and that he’ll fight for lower premiums to keep Brevard affordable.
  • Issue #2: Herman did not respond to this questionnaire. From the information available, it is unclear what he believes to be the second most pressing issue in his district.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Herman did not respond to the questionnaire but says that he will fight to lower insurance rates that threaten financial stability to keep Brevard affordable. When asked about the Live Local Act at a Space Coast Daily forum, Herman spoke of an affordability crisis in Florida that encompasses the cost of renting an apartment; that impacts both young people and the elderly.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Herman did not respond to this questionnaire but in a forum hosted by Space Coast Daily, Herman called it a tax shift and not a tax break. Herman believes that if Amendment 3 passes, it will take years to undo the damage. Herman recommends people do their research and notes that it’s concerning. Herman says he is undecided on whether he will vote in favor of the measure.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Herman did not respond to this questionnaire. It is unclear where he stands on this issue.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? On his campaign website, Herman says that a healthy lagoon and clean beaches are important for residents, visitors, sportsmen and wildlife. Herman says he’ll work to develop sensible ideas to protect these critical assets.

Matt Woodside

WEBSITE: www.woodsideforflorida.com/

• What are the most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Woodside did not respond to our questionnaire. We could not find anything that would give us insight into his view on the subject.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Woodside did not respond to this questionnaire but in a forum with Space Coast Daily, Woodside said, when asked about the Live Local Act, that it was passed with good intent to increase housing supply but that the focus should be on single-family homes and not density. Woodside believes it took a one-size-fits-all approach that goes too far. He noted that he supports a targeted approach using incentives and streamlining permitting for affordable housing in appropriate inland locations with adequate infrastructure.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? This candidate did not fill out this questionnaire however, in a forum put on by Space Coast Daily, he noted that as a lower-tax fiscal conservative, he agrees with the heart of this but that there are ‘bugs’ that need to be fixed that are going to hurt municipalities that rely on property tax. Woodside says local governments are going to be squeezed and will have to cut and things like impact fees will have to be raised. He also says he would help to increase state funding in some areas. Woodside is undecided on whether he will vote yes or no on the measure.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Woodside did not respond to our questionnaire. We could not find anything that would give us insight into his view on the subject.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Woodside did not respond to our questionnaire. We could not find anything that would give us insight into his view on the subject.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Florida House District 32 Republican candidates

The Florida House District 32 election is a Republican primary for registered Republicans living in the district. The winner will move on to the general election in November.

Florida House District 32 represents part of Brevard County in Central Florida.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for Florida House District 32. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile.

You can see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Brian Hodgers - Incumbent

WEBSITE: brianforflorida.com/

Central Florida Public Media Candidate Profile:

• What are the two most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Top Issue: The biggest issue in House District 32 is affordability, especially rising property taxes. During my first term, I passed HB895, which saves families significant time and money by simplifying the trust process after the loss of a loved one. I will continue fighting for meaningful property tax relief, reducing wasteful spending, and keeping Florida affordable while ensuring government lives within its means.
  • Issue #2: The second-most pressing issue is property insurance affordability. As the only insurance professional elected to the Florida House, I worked during my first term to educate legislators on reforms that can further reduce insurance costs. The 2023 tort reforms have stabilized the market, but more work remains. I will continue supporting responsible reforms, increasing competition, reducing fraud, and lowering costs for Florida homeowners.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Housing affordability is driven by supply and demand. We must address the shortage of skilled construction workers and an aging contractor workforce. We have to streamline planning, zoning, and permitting to eliminate costly delays, reduce construction costs driven by inflation, and increase the housing supply to meet Florida’s rapid population growth. Increasing the supply while lowering construction costs is the best long-term solution to making housing more affordable.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Yes. Property taxes have become an increasing burden on Florida homeowners, many of whom are being taxed out of homes they have already paid for. I support giving voters the opportunity to reduce that burden while ensuring essential services remain funded. Any transition must be fiscally responsible, protect public safety and education, and require government to prioritize spending and eliminate waste before asking taxpayers to pay more.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? The legislature took an important step this year by passing SB484, which I voted for, and Governor DeSantis signed into law, ensuring utility companies CANNOT pass the costs of serving large AI data centers on to Florida consumers. Utility regulators should continue enforcing this law, protect residential ratepayers, and require large commercial users to pay their fair share, and maintain a reliable, affordable electric grid.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? The Indian River Lagoon is our district’s greatest environmental priority. Brevard’s half-cent sales tax has generated significant revenue. I believe more of that revenue needs to be directed to the infrastructure improvements needed to protect the Lagoon. As a state legislator, I am working on legislation to require those tax dollars be used as intended for wastewater, septic, and stormwater infrastructure that will improve water quality and restore the Lagoon.

Mark Lightner

WEBSITE: votelightner.com/

Central Florida Public Media Candidate Profile:

• What are the two most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Top Issue: The biggest challenge facing our district is the rising cost of homeownership. The average first-time homebuyer is now 38, and too many young families are being priced out while seniors on fixed incomes struggle to stay in their homes. I’ll fight to eliminate property taxes on homesteaded homes, lower homeowners’ insurance through market reforms, and ban private equity firms from buying single-family homes.
  • Issue #2: The second-most pressing issue is a lack of integrity in government. In Florida, we often win elections by electing Republicans, but too often those leaders do not govern with integrity or put Florida first. My children and I have a long future ahead of us in Florida, and we must ensure it is a prosperous one by electing leaders we can trust. Nearly every challenge we face can be traced back to poor leadership. Integrity is the foundation of good government.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability starts with responsible government. I’ll fight for balanced budgets, lower taxes, fewer unnecessary regulations, and greater accountability for every taxpayer dollar. Government should live within its means just like Florida families do. Fiscal discipline creates a stronger economy, lowers the cost of living, and leaves more money in the pockets of the people who earned it.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Yes. Property taxes make homeownership more expensive every year, even after you’ve paid off your mortgage. Eliminating them would lower the cost of owning a home. Brevard County’s budget has grown from about <strong>$1 billion in 2018 to more than $2.3 billion today</strong>, even though population growth has not kept pace. Government spending is out of control. We must get the government back to the basics: education, public safety, and infrastructure.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida’s utility regulators should put ratepayers first. Residential customers should not be subsidizing the massive energy demands of data centers or other large industrial users. New infrastructure should be paid for by those creating the demand, not shifted onto families and seniors through higher utility bills. Florida should also continue investing in reliable, affordable energy sources, including nuclear power, to meet future demand while keeping costs under control.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? The Indian River Lagoon is our district’s most important environmental priority. It is vital to our quality of life, economy, tourism, and wildlife. We must continue investing in projects that reduce nutrient pollution, improve water quality, modernize aging infrastructure, and restore natural habitats. Protecting the Lagoon is not just an environmental issue; it’s an investment in Brevard’s future.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Florida House District 34 Republican candidates

The Florida House District 34 election is a Republican primary for registered Republicans living in the district. The winner will move on to the general election in November.

Florida House District 34 represents Indian River County and part of Brevard County in Central Florida.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for Florida House District 34. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile.

You can see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Robert Brackett - Incumbent

WEBSITE: www.voterobertbrackett.com/

This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to provide answers to the following questions.

• What are the most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below. It is unclear what Brackett believes to be the most pressing issue in his district, but on his campaign website, he does speak of fiscal responsibility. He says the following: It’s pretty simple math: reduce government spending and we can reduce taxes. There are some in Washington who have yet to learn that. We must take a proactive stance at making the government accountable for the trillions of dollars they spend on programs that neither benefit the population nor promote economic growth. Inflation is at an all-time high right now and the radical media says things are looking up. On the Lori Davis show, Brackett said that if reelected, he plans to focus on getting out of the way of small businesses.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Brackett did not respond to the questionnaire but on the Lori Davis show, he said the affordability issue is really one of supply and demand, though he says things are starting to improve. Brackett says more home insurers are now doing business in Florida, making rates more affordable. He also says that hopefully, Florida doesn’t get hit by a hurricane this season because two without hurricane claims would be great.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Brackett did not respond to the questionnaire; however, on the Lori Davis show he stated the following: We’ve got to rein it in. In 2014 we collected about $28 billion statewide in property taxes and this year we’ll collect just under $60 billion. Brackett says Florida does have an issue with property taxes but he’s not sure whether the amendment is the answer. He says we have to ask ourselves what services we have to have. He says public safety will be taken care of. Brackett did not say whether he will vote yes or no on the amendment.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Brackett did not respond to the questionnaire and we were unable to ascertain where he stands on this issue.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Brackett did not respond to the questionnaire but on his campaign website, he says the following about water and utilities: Continue the good progress we’ve made in updating our water and utility infrastructure and fighting for clean waterways and beaches. I will promote legislation that will fund programs that continue to better our infrastructure system. I will also seek to preserve our beaches, springs, rivers, and waterways as they are an important part of our tourism dollars. In 2020, during an editorial board interview with TCPalm, Brackett (Vero Beach Mayor) spoke about septic-to-sewer to help those waterways.

Paul Sohi

WEBSITE: paulsohi.com/

This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to provide answers to the following questions.

• What are the most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below. It is unclear what Sohi believes to be the top issue in his district but on his campaign website, the first issue listed is government transparency and accountability. Sohi says the following: Too many people feel shut out of local government. Decisions are often made behind closed doors, public officials become inaccessible, and taxpayers are left wondering where their money is going. Paul Sohi believes government works for the people, not the other way around. He supports greater transparency in county spending, open communication with residents, easier public access to government information, and stronger oversight of taxpayer dollars. He believes elected officials should be visible, accessible, and accountable to the citizens they represent. Public office is a public trust, not a lifetime entitlement.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Sohi did not respond to this questionnaire but on his campaign website, he does address housing affordability with the Live Local Act. He says the following: The Live Local Act was meant to make housing more affordable for Floridians. Instead, it is being misused in ways that hurt our communities. Developers are taking advantage of the system by offering lower rents initially, only to raise them to market rates shortly after. At the same time, counties and cities are left without real oversight or the ability to step in. This is not affordability. It is a loophole being exploited. Even more concerning, the Act is pushing families toward long-term rentership instead of home ownership. True opportunity comes from owning a home, building equity, and creating stability for future generations. My position is clear. We must amend the Live Local Act to focus on home ownership, not rental loopholes, and restore accountability so local communities have a voice.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? The candidate did not respond to this questionnaire. On his campaign website, Sohi says the following about taxes: Families, retirees, and small business owners throughout Florida are facing increasing financial pressure from rising property taxes and skyrocketing insurance premiums. Paul Sohi believes government must practice fiscal discipline and protect taxpayers from being priced out of their homes and communities. He supports property tax relief, insurance reform, and greater accountability in government spending.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire. It is unclear where he stands on this issue.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Sohi did not respond to the questionnaire but on his campaign website he says the following: The Indian River Lagoon, local waterways, beaches, and natural resources are among District 34’s greatest assets. Paul supports responsible environmental stewardship based on science, accountability, and common sense. He believes protecting water quality requires better infrastructure, responsible growth management, and proactive environmental maintenance. Protecting our environment also protects public health, tourism, recreation, and future generations. Economic growth and environmental responsibility can, and must, work together.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Florida House District 36 Republican candidates

The Florida House District 36 election is a Republican primary for registered Republicans living in the district. The winner will move on to the general election in November.

Florida House District 36 represents part of Seminole County in Central Florida.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Oviedo Community News compiled the candidate responses for Florida House District 36. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile. To see the full responses, go to the Oviedo Community News candidate page link for each candidate.

You can also see the full Oviedo Community News Voting Guide HERE.

Rachel Plakon

WEBSITE: www.rachelplakon.com/

Oviedo Community News Candidate Profile: oviedocommunitynews.org/profile/plakon-rachel/

Candidate Q&A: This candidate did not respond to multiple requests to answer questions that were based on voter questions and expressed priorities. Each of the candidates within a race was asked the same questions and given the same amount of time to respond. OCN reporters emailed, texted and called the candidate, who was given several weeks to respond.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue?

Plakon did not respond to this questionnaire. On her website, Plakon wrote that she would “fight for tax cuts and inflation relief to help seniors and families,” but no more details were provided.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes, and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions?

Plakon did not respond to this questionnaire. Plakon did vote yes to put Amendment 3 on the ballot.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond?

Plakon did not respond to this questionnaire. Plakon did vote in favor of a bill that would allow local governments to make decisions about data centers.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida?

Plakon did not respond to this questionnaire. In 2024, though, she did sponsor a bill that would have increased screening for 1,4 Dioxane, a potentially cancer-causing chemical that has previously been found in Seminole County’s water. Her campaign website does not mention environmental issues, but she is a proponent of keeping the rural boundary in Seminole County.

Joshua Sorto

WEBSITE: N/A

Oviedo Community News Candidate Profile: oviedocommunitynews.org/profile/joshua-sorto/

Candidate Q&A: The questions below are based on voter questions and expressed priorities. Each of the candidates within a race were asked the same questions and given the same amount of time to respond. The candidates’ answers were fact checked, checked for spelling and grammar but otherwise unedited.

• What are the three most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Top Issue: Unaffordable homeowner’s insurance; bring in the national insurance carriers.
  • Issue #2: Lower grocery bills: Solve the supply chain issues and help Florida farmers make food affordable again.
  • Issue #3:
  • Affordability: Ban dynamic pricing before groceries start costing more on Sunday vs. Wednesday.
• For incumbents: Why do you deserve re-election to this race? For challengers and open seats: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? The incumbent has been in office for four years and has sponsored zero bills on affordability. They literally haven’t even tried.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? It takes time to build homes, so in the short term we need to decrease the number of people moving to Florida. This could be done by putting a tax on people and using those funds to build more homes at affordable prices.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? No, I am against giving large corporations like Disney a tax cut. Any waste that occurs at the local level is peanuts compared to the waste, fraud and abuse coming from Tallahassee.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Ban data center construction. There is no benefit to having a data center in your city versus having it 1,000 miles away.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Keeping our coasts pristine and a major tourist destination.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in those elections. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Florida House District 38 Republican candidates

The Florida House District 38 election is a Republican primary for registered Republicans living in the district. The winner will move on to the general election in November. The current incumbent, David Smith, is term-limited.

Florida House District 38 represents part of Seminole County in Central Florida.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Oviedo Community News compiled the candidate responses for Florida House District 38. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile. To see the full responses, go to the Oviedo Community News candidate page link for each candidate.

You can also see the full Oviedo Community News Voting Guide HERE.

Emily Duda Buckley

WEBSITE: www.emilydudabuckley.com/

Oviedo Community News Candidate Profile: oviedocommunitynews.org/profile/emily-duda-buckley/

Candidate Q&A: The questions below are based on voter questions and expressed priorities. Each of the candidates within a race was asked the same questions and given the same amount of time to respond. The candidates’ answers were fact-checked, checked for spelling and grammar but otherwise unedited.

If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? — Top problem and your suggested solution:

1. Affordability and the rising cost of living. Central Florida families are being squeezed by rising property taxes, insurance premiums and housing costs. My solution is direct relief: Property tax relief for homeowners paired with disciplined, live-within-your-means budgeting, and lowering the government-imposed costs — permitting delays, impact fees, and unnecessary regulation — that quietly drive up the price of a home.
2. Housing supply and attainability. Too many young families, teachers, first responders and seniors are getting priced out of the communities they serve. I would build on the Live Local Act by streamlining and digitizing the permitting process with clear deadlines, encouraging targeted zoning reform such as accessory dwelling units where they fit the community, expanding down-payment assistance for first-time buyers, and clearing the way for employer-sponsored workforce housing.
3. A cost of doing business that is choking job creation and pushing good jobs out of reach. My solution is to keep Florida pro-business by cutting red tape, streamlining permitting and licensing, and investing in workforce pathways — from the skilled trades to healthcare — through partnerships with local employers, technical schools, and our state colleges, so parents can find good jobs close to home.

For challengers and open seats: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I’m a lifelong Central Floridian, a mother and an external affairs professional with my family’s longtime Florida company, A. Duda & Sons. I’ve spent my career at the table with state agencies, the Legislature, and regulated industries — including service with the Florida House Appropriations Committee and as Legislative Affairs Director for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services — and my community service has centered on children and families, including board roles with the Florida Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents, 4Roots Foundation, and Kids House of Seminole. That combination of deep roots here, hands-on policy experience, and a heart for this community is what I bring to this race. Mine is a grassroots, voter-contact-driven campaign, and I’ll be an accessible, principled representative focused on keeping Central Florida affordable.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability comes down to two things: expanding supply and lowering the costs government adds. I support building on the Live Local Act to:

• Streamline and digitize permitting, with clear deadlines and automatic approvals when local governments miss them, so supply catches up with demand;
• Open additional zoning tools, including accessory dwelling units, where they fit the character of a community;
• Expand employer-sponsored workforce housing so families can live near where they work;
• Encourage homeownership through down-payment assistance for first-time buyers;
• Deliver property tax relief and reduce impact fees and regulatory costs that inflate the price of a home.

On insurance, I support building on the recent reforms that reduced fraud and frivolous litigation, encouraging more carriers to compete here, and strengthening mitigation programs like My Safe Florida Home so families can harden their homes and earn lower rates.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes, and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Yes. Rising property taxes are among the top concerns I hear at the door, and government too often treats homeowners as the default funding source for every new line item. I support meaningful, structural property tax relief for Florida homeowners. I would not replace it by shifting the burden onto renters or commercial property — that just raises the price of everything from groceries to rent — and I don’t support new or increased taxes to backfill it. The right offset is the standard Florida families live by: living within our means. Florida’s economy is growing and local revenue is growing with it; that organic growth, paired with real spending discipline — eliminating waste, ending duplicative programs, and prioritizing core services like public safety — is how we protect essential services without breaking household budgets. Any relief should be phased in responsibly so local governments can adjust.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida’s utility regulators should put ratepayers first. Large industrial users like data centers place enormous new demand on the grid, and residential customers should not be forced to subsidize the cost of the generation, transmission, and water capacity those facilities require. I would expect the Public Service Commission to ensure large users pay the full, fair cost of the infrastructure they drive, to demand real transparency and scrutiny in rate cases rather than rubber-stamping increases, and to prioritize reliable, diverse, and affordable generation. Utilities should be held accountable for keeping rates as low as possible while keeping the lights on.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? Protecting Florida’s water comes first for me. Our wetlands, watersheds, springs, and the aquifer are the resources our children and grandchildren will depend on. I support continued investment in water quality and wastewater infrastructure that keeps pace with our growth, and I support restoring Florida’s authority over Section 404 permitting — no one has a greater stake in safeguarding our waters than the state itself, and state administration brings efficiency and predictability while upholding strong protections. Safeguarding our water is ultimately about protecting the families who will call Florida home for generations.

Marcus Hyatt

WEBSITE: www.marcushyatt.org/

Oviedo Community News Candidate Profile: oviedocommunitynews.org/profile/marcus-hyatt/

Candidate Q&A: This candidate did not respond to multiple requests to answer questions that were based on voter questions and expressed priorities. Each of the candidates within a race was asked the same questions and given the same amount of time to respond. OCN reporters emailed, texted and called the candidates, who were given several weeks to respond. Where information was available, we tried to fill in the gaps.

If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? During an interview on the Roger Franklin Williams Show, Hyatt said the top issue is affordability – property taxes, gas, and even going to the movies. He said he would like to increase the homestead exemption for seniors. He also wants to address health care and issues with the Affordable Care Act as well, but didn’t expand how. He also said school vouchers have been a success and should be continued.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Hyatt did not respond to this questionnaire. Hyatt told the Roger Franklin Williams show that the key to lowering costs is to increase the number of homeowners’ insurance companies doing business in Florida. “If we want prices to go down, we have to increase competition,” Hyatt said. “Those are basic conservative principles. The more competition you have in the market, that’s when you see some of those prices go down. We’re already starting to see that.”

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes, and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Hyatt didn’t say whether he would vote for Amendment 3, the homestead exemption expansion amendment. But he did say people are interested in the amendment, and he wants local governments held accountable for spending. You can read more about Hyatt here.

The deadline is Monday at 6 p.m. EDT.

Skubal — a 29-year-old left-hander who will be a free agent this offseason — is in the midst of another strong year for the Detroit Tigers after winning back-to-back Cy Youngs in 2024 and 2025. The left-hander missed about five weeks earlier in the season because of surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow, but he has bounced back quickly.

He's been excellent over his last five starts, with a 2.03 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 31 innings.

One thing complicating Skubal's availability is the Tigers have played better of late and they're hanging around the American League wild-card race, just 4 1/2 games back for the final playoff spot going into Friday's games — albeit with five teams ahead of them. But if a juicy offer is presented, it'll be hard to say no.

Detroit's uncertain playoff fate is a common problem for teams as the deadline approaches.

There is a handful of obvious buyers at the deadline like the Yankees, Rays, Brewers, Braves and Dodgers. There is also a small group of obvious sellers like the Rockies, Giants, Angels, Mets, Athletics and Royals.

But that leaves nearly 20 other teams who are in the middle and could be buyers, sellers or a combination of both.

Here's a look at some of the top trade candidates as Monday's deadline approaches.

The starting pitchers

— Peralta, Mets: The right-hander has had a disappointing season, which is a common refrain for the Mets, but his strikeout numbers are still good. He was excellent for the Brewers over the previous three seasons. If he can fix his command issues, he could help a contender.

— Joe Ryan, Twins: Another powerful arm, the right-hander has been an All-Star in each of the past two seasons. It's unclear if the Twins are buyers or sellers in a crowded American League race — they added reliever A.J. Minter from the Mets on Friday, so continued buying seems more likely. If the Twins decide to move Ryan, though, it could bring back a solid return.

— Foster Griffin, Nationals: The veteran lefty has been outstanding in his return to MLB after spending three seasons in Japan with a 12-2 record and 2.76 ERA. The Nationals are still in the mix for a playoff spot in the National League, but they will likely still be willing to listen to offers.

— Reid Detmers, Angels: The left-hander has been a bright spot in a mostly dismal season for the Angels with 145 strikeouts in 125 innings. Los Angeles will want a sizable return for the 27-year-old, who is still under team control for the next two seasons.

— Clay Holmes, Mets: The 33-year-old made a successful transition from reliever to starter in 2025 and was having another solid season before he fractured his right fibula on a comeback liner in May. The right-hander is in the midst of a minor-league rehab assignment and nearing his return.

— Robbie Ray, Giants: The two-time All-Star and 2021 Cy Young winner doesn't have the wipeout, strikeout stuff that he possessed early in his career, but he's been very good for San Francisco this season with a 10-6 record and 3.08 ERA.

The relief pitchers

— Miller, Padres: The game's most dominant closer, Miller has a jaw-dropping 85 strikeouts over 45 2/3 innings, 28 saves and an 0.79 ERA. Relievers usually don't command huge returns during trade deadline deals, but Miller is an exception, particularly because the 6-foot-5 righty is still under team control for three more years.

— Adrián Morejón, Padres: The left-handed Cuban has been a key part of the Padres' bullpen for the past three seasons. He's a free agent after the season which means he could be on the move.

— Luke Weaver, Mets: The veteran righty has found his niche after making the full-time move to the bullpen in 2024. He's not necessarily a closer, but he does have some experience in the role. He was very good for the Yankees in the playoffs during their run to the World Series in 2024.

— Jeff Hoffman, Blue Jays: The right-hander lost his job as the team's closer earlier this season, but his strikeout numbers are still excellent with 72 punchouts over 46 innings.

Position players

— Luis Arraez, Giants, 2B: The three-time batting champion and four-time All-Star is in the midst of one of his best seasons and has flashed improved defense at second base. He is an elite contact hitter who rarely strikes out and is a free agent after the season.

— Ryan Jeffers, Twins, C: Jeffers recently returned from the injured list and has a career-high .928 OPS this season. His ability to provide pop from the right side will make him a popular trade target, though the Twins might not be willing to make a deal since they're still in the playoff hunt.

— Daulton Varsho, Blue Jays, OF: The 30-year-old slugger is one of the game's better athletes and won a Gold Glove in 2024. He's an upcoming free agent, but he has playoff experience and can still provide great defense with some left-handed power.

— CJ Abrams, Nationals, SS: Washington will want a big return for the All-Star shortstop, who is in the midst of his best year and is under team control for the next two seasons. But if a contender is willing to offer a big package of prospects, the ascending Nationals will likely listen.

— Zach Neto, Angels, SS: Neto has been one of the Angels' best players over the last three seasons. He's a solid defender and provides a good amount of right-handed power, though his strikeout numbers have been high this season.

— Luis García Jr., Nationals, 1B: The left-handed slugger has quietly put together his best season with 23 homers and 76 RBIs. He doesn't walk much, but has one more year of team control and is still just 26 years old.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Florida House District 39 Republican candidates

The Florida House District 39 election is a Republican primary for registered Republicans living in the district. The winner will move on to the general election in November.

Florida House District 39 represents parts of Orange and Seminole counties in Central Florida.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Oviedo Community News compiled the candidate responses for Florida House District 39. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile. To see the full responses, go to the Oviedo Community News candidate page link for each candidate.

You can also see the full Oviedo Community News Voting Guide HERE.

Doug Bankson - Incumbent

WEBSITE: www.dougbankson.com/

Oviedo Community News Candidate Profile: oviedocommunitynews.org/profile/doug-bankson-2/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Affordability - 1. Continue my work to reduce insurance costs for both property and auto through maintaining the tort reform and increasing OIR oversight by holding insurance company presidents that bankrupt companies accountable and unable to simply start a new company. 2. Regarding supplementing the lost tax revenue for local governments, there is a statewide 35% reduction in revenue, although disproportionate among municipalities, especially in more rural settings. This will require a trust fund to be established from which grants will be allocated, and equitable standards for grant application protected from political motivations. That being said, there are several ways we can approach this: a minimal 1% sales tax increase, 6% sales tax at the time of purchase with proceeds set into a trust fund for more affected cities, a small surcharge on tourism stays that supply the trust fund, and an effort to combine first responder services, and other various revenue streams such as a front-facing license plate on vehicles, tiered on-ramp approach to replace dependency on homestead tax revenue, and at minimum we should match the 1980 homestead exemption of $25,000 when the average home cost $45,000 making it a 56% exemption at the time. In 2026, the average home is $382,000, so had we maintained a percentage basis, that would have been $214.000. This is another justification for the necessity to increase the homestead exemption. 3. A reduction in property tax would make first-time home buying more attainable and ease the pressure on the rental market, thus bringing a market-based solution to the rental problem. 4. Utilize 3P (public-private partnerships) for addressing housing needs and aim funding for demonstrated positive ROI partners

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Pro business - 1. Focus on job creation by supporting small business protections, reduce red tape, and promote jobs and economic development incentive such as our successful removal of business rent tax 2. Address workforce needs through education opportunities and continued interaction with industry to match their need 3. Oppose duplicative regulations that create unnecessary red tape, increase costs, and add burdensome layers of bureaucracy. If property tax reforms are approved in November, I will rely on input from industry leaders to understand their needs and work to ensure that businesses are not subjected to onerous tax shifts or unintended financial burdens. 4. We need to provide affordable and attainable housing for the workforce, and this coincides with my former point of supporting public-private partnerships and uniting all levels of government. We can further accomplish this with tax relief and proper utilization of Sadowski funds.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Transportation - 1. Build on my work in the area of evtol technology and vertiport development to alleviate the pressure on our ground infrastructure 2. Advocate for increased transportation funding for central FL and work with CRX to make sure revenues are spent to extend local exit arteries

FOR INCUMBENTS: Why do you deserve to be re-elected in this race? Having served six years at the local level and now four years in Tallahassee, I’ve grown in a depth of understanding both at the local and state levels. I believe in working together to solve real-world issues that my constituents face. I served for 19 years on our local Chamber of Commerce as both a board member and past chairman; I’m familiar and supportive of business and entrepreneurial needs. Over the past two legislative sessions, I have passed 20 bills, and I have built a reputation and proven track record of working hard to advance meaningful legislation that promotes economic opportunity, public safety, workforce development, and educational advancement. I am passionate about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed. When it comes to appropriations, I work diligently to ensure that state funding does not simply flow south to Miami. I strive to highlight Central Florida’s role as an emerging leader in innovation and next-generation technology, while promoting our region as a healthy, affordable, and desirable place to call home. It is an incredible honor to serve the people of my district, and I believe in working together wherever possible to get the job done.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Answered in question 1

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions Yes as I agree that homesteads should be owned and protected, and I also believe that through reducing government waste and replacing lost revenue, we can work together to do the right thing and still fund the things that are important to Floridians. It will be incumbent upon the next legislature to delve into the implementation phase of tasked by Florida citizens. I’ve answered this question in prior responses in this survey above, and also in my answer to the next survey question regarding data centers.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? First, we should make sure that regulations are in place to protect neighborhoods from intrusion against quality of life issues. We must also require data centers to be net-neutral in closed-loop systems for water usage to not harm our water needs. Finally, I believe in pursuing micro nuclear power and requiring data centers to produce their own power supplies, both protecting our public power grids, and being a source to backfeed into the power supply in times of emergency. I believe this could create a great source of revenue to help replace our reduced property tax revenues and position us to lead when it comes to increased AI and data center necessities.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? I have a passion to see Lake Apopka restored to its pristine beauty for future generations. Water issues should top the list so that our aquifer is protected and our waterways are enjoyed for posterity.

Carlos F. Johary Sr.

WEBSITE: www.carlosjohary.com/

Oviedo Community News Candidate Profile: oviedocommunitynews.org/profile/carlos-f-johary-sr/

Candidate Q&A: The questions below are based on voter questions and expressed priorities. Each of the candidates within a race were asked the same questions and given the same amount of time to respond. The candidates’ answers were fact-checked, checked for spelling and grammar but otherwise unedited.

If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?

1. Reduce government wasteful spending — more audits and reviews.
2. Reduce taxes. Eliminate (taxes) totally for food like before — push for legislation.
3. More state-owned green lands and parks, due to all the influx of new residents and neighborhoods — push for legislation.

For incumbents: Why do you deserve re-election to this race? For challengers and open seats: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? N/A

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? More affordable housing, possibly in abandoned schools or building complexes.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes, and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Will vote yes. Reducing spending is the solution. Computers will eliminate a lot of the wasted manpower hours on taxpayers’ money.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Reduce rates because volume and profits will increase.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida? Creating more wetlands due to increased construction and housing. Forest and green lands are disappearing.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Florida House District 43 Democratic candidates

The Florida House District 43 election is a Democratic primary for registered Democrats living in the district.

The winner will move on to the general election in November. The incumbent, Johanna López, is running for Orange County Commission.

Florida House District 43 represents part of Orange County in Central Florida.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for Florida House District 43. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile.

You can see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Daisy Morales

WEBSITE: daisyforflorida.com/

• What are the two most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Top Issue: The biggest challenge facing Florida House District 43 is affordability. Families are struggling with rising housing, insurance, grocery, and everyday costs. As a former State Representative, I know how to deliver results. I will secure state funding for local projects, pass legislation that lowers costs, support a responsible state budget, and hold job fairs that connect residents with good-paying careers.
  • Issue #2: The second-most pressing issue is preparing our students and workforce for better-paying careers. As your State Representative, I will support strong public schools, career and technical education, workforce training, and partnerships with local colleges and employers. I’ll also work to secure funding for education and hold job fairs to connect residents with employment opportunities.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability is the top challenge facing Florida House District 43. As your State Representative, I will pass legislation, fight for a responsible state budget, secure funding for local projects, expand affordable housing, lower property insurance costs, and create job opportunities so families can afford to live, work, and succeed in our community.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Yes--if it can be done responsibly. Property tax elimination should not shift the burden to working families or reduce funding for public safety, education, and essential local services. I will support responsible tax reform that provides meaningful homeowner relief while ensuring local communities have sustainable funding.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida’s utility regulators should require greater transparency, hold utilities accountable, and approve only rates that are fair and justified. Families should not bear the cost of unchecked increases or subsidize large energy users. As your State Representative, I will fight for stronger oversight and consumer protections while ensuring data centers pay their fair share of infrastructure costs.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? The biggest environmental challenge in our district is protecting our water resources while managing growth responsibly. I will support investments in clean water, stormwater infrastructure, flood mitigation, conservation, and protection of our lakes and wetlands. We must balance economic growth with preserving our natural resources for future generations.

Samuel Vilchez Santiago

WEBSITE: www.samuelforflorida.com/

Central Florida Public Media Candidate Profile:

• What are the two most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Top Issue: The most pressing issue facing families in House District 43 is affordability. Too many people are struggling with the rising costs of housing, healthcare, property insurance, groceries, and other essentials. My family relied on Medicaid and food stamps, so I understand these challenges firsthand. In Tallahassee, I will focus on lowering costs by expanding affordable housing, addressing the insurance crisis, expanding Medicaid and healthcare access, and creating pathways to good-paying jobs.
  • Issue #2: The second-most pressing issue facing our district is the attack on public education. Families have already seen the impact through the closures of McCoy Elementary, Chickasaw Elementary, and Union Park Middle School. These closures disrupt communities and weaken neighborhood schools. We should be investing in public education by increasing school funding, raising teacher pay, expanding student support services, and investing in post-secondary, dual-enrollment, career and technical programs.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability requires action on multiple fronts. We must fix Florida’s property insurance crisis by holding insurance companies accountable and addressing the factors driving skyrocketing premiums. I also support restoring toll relief and savings programs for commuters, expanding Medicaid to lower healthcare costs, increasing the supply of affordable and workforce housing, and investing in job training programs that lead to good-paying jobs. Floridians need leaders focused on lowering costs.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? No. While I support targeted property tax relief, including increasing homestead exemptions for seniors and first-time homebuyers, I oppose eliminating property taxes entirely. Property taxes fund essential local services such as public schools, fire rescue, law enforcement, parks, and infrastructure. Eliminating them without a realistic replacement would undermine local governments and likely shift the tax burden onto working families through higher sales taxes, fees, or other taxes.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida’s utility regulators must ensure that residential customers are not forced to subsidize the costs of new data centers and other large energy users. Data centers should bear the full cost of the infrastructure and energy demand they create, rather than passing those costs on to families and small businesses. We should also invest in clean, renewable energy sources and grid modernization to increase supply, improve reliability, and help reduce long-term energy costs.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? The biggest environmental issue facing our community is ensuring access to clean water, clean air, and protected green spaces as our region continues to grow. We must invest in water quality improvements, protect our lakes and waterways from pollution, expand parks and urban green spaces, and support clean energy solutions that reduce harmful emissions. We have a responsibility to preserve our natural resources so future generations can enjoy a healthy environment and a high quality of life.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Florida House District 46 Democratic candidates

The Florida House District 46 election is a Democratic primary for registered Democrats living in the district. The winner will move on to the general election in November.

Florida House District 46 represents part of Osceola County in Central Florida.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for Florida House District 46. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile.

You can see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Jose Alvarez - Incumbent

WEBSITE: electjosealvarez.com/

• What are the most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Top Issue: Transportation and Infrastructure. Osceola County continues to grow, and we are not keeping up with the demands. We need to work collaboratively with partners at the federal and local levels to address the concerns and priorities of the district.
  • Issue #2: Attainable housing is a serious issue throughout this region. The costs of property taxes, property insurance, and increased construction costs are passed on to the consumer. We need a comprehensive approach that increases the supply of attainable and workforce housing and encourages responsible development. By working with local governments and public, private, and nonprofit partners, we can help ensure working families can afford to live in the communities they serve.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? I support streamlining the permitting process, encouraging mixed-income and workforce housing near jobs and transit, and partnering with the private sector and nonprofit organizations for options. We need to ensure growth pays for itself without placing an unfair burden on current residents. We also need to tackle the rising costs, including property insurance, property taxes, and infrastructure costs. People who work in Osceola County should be able to afford to live in Osceola County.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I will vote no on the proposal. This will severely impact counties, municipalities, and schools if this passes. Public safety and infrastructure projects will be very hard hit, along with the services that residents have come to expect.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Data center developers should pay for the upgrades needed to electric, water, sewer, and transportation systems so existing residents are not left subsidizing new development. Regulators should require water-efficient cooling technologies along with impacts on the aquifer before approval. They should be located in commercial/industrial areas and should be encouraged to invest in energy efficiency and on-site backup generation that meets environmental standards.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Protecting our natural resources, as we are located in the headwaters of the Everglades. It is essential to preserve our natural resources as we face increasing pressure on our aquifer, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and water quality. It is essential to preserve Florida’s ecosystems and ensure clean water for future generations with smart growth policies that preserve environmentally sensitive lands, strengthen stormwater management, and reduce nutrient pollution in our waterways.

Robert LeWayne Johnson

WEBSITE: www.ourfuturefordistrict46.com/

This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to provide answers to the following questions.

• What are the most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Top Issue: Johnson, on his campaign website, lists his top issue as eradicating homelessness. He does not specify how he will solve this issue. However, since leaving the military in 2016, Johnson has focused a lot of his attention on veteran homelessness.
  • Issue #2: Johnson lists his second issue as increasing salaries for teachers. He does not suggest how this should be done.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Johnson did not respond to this questionnaire and we could not ascertain his policies on this issue from the available information. Johnson did, however, run for this seat two years ago and listed affordable housing as a priority.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Johnson did not respond to this questionnaire and we could not find any information about where he stands on property taxes and the ballot measure.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Johnson did not respond to this questionnaire and we found no information about his thoughts on this issue.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? As a candidate for House Seat 46 two years ago, Johnson listed cleaning up Central Florida lakes and waterways as a priority.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation on Friday jointly announced the proposed changes to the Community Reinvestment Act, a law that requires regulators to document how well banks do in lending to low-to-middle income neighborhoods. It would be the first major revision of the law’s rules and regulations in nearly three decades.

Under the proposed revisions, bank examiners would put more weight on the lending banks do in certain communities and geographies, and less on how many branches they open or how much in deposits they take in from a local community.

The number of banks that would need to comply with the law would be reduced as well. The definition of a small bank will increase from banks with under $412 million in assets to banks with $1 billion in assets. Banks between $1 billion and $10 billion in assets will now be classified as an intermediate bank.

This would reduce the number of banks who need to comply with parts of the CRA by 800 banks. Only 86 banks, or roughly 3% of all institutions, would be subject to the full extent of CRA under the new regulations.

Another change that is likely to be fought over relates to how banks give money to community development groups. Under the CRA, banks can donate money to local organizations that do poverty or low-income housing work in their communities to show they are providing resources to a local community. The new regulations could narrow the groups and programs that banks could donate to in order to meet those obligations.

In a summary of the changes, the bank regulators said these changes would ensure community development grants “are not diverted to activist causes or consumed by excessive operating costs.” Banks would also need to collect more detailed information on who gets their community grants, including addresses, which would give more transparency to who is receiving grants from banks.

That change could negatively impact groups like the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, an umbrella group for community development groups that often receive money from banks under the CRA. The new rules discourage banks making grants to national organizations and instead focus their grants on local groups.

Jesse Van Tol, the CEO of NCRC, said that it was “unfortunate” that the bank regulators were politicizing grant making under the CRA.

“CRA was created to work for low-to-middle income people. A lot of these changes are going to discourage banks from making grants, particularly in rural areas, where I expect there will be significant drops in activity,” Van Tol said.

The proposal announced Friday by the OCC and FDIC did not include the other major bank regulator, the Federal Reserve. Banking groups had been pushing for a joint proposal from all three regulators, to make sure all three were aligned on the same requirements under the CRA.

The CRA was passed in 1977 to combat redlining, a practice whereby banks would discriminate against the poor and minorities by choosing not to lend or open branches in minority-majority neighborhoods or in poor neighborhoods.

The law is complex, requiring banks to document how they do business in the cities and areas they operate in. Banks must sit for regular examinations to see whether they are complying with the law. A bad CRA examination could restrict a bank’s ability to open new branches or merge with another bank or have other consequences. The data collected through CRA is also used by the Department of Justice in redlining cases.

The last major revision of the CRA’s regulations happened in 1995, and there have been repeated attempts by administrations of both parties to update the rules to reflect how banking and financial services have changed in the past 30 years. But those revisions have repeatedly failed, either due to opposition from other regulators, the banks, or community groups, or have been blocked by courts. The Biden administration tried its own revisions of the CRA rules but those changes were blocked by courts in Texas.

The proposed rules will now go out for a 60-day comment period where they will be finalized after banks, community groups and other parties have a chance to weigh in on the changes.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Florida House District 47 candidates

The Florida House District 47 election is a universal primary to determine who will represent District 47 in Tallahassee. Since only Democrats qualified to appear on the ballot, the election is now open to all registered voters.

Florida House District 47 represents parts of Orange and Osceola counties in Central Florida.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for Florida House District 47. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile.

You can see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Jorge Figueroa

WEBSITE: jorgefigueroaforflorida.com/

Central Florida Public Media Candidate Profile:

EDITOR’S NOTE: This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to provide answers to the following questions.

• What are the two most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Top Issue: The biggest challenge in House District 47 is affordability. Families are struggling with rising housing costs, property insurance, and everyday expenses. I will work to increase workforce housing, reform Florida’s property insurance market, expand workforce training, and support small businesses that create good-paying jobs. My focus is on practical solutions that make Central Florida more affordable and create greater economic opportunity.
  • Issue #2: Education and workforce development are critical to our district’s future. We need stronger public schools, expanded career and technical education, and better partnerships between schools, colleges, and local employers. By preparing students for high-demand careers and supporting lifelong learning, we can strengthen our workforce, help businesses grow, and create more opportunities for families across Central Florida.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Housing affordability starts with increasing supply. I support streamlining permitting, encouraging responsible workforce housing, and protecting funding dedicated to affordable housing. We also need meaningful property insurance reform, because insurance costs continue to drive up rents and homeownership costs. Together, these solutions will help make housing more attainable for working families across Central Florida.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? No. I support meaningful property tax relief, but eliminating property taxes entirely would reduce funding for essential local services like public safety, roads, and parks. I favor targeted relief for homeowners while pursuing long-term affordability through property insurance reform, increased workforce housing, and responsible budgeting that protects the services our communities depend on.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida’s utility regulators should prioritize affordability, transparency, and reliability. As demand grows, including from data centers, utilities should ensure costs are not unfairly shifted onto residential customers and small businesses. Investments in grid modernization, energy efficiency, and diverse energy sources should help meet future demand while keeping utility bills as affordable as possible.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Protecting our water resources is the biggest environmental challenge in House District 47. As our region continues to grow, we must safeguard lakes, wetlands, and groundwater while planning responsibly for future development. I support investing in water quality projects, protecting conservation lands, and promoting smart growth that balances economic development with environmental stewardship.

Anthony Nieves

WEBSITE: nievesforflorida.com/

Central Florida Public Media Candidate Profile:

• What are the two most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
• • Top Issue: The cost of living is squeezing families from every direction. I still drive a 2007 Kia Rondo with over 250,000 miles because I’d rather spend my money on my family than a new car payment. Meanwhile, people working full time are wondering how they’ll afford groceries, rent, or childcare. That’s not a personal failure. It’s a failure of leadership. We need a government that’s focused on lowering costs for working families instead of protecting special interests making life more expensive.
  • Issue #2: People have every reason to be frustrated with government. When I’m knocking on doors, I hear the same thing over and over: people don’t think anyone in Tallahassee is listening. They’re right. Too many politicians in Tallahassee listen to special interests instead of the people they were elected to serve. That’s why I don’t accept corporate PAC or special interest money. When I cast a vote, it won’t be because someone bought it. I’m not for sale.
• According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? I’ve raised my family here, and it shouldn’t be harder for the next generation to build a life than it was for mine. Housing isn’t just expensive anymore. It’s becoming unattainable. Working full time should be enough to afford rent, a mortgage, or the insurance premiums that come with owning a home. We need more affordable housing, stronger protections for renters, real accountability for the insurance industry, and an end to corporations buying up neighborhoods while families get pushed out.
• Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? No. I understand why people are looking for relief, but eliminating property taxes without replacing that funding would hurt our schools, libraries, firefighters, law enforcement, and local services. I’d rather fix what’s driving families to the breaking point in the first place: rising insurance costs and the overall cost of living.
• Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Every time a utility bill goes up, I think about the families I’ve talked to who are already deciding what they can afford to go without. Groceries, medicine, rent...something has to give. Regulators should be protecting people, not just approving higher rates. Utility companies shouldn’t be able to keep shifting costs onto everyday Floridians while their profits grow.
• What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? The biggest environmental issue here is how quickly we’re losing conservation land and wetlands to overdevelopment. I’ve fought against toxic coal ash being dumped into Osceola County and stood with efforts to protect Split Oak Forest. I lived through Hurricane Ian in Kissimmee after it had weakened to a tropical storm; it still dumped more than a foot of rain, flooding entire neighborhoods. We can’t keep paving over the land that protects our communities.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Fifth Circuit Judge – Group 27 candidates

The Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida handles state civil and criminal cases for Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties. These are nonpartisan races, open to all voters.

Of the 11 groups up for election this year, only Group 27 drew more than one candidate. Nicole Morris and Lisa Yeager are running to be the judge for this seat. Morris is the chief assistant public defender in Citrus County, and Yeager has served as an assistant state attorney for the Fifth Circuit.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for Florida House District 47. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile.

You can see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Nicole Morris

WEBSITE: electmorris4judge.com/

What is your occupation?

I am currently the Chief Assistant Public Defender in Citrus County. I have worked at the Public Defender’s Office in both Lake County and Citrus County since 2021. Before that, I was an Assistant State Attorney in Citrus County for a little over 5 years.

What is your education?

I graduated from South Lake High School in Lake County, FL, where I was Valedictorian in 2008. Then, I attended the University of Florida, where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. After that, I attended Stetson University College of Law and graduated Cum Laude with my Juris Doctor in 2015.

What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making?

Personal values such as integrity, fairness, and respect are important because they guide a judge’s professionalism and temperament. However, judicial decisions must be based on the facts, the law, and the Constitution--not personal opinions or preferences. A judge’s duty is to apply the law impartially, treat everyone with dignity and respect, and ensure every person receives a fair hearing.

What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench?

My experience serving on both sides of the courtroom has best prepared me for the bench. As a former prosecutor and now Chief Assistant Public Defender, I have gained a broad perspective on our justice system while handling a wide range of cases. Those experiences have reinforced the importance of fairness, impartiality, and applying the law as written. Combined with my leadership and courtroom experience, they have prepared me to serve effectively as a Circuit Judge.

How do you balance precedent with evolving societal standards?

A judge’s role is to follow the law and apply binding precedent, not to create new law based on changing societal views. As societal standards evolve, it is the responsibility of the legislature to enact laws that reflect those changes. The judiciary’s role is to apply those laws as written and follow controlling precedent, while ensuring every person is treated fairly, impartially, and with respect.

What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest?

As a judge, I would avoid conflicts of interest by carefully reviewing each case to identify any personal, professional, financial, or prior involvement that could affect--or appear to affect--my impartiality. As Chief Assistant Public Defender, I routinely review conflicts involving both my own cases and those of the attorneys I supervise. When a conflict exists, I would make the required disclosures and recuse myself when appropriate to maintain public confidence in the judiciary.

What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them?

One of the biggest barriers to justice is that many people find the legal system confusing and difficult to navigate, especially those without legal representation. Delays in resolving cases can also create significant hardships. While judges do not make policy, they can promote fairness by managing cases efficiently, treating all parties with respect, and ensuring everyone has a meaningful opportunity to be heard.

Lisa Yeager

WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/p/Lisa-Yeager-for-Circuit-Court-Judge-61586569805880/

What is your occupation?

Attorney

What is your education?

• University of Central Florida - BA in Legal Studies - 1993
• University of Florida - Juris Doctorate - 2000

What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making?

Personal values should not influence judicial decision-making. A judge’s responsibility is to apply the law faithfully and impartially, not to create or reshape it based on personal beliefs. Lawmaking belongs to the legislature. While my conservative values are important to me personally, they should have no role in the judicial decisions I would make. In that role, my duty would be to follow the law as written and apply binding legal authority fairly.

What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench?

I am a well-rounded attorney with experience in public service, private practice, courtroom advocacy, leadership, and client-centered representation. During my nearly sixteen years with the State Attorney’s Office, I handled a range of cases. My most recent docket handling sex crimes, crimes against children, and internet crimes against children. During my time in private practice, I handled criminal defense, civil, dependency, and family law.

How do you balance precedent with evolving societal standards?

A judge’s role is to follow established precedent. When societal standards evolve, it is the legislature’s responsibility to decide whether the law should be changed. Even while applying binding precedent, a judge may note disagreement in the order. For example, the judge could include a footnote explaining that the precedent was followed because it was controlling, even though the judge disagreed with its reasoning or outcome.

What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest?

To avoid conflicts of interest, I would follow clear ethical policies, maintain transparency, and take prompt action whenever a potential conflict arises.

• Disclose any personal, financial, or professional interest that could affect, or appear to affect, impartiality.
• Evaluate potential conflicts carefully under the applicable rules and standards.
• Recuse myself immediately from any case in which my impartiality could reasonably be questioned.

What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them?

Practical barriers can limit access to the judicial system.

• Cost of litigation: Legal expenses and lengthy proceedings can discourage people from pursuing relief. Efficient docket management reduces delays and promotes timely outcomes.
• Access to court proceedings: Brief hearings can still require people to miss work. Remote hearings can reduce that burden by allowing participants to attend short proceedings with less disruption.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Seventh Circuit Judge – Group 26 candidates

The Seventh Judicial Circuit of Florida handles state civil and criminal cases for Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia counties. These are nonpartisan races, open to all voters.

Of the 13 groups up for election this year, only Group 26 drew more than one candidate. Carleen Leffler and Jeane Stratis are running to be the judge for this seat. Leffler is a civil law attorney, while Stratis is an assistant state attorney.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for the Seventh Circuit Court race. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile.

You can see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Carleen Leffler

WEBSITE: www.lefflerforjudge.com/

What is your education?

• Webber International University -- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, December 2008
• Jacksonville University -- Master of Business Administration, December 2011
• Florida Coastal School of Law -- Juris Doctor, December 2011

What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making?

Personal values should play a role in how a judge performs the duties of the judicial office, but they should not determine the outcome of a case. Values such as integrity, impartiality, humility, diligence, and professionalism help ensure that every person is heard, every case is carefully considered, and every decision is grounded in the rule of law. Judicial decisions should be based on the facts presented, the applicable law, and governing precedent, not on a judge’s personal beliefs or preferences.

What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench?

The professional experiences that have best prepared me for the bench are the breadth of my legal experience, owning and operating my own law practice, and my leadership in professional and community organizations. Throughout my career, I have represented individuals, families, and businesses in probate, estate planning, corporate, and real estate matters, helping clients through some of the most significant moments of their lives. Practicing in small and large law firms, as well as operating my own law practice, has given me an appreciation for the perspectives of clients and attorneys alike and an understanding of the practical challenges faced by those who come before the court. My leadership in professional and community organizations has further strengthened my commitment to professionalism, preparation, and public service. Together, these experiences have equipped me with the perspective to thoughtfully consider each case with an open mind and faithfully apply the law to the facts presented.

How do you balance precedent with evolving societal standards?

I believe a judge’s responsibility is to faithfully apply the law, including binding precedent, to the unique facts of each case. Precedent promotes consistency, stability, and predictability in our legal system. As societal standards evolve, the law can evolve through legislative action or decisions of higher courts. Throughout my legal career, staying current with changes in the law has been an essential part of my practice. As the law has evolved, I have adapted my advice to clients and my advocacy to reflect those changes. Likewise, a circuit judge must remain informed of developments in the law and faithfully apply the law as it exists, while setting aside personal opinions or preferences. In that way, precedent and evolving societal standards are balanced by faithfully applying the law as it exists while recognizing changes that occur through the legislative process and binding decisions of higher courts.

What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest?

I avoid conflicts of interest by remaining mindful of my ethical obligations and identifying potential issues, including circumstances that could create the appearance of impropriety, as early as possible. Throughout my legal career, I have conducted thorough conflict checks, carefully evaluated potential conflicts, and complied with my professional responsibilities. Those same principles apply to the responsibilities of a circuit judge. Taking appropriate steps to identify and address conflicts of interest, including making appropriate disclosures and taking any action required under the Code of Judicial Conduct, is essential to maintaining public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.

What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them?

There are a number of barriers to justice, but the top three I have observed throughout my practice are the cost of obtaining legal services, the challenges faced by self-represented parties, and access to technology.

Many legal matters, including probate proceedings, often require the assistance of an attorney even when they are not adversarial. While a circuit judge cannot eliminate those costs, I would address this barrier by being well prepared, managing cases efficiently, and minimizing avoidable delays, which can help reduce unnecessary expenses.

Self-represented parties often face difficulties navigating court procedures and understanding the legal process. Through my probate practice, I have worked with self-represented beneficiaries and have seen those challenges firsthand. While a judge must remain impartial and cannot provide legal advice, I would address this barrier by conducting proceedings in a clear, organized, and respectful manner and communicating the process as clearly as possible.

Finally, technology has improved the efficiency of our courts through electronic filing, e-service, and virtual proceedings, but not everyone has reliable internet access or the technological skills to navigate those systems. I would address this barrier by remaining mindful of those challenges, making appropriate use of technology, and striving to ensure court proceedings remain as accessible and understandable as possible while complying with the applicable rules.

Jeanne Stratis

WEBSITE: stratis4judge.com/home

What is your education?

• JD from Florida Coastal School of Law
• BS from University of South Florida

What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making?

Absolutely zero. A judge’s role is to follow the law as it is written.

What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench?

I’ve been an Assistant State Attorney for 25 years. Currently handling Homicides, Sex Crimes, Internet Crimes Against Children, Prison Releasee Reoffenders, and other high-profile cases. I have 25 years of courtroom experience, running dockets, managing caseloads, making serious and well-reasoned decisions that follow the law.

How do you balance precedent with evolving societal standards?

As a circuit judge, my role would be to follow the law, as it is written. The legislature is tasked with writing/revising laws.

What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest?

Get off the case.

What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them?

Rule on motions in a timely manner so both sides know how to proceed with their cases. Keep personal opinion out of the courtroom.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Brevard County School Board District 1

The Brevard County School Board has five districts. These are nonpartisan races, so they are open to all voters.

School Board District 1 encompasses voters in the northern part of the county, including Titusville, Mims and Cocoa. You can see a map of the area HERE.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for Brevard County School Board District 1.

You can also see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Tara “Coach” Gibson

WEBSITE: www.vote4tara2026.com/

NOTE: This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to provide answers to the following questions.

TOP ISSUES

What are the three most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.

The Brevard County Republican Forum recently held a candidate forum. Video was posted to Facebook by the Brevard News.

During the forum, Gibson listed the following as her top concerns.

• Approving the Brevard School District millage rate (November ballot)
• Voucher schools, which Gibson said are draining the life out of public schools.
• Hiring of a CFO. Gibson says the previous one resigned earlier this year and operating without one will be detrimental.

How should the district handle teacher shortages? Gibson did not respond to this questionnaire; however, in a forum hosted by the Brevard County Republicans, Gibson stated that if the district does not pay teachers better, they will leave. Gibson says teachers should make $100,000 and that she’s already working on a pathway for them to do so, leaning on her resources. She later clarified that teacher pay would not start at $100,000 but could reach that benchmark with her idea.

Florida ranked last for academic growth in reading. How would you improve that? The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire, but on June 19, Gibson posted to Facebook, asking people to approve the additional millage on the November ballot. Gibson believes the money helps to pay for staff who are helping students improve test scores. Gibson said the following on her Facebook page:

“For years, parents, teachers, and advocates have argued that our schools are understaffed. This presentation provided some of the strongest evidence yet that when schools receive the personnel they need, students benefit. There is another piece of this story that should not be overlooked. Many of those literacy coaches and interventionists were funded through the voter-approved local millage. They were not funded through new state dollars. They were not funded through increased district revenues. They were funded because the citizens of Brevard County voted to invest additional local resources in their public schools. Many of the current Brevard School Board members even campaigned AGAINST the millage referendum. But the millage investment produced results. In other words, funding matters. As we approach the upcoming millage renewal vote, voters should remember what those dollars helped accomplish. They helped put additional instructional professionals in schools and classrooms. They helped provide targeted academic support. And according to district leadership’s own presentation, those efforts contributed to measurable student achievement gains.”

Tara Gibson

What changes, if any, would you make to school safety policies? The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire; however, during a forum hosted by the Brevard County Republicans, Gibson said that the district is doing a good job protecting children, though she is worried about the psychological impacts of metal detectors and school resource officers carrying guns. Gibson stated that she would like to see the schools look less like prisons.

How should book challenges and library removals be handled? The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire and we could not ascertain where she stands on this issue.

What outside organizations or endorsements are supporting your campaign? The candidate’s campaign website does not list any endorsements.

If elected, what policy would you try to pass in your first year? The candidate did not respond to our questionnaire and it is unclear what policy she would try to pass in her first year.

Megan Wright - Incumbent

WEBSITE: wrightforbrevard.com/

NOTE: This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to provide answers to the following questions.

TOP ISSUES

What are the three most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below. On her campaign website, Wright lists the following priorities:

Empowering parents -- Megan is committed to protecting parental rights, increasing access to information, and ensuring families remain partners, not bystanders in their child’s education.

Safe and disciplined classrooms-- Megan believes discipline supports teachers and protects students who are ready to learn.

Supporting our teachers-- Megan supports competitive teacher pay, stronger classroom resources, and high standards for excellence.

How should the district handle teacher shortages? The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire and it is unclear what she believes the best way to solve this issue.

Florida ranked last for academic growth in reading. How would you improve that? The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire but has made public statements about where Brevard stands academically. The statement below was taken from a July 18, 2026 Instagram post.

“You may have seen a scary stat: ’40% of students are below grade level in reading and math.’ Here is the context they leave out.<br><br>That same data earned Brevard an A from the state three years in a row, with zero D or F schools district-wide and a graduation rate of 92.7%, a district record and above the state. Here is the manipulation. Any proficiency number can be flipped to sound like a failure. In reading, Brevard ranks 17th out of 67 Florida districts and scores above the state average. In math, Brevard is above the state average too. No district anywhere is at 100%. As much as I would love to see 100% reading proficiency, that is just not a realistic goal. There will always be students still working toward grade level, in every district in Florida, because that is how the math works. And like I have said before, sometimes kids CAN read, but they test poorly. There is no way to capture that in these state assessments. What matters is direction and where we stand, and Brevard’s overall performance ranks in the top 20 while earning 68% of all possible points, up from 65%. Same numbers, two very different stories. One is designed to scare you. The other is the truth. Is there still work to do? Always. And I will continue to prioritize our students’ achievements in these core subjects.”

Megan Wright

What changes, if any, would you make to school safety policies? Wright did not respond to the questionnaire but on her campaign website, she states the following: A safe school is the foundation for academic success. During Megan’s tenure, Brevard implemented OpenGate weapons detection systems in all high schools, expanded the School Guardian Program, strengthened partnerships with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, and reinforced consistent discipline policies district-wide. The result: safer campuses and stronger learning environments. Megan believes discipline supports teachers and protects students who are ready to learn. She will continue fighting for policies that keep classrooms focused, structured, and secure.

How should book challenges and library removals be handled? Wright did not respond to this questionnaire; however, looking over previous votes by the Brevard School Board, it is clear that she has voted both with and against recommendations made by the committee that reviews book challenges. It is unclear how Wright believes removals should be handled.

What outside organizations or endorsements are supporting your campaign?

According to her campaign website, endorsements include:

• Sheriff Wayne Ivey
• Senator Tom Wright
• Property Appraiser Dana Blickley
• Commissioner Micah Loyd
• Former Speaker Steve Cristifulli
• Congressman Mike Haridopolos
• Associated Builders and Contractors
• Trailblazers of Tomorrow

If elected, what policy would you try to pass in your first year? Wright did not respond to the questionnaire. However, in a video posted on July 23 to her reelection Facebook page, she said her focus over the next four years would be to change the narrative about Brevard Public Schools. She posted the following:

“Here’s my main focus for the next four years: changing the story we tell about Brevard Public Schools. Because the good far outweighs the bad. Every single day I watch teachers show up and pour themselves out for our kids in ways that genuinely move me. That’s the real story. But it’s not the one that gets told. People hear about the one-off problem and that becomes their whole picture of our schools. It isn’t the truth. So here’s what I tell parents who are on the fence: go see for yourself. Set up a tour. Walk in the door, meet the people who would be teaching your child, and see what’s actually there. I’ve watched parents do exactly that and come away blown away. Some came right back to public school. I want the next four years to be about that, showing people the truth of what we’ve built, and then pushing even harder on academics to see just how far our kids can go. The good is real. I want everyone to see it.”

Megan Wright

Until now, the answer has been a doting home health aide from Haiti named Martha Nelson. But with the Supreme Court sanctioning a White House immigration crackdown, Nelson’s permission to stay in the country appears likely to be yanked within days, leaving French worried.

“She’s with me all the time,” says French. “Life would be impossible.”

As the Trump administration unwinds years of protections for hundreds of thousands of people from Haiti, twin populations of vulnerable people find themselves in the crosshairs: caregivers in jobs to which those immigrants have flocked, and the older adults and disabled people who rely on them.

Around the U.S., care homes and home health agencies are bracing for the loss of workers with TPS, which stands for temporary protected status, even as they continue to reel from other immigration policy changes that have squeezed an already short-staffed industry.

For businesses, it is a predicament that could hurt bottom lines and tax remaining workers. For their clients, it threatens to upend every aspect of their lives.

“They have become like family,” says Katy Sanchez, who lives in a group home for disabled people in Nanuet, New York, run by The Arc Rockland, which stands to lose 19 caregivers with TPS, on top of 20 others it lost in immigration changes last year. “If they are forced to leave, it would be devastating.”

Supreme Court ruling paved the way

The Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration last month, saying it could end temporary protected status. The ruling specifically pertained to 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians, but immigration advocates and legal observers say it could be applied to a broader group of 1.3 million people from 17 countries.

The justices' move has been met with weeks of confusion. Immigration officials subsequently granted several extensions to TPS holders that carried through Monday. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued guidance Wednesday affirming TPS was over, though some attorneys and labor unions have argued work authorization remains intact until lower courts lift an injunction.

The Department of Homeland Security made light of the TPS expiration, referencing lyrics from a 1998 hit song: “It’s closing time, which means you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.”

Fearful they might be in breach of the law, some employers have begun terminating TPS holders, to the dismay of their clients.

Anna Fischbein grew accustomed to visits to her home in Sunny Isles, Florida, from the same kindly Haitian health aide every week for the past 10 years. But Jewish Community Services of South Florida terminated the aide along with 17 others when their TPS lapsed.

“I lost not only a lady working for me,” the 87-year-old Holocaust survivor says, her voice broken by sobs. “I lost a friend.”

Facilities scramble to come up with replacement workers

Around 1 in 5 workers in the U.S. is foreign born, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but immigrants are overrepresented in caregiving roles. Among home health aides, for example, one-third are immigrants, according to PHI, a nonprofit focused on the caregiving workforce.

In lives upended by age or disability, a cherished caregiver is a lifeline. For someone living in their own home, they may be the last line of defense before institutionalization. For those in a care facility, they may be their strongest advocate, who notices subtle changes before anyone else, ensures small comforts like dollar-store word search books, and brings a sense of humanity to the humiliation of being incontinent.

“They are the first people they see when they wake up in the morning and they’re the last ones that they see before they go to bed,” says Simone Smith, vice president of human resources at Cabrini of Westchester, a nursing home in Dobbs Ferry, New York, where eight Haitians with TPS await word of their fate.

Like similar facilities around the country, Cabrini is prepared to scramble to secure replacement staffers from nursing agencies and plead with remaining workers to take overtime shifts. Cabrini’s workforce is about 75% immigrant. Among those with TPS, Smith senses “almost a hopelessness.”

A Haitian who loses TPS faces an unbearable choice: Attempt to stay in the U.S. and find underground work, tiptoeing through life with fear that authorities will eventually find and remove them. Or return to a country so plagued by gang violence and poverty that many believe it would amount to a death sentence.

“I’m afraid all the time,” says a Haitian man working at a Brooklyn nursing home who asked for anonymity because of concerns for the safety of himself and his family. “I pay tax to the country. I’m a good person. … All I want is to work. When you work, you are a person.”

Families wonder what they will do

Outside a simple brick house in Queens, Nelson stands guard as French steps through her door. On the porch, you might mistake the two for old friends, their bond as much an illustration of what is at risk as it is of how much things have changed.

The women made the same journey, from Port-au-Prince to New York, four decades apart.

French was drawn here in 1970 by the potential opportunities she saw. She built businesses as a hairdresser and seamstress. Her late husband made his way as an electrician and contractor. They bought their home. Their children got good educations. They believed they achieved the American dream.

Nelson came after an earthquake flattened Haiti in 2010. At home, she ran a butcher shop, but after arriving in New York she found work in caregiving roles. She began working for French about three years ago after French fell and broke her hip. Nelson, now 69, has been with her nearly every weekday since.

Both women felt welcomed by the U.S. when they arrived. But French is saddened to see how views on immigrants have evolved.

“America is a good country,” French says, “but it has changed.”

Nelson brings leftovers, tends to French’s chores and is a source of companionship. They watch the news together and talk in Haitian Creole about their families. On weekends, Nelson calls to make sure French has gotten up from bed and nags her to eat.

“On my days off, I think about her,” Nelson says.

French says Nelson has become like family. Nelson agrees, saying she sees French as if she’s her own mother, a show of affection and the source of the pair’s one ongoing dispute.

“You’re not like my daughter,” French protests. “You’re like my sister.”

For now, the two continue their routine, knowing each shift may be Nelson's last. She keeps a copy of her work authorization zipped in a black cloth pouch that she carries everywhere, in case she is stopped. Each Sunday, she sinks to her knees in church, praying for an answer. She worries for herself and for French.

“It makes me feel depressed,” Nelson says. “It could be difficult for her without me.”

___

Salomon reported from Miami.

___

Matt Sedensky can be reached at msedensky@ap.org and https://x.com/sedensky

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

18th Circuit Judge – Group 4 candidates

The 18th Judicial Circuit of Florida handles state civil and criminal cases for Brevard and Seminole counties. These are nonpartisan races, open to all voters.

Of the 11 groups up for election this year, Group 4 and Group 13 drew more than one candidate. You can read about the Group 13 race HERE.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for the 18th Circuit Court race. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile.

You can see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Larry Freeman

WEBSITE: freemanforjudge.com/

What is your education?

I earned a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, including graduate degrees from the University of Central Florida, and later earned my Juris Doctor. I am also a licensed Florida attorney and have been a licensed Professional Engineer for nearly 20 years.

What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making?

A judge’s personal values should never replace the law. A judge’s duty is to faithfully apply the United States Constitution, the Florida Constitution, and the laws enacted by the Legislature--not to impose personal beliefs or legislate from the bench. Every litigant deserves the same fair and impartial application of the law.

What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench?

My experience as a civil litigation attorney, licensed Professional Engineer, and small business owner has prepared me to evaluate facts carefully, apply the law as written, and treat every person who comes before the court with fairness, impartiality, and respect.

How do you balance precedent with evolving societal standards?

Precedent provides stability and consistency. If society wants the law to change, that responsibility belongs to the Legislature and the people, not the judiciary. A judge must faithfully apply the law as it exists.

What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest?

I will identify and disclose any actual or potential conflicts, follow the Florida Code of Judicial Conduct, and recuse myself whenever my impartiality might reasonably be questioned. Public confidence in an impartial judiciary must always come first.

What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them?

Delay, cost, and inconsistency are significant barriers to justice. As a judge, I will work to ensure cases are handled efficiently, every litigant is treated with respect, and the law is applied fairly, impartially, and consistently.

Robert Alan Segal - Incumbent

WEBSITE: www.keepjudgesegal.com/

What is your education?

• George Washington University -- BA - Political Science -- 1988
• Vermont Law School -- JD -- 1991

What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making?

Personal values play a critical role in judicial decision-making. Judges are called upon to weigh the credibility of witnesses and apply common sense to resolve competing versions of similar facts. That being said, an effective judge is able to recognize personal biases and set them aside in order to take a neutral approach toward resolving complex factual disputes.

What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench?

Almost 35 years of legal experience. I was a practicing trial lawyer in the Office of the Public Defender and in private practice for approximately 23 years. This gave me the opportunity to represent clients in hundreds of jury and non-jury trials. I served for 4 years as a General Magistrate presiding over hundreds of non-jury trials for 4 years. I have presided over hundreds of jury and non-jury trials as a sitting Circuit Judge for approximately 8 years, sitting in both the criminal and family divisions.

How do you balance precedent with evolving societal standards?

Precedent is the law. Trial judges must faithfully adhere to the law. When judges substitute their view of societal “standards,” predictability in outcomes and faith in the institution are undermined. A party should be able to count on the fact that the judge will listen, impartially, to the facts of the case and apply the law as it is written without interjecting the judge’s personal views or opinions about what society might want in an outcome.

What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest?

I disclose virtually any contact I’ve had with a party or witness no matter how trivial. This allows parties to ask questions and make informed decisions so that they are comfortable with my impartiality. I have familiarized myself with the ethical canons governing this profession and recuse myself where those canons require me to do so.

What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them?

One of the most confounding problems with which I regularly deal is the conundrum associated with cases where one party is self-represented and the other has an attorney. The rules of procedure and the law must be followed. A party that chooses to represent themself, often out of financial necessity, cannot be treated any differently than the party with counsel. This, unfortunately, frequently leads to unbalanced presentations favoring the party with an attorney. While a judge cannot instruct the self-represented litigant, the court can rule in such a way (and this pertains to both parties) that makes it easier for the lay-person to understand the problem and correct it without exceeding the bounds of impartiality and fairness.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

18th Circuit Judge – Group 13 candidates

The 18th Judicial Circuit of Florida handles state civil and criminal cases for Brevard and Seminole counties. These are nonpartisan races, open to all voters.

Of the 11 groups up for election this year, Group 4 and Group 13 drew more than one candidate. You can read about the Group 4 race HERE.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for the 18th Circuit Court race. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile.

You can see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Andrea Fant

WEBSITE: fantforjudge.com/

What is your education?

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida State University and a Juris Doctor from Florida A&M University, College of Law.

What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making?

Judges must make decisions based on the law and without regard to personal values.

What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench?

With over sixteen years of experience as an attorney, I believe all of my professional experiences have prepared me for the bench. In the area of Family Law, I have handled matters involving divorces, child custody disputes, and child support obligations. Additionally, I was an attorney for the Department of Revenue, Child Support Enforcement division, where I advocated on behalf of the State of Florida during hearings to establish paternity and initiate, enforce, and modify child support obligations. For Civil Law, I have handled cases including landlord-tenant matters, petitions to seek injunctive relief, and contract disputes. Currently, as an Assistant Public Defender, I am assigned to a Circuit Criminal division. I manage a high-volume caseload involving individuals with criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to first-degree felonies that are punishable by life in prison. My clientele also includes persons with mental health illnesses, autism and intellectual disabilities, and drug addiction. I am a trial attorney that has taken cases to verdict during jury trials and have litigated complex legal issues. Additionally, I have argued two cases before the Fifth District Court of Appeals. Outside of the courtroom, my professional experience has included member and chair of the Grievance Committee, graduate of The Florida Bar’s Wm. Reece Smith, Jr. Leadership Academy (Class VI), President of the Brevard County chapter of FACDL (Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers), and member of Vassar B. Carlton American Inn of Court, to name a few. All of these experiences have contributed to my knowledge, abilities, and skills (both legally and in leadership) in preparation for the bench.

How do you balance precedent with evolving societal standards?

When balancing precedent with evolving societal standards, I adhere to the law. Precedent typically includes the applicable law, a factual basis, and an analysis that applies the law to the facts of the case. Additionally, it is not uncommon for the court to make distinctions among cases to explain why various outcomes were reached. Therefore, even with evolving societal standards, I follow the law.

What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest?

After the Public Defender’s Office has been appointed to represent an individual, his/her case goes through our intake process. During intake, each case is assigned to an attorney. Our office uses an electronic system to manage cases, which will also alert attorneys to potential conflicts with a case. However, instead of simply relying on the database system, I conduct an independent review. Upon reading the police report(s) and/or the Assistant State Attorney’s witness list, I check our system and/or the clerk’s records to see if our office currently or has previously represented anyone involved in the case. Additionally, my assistant completes a conflict check for my cases, as well, then forwards her information to me for review. In our office, when a conflict has been identified, the issue is forwarded to a supervisor. Once a supervisor reviews the information concerning the conflict and grants authorization to move forward, a Motion to Withdraw is filed by the attorney. This process provides several levels of review to check for conflicts.

What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them?

Financial hardship is one barrier to justice since the expense of litigation can be costly. Litigation could include fees associated with court reporters, expert witnesses, an investigator, deposition transcripts, medical records, and more. In circumstances where the costs are imputed to the client, some may find it difficult to properly litigate their case. I would address any need for financial relief and/or resources and make decisions on a case-by-case basis. Another barrier to justice involves the challenges of navigating through our legal system for litigants who represent themselves. I would ensure their constitutional right to Due Process is protected, and without giving legal advice, steer them in the direction of resources that are available to assist (i.e. Law Library, Clerk of Court’s Office, etc.). Barriers to justice may also include unreasonable delays in proceedings, and alternatively, cases that are unreasonably accelerated through the system. When making decisions regarding the progression of a case, I would listen to both sides, review the court record, apply the law, and use my organizational and management skills, among others.

George Cole Gaspard

WEBSITE: gaspardforjudge.com/

What is your education?

I earned my Associate of Arts Degree from Palm Beach State College (formerly Palm Beach Community College), Lake Worth, Florida; Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies with a Certificate in Trial Advocacy from the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida; and Juris Doctor with a Certificate in Children and Family Law and Book Awards in Trial Advocacy and Legal History from the Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, Orlando, Florida.

What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making?

It would depend on which values are being discussed. If the values are diligence, candor, thoughtfulness, patience, humility, and competence, among others: they should be at the forefront of judicial decision-making. If, however, the judicial values discussed are pertaining to personal feelings, political views, cultural views, and the like, then they have no place in the judiciary.

A judge is there to apply the law fairly and impartially, protect the constitutional rights of everyone who appears before the court, and decide each case based solely on the facts as applied to the law; not based on personal opinions. Our citizens deserve to know that when they walk into a courtroom, they’ll be heard, treated with respect, and have a judge who will fairly and impartially apply the law to the facts of each case.

Justice Antonin Scalia once opined that the judge who always likes the results he reaches is a bad judge. It is not for judges to legislate from the bench or bend the law to reach a preferred outcome. The responsibility of a judge is to faithfully apply the law as it is written; even when the result may not be popular.

What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench?

My qualifications to serve as a Circuit Judge are founded upon more than a decade of public service, extensive courtroom experience, a commitment to the rule of law, and a demonstrated ability to fairly evaluate complex legal issues. Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to ensuring justice is administered fairly and serving the citizens of Florida with integrity and professionalism.

Since October 2020, I have served as Legal Counsel for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, providing legal guidance on constitutional, statutory, and administrative issues. In this role, I regularly analyze complex legal questions, advise agency leadership on matters requiring careful consideration of competing interests, and litigate Risk Protection Orders and Civil Asset Forfeitures.

Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Office, I was an Assistant State Attorney in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit for over six years. During that time, I prosecuted cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including homicide, child abuse, and sex crimes. This experience provided me with a deep understanding of criminal law, courtroom procedure, evidentiary issues, and the profound impact judicial decisions have on victims, defendants, and the community.

My experience as a former Florida Supreme Court Certified County and Circuit Mediator further strengthened my ability to listen carefully, remain impartial, and facilitate the fair resolution of disputes. Mediation taught me the importance of patience, professionalism, and ensuring that all parties feel heard and respected; qualities that are essential to effective judicial service.

In addition to my litigation and advisory work, I have devoted considerable time to legal education. I currently instruct legal courses for law enforcement and correctional officers, school resource officers, and police recruits. I have authored numerous internal legal training publications and have presented continuing legal education programs for attorneys and professional organizations. These experiences reflect my commitment to the law and my ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively.

Combined with my reputation for integrity, fairness, judicial temperament, and public service, these experiences have prepared me to serve as an effective Circuit Judge who will uphold the Constitution, apply the law impartially, and treat every person who appears before the court with dignity and respect.

How do you balance precedent with evolving societal standards?

Precedent which is binding on the Court should always prevail over evolving societal standards. Courts are bound to the people that they serve to faithfully apply the law as it is written without regard for personal feelings; including precedent set by case law. In the event, however, that no such binding precedent exists, a court may find it appropriate to consider evolving societal standards in weighing certain decisions. Such balancing is often done, for example, when analyzing the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment contained in the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution. At the time of its drafting, a variety of modes of execution were permissible. Today, however, when taking into consideration our evolving societal standards, certain methods of execution have been deemed unconstitutional.

What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest?

Avoiding conflicts of interest as a judge starts with being intentional about what might create even the appearance of bias. That means taking a close look at financial interests, prior professional relationships, former law partners, and personal relationships that could reasonably come before the court. If something could cause a fair-minded person to question impartiality, it needs to be taken seriously from the outset.

Just as important is being candid when a potential issue does arise. Disclosure on the record allows the parties to address it and, when appropriate, seek recusal. That kind of transparency is essential to maintaining trust in the process.

There are also times when recusal is simply the right call. Even if a judge believes they can be fair, the question is whether the circumstances might cause others to reasonably doubt it. Protecting confidence in the judiciary sometimes means stepping aside.

Finally, good habits matter. Avoiding financial entanglements, outside relationships, or public positions that could reasonably intersect with cases before the court goes a long way toward preventing problems before they ever arise.

What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them?

If one had to identify the greatest obstacle to justice, I would say it would be meeting an ever-growing demand for judicial services while ensuring that every person who comes before the court receives the time, attention, and fairness that justice requires.

Brevard and Seminole Counties continue to grow, and with that growth comes an increase in the number of criminal cases, family disputes, civil litigation, and other demands on the judicial system. While each of those cases represents someone’s life, livelihood, or liberty, the challenge for any judge is ensuring that, despite a busy docket, each person who walks into the courtroom knows that they have been provided a meaningful opportunity to be heard.

Justice delayed is justice denied. Victims wait for closure, families remain in limbo, businesses are left without answers, and defendants live with the uncertainty of pending charges. Cases must move efficiently, but never at the expense of due process.

Another challenge is ensuring that the community has meaningful access to justice. More people are appearing in court without attorneys because they cannot afford one. While judges must remain impartial and cannot advocate for either side, they can make sure that courtrooms remain respectful, procedures are understandable, and everyone has access to timely justice.

Additionally, the work of our courts has also become substantially more complex than it was even a decade ago. Today’s judges are tasked with evaluating digital evidence and addressing issues pertaining to rapidly evolving technology. Those challenges reinforce the need for continuing education and careful preparation--the law evolves and judges have an obligation to keep pace.

“It’s extremely important to us,” said Itai Nixon, who leads the diaspora department for Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. “We’re the state of the Jewish people, not just Israelis.”

Lesley Sachs, who has protested the current Israeli government and chairs the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, also considers a close relationship with diaspora Jews a “strategic asset” for both Israel and Jews worldwide.

So she’s greatly concerned about diaspora Jews losing the sense that Israel can be a homeland for them, especially as rising antisemitism targets them regardless of political and religious affiliations.

“That was always really, really important that everybody around the world, especially after the Holocaust, knows that there is a country that will always take them,” Sachs said in her synagogue in Tel Aviv. “This is already a few generations after, and this is less prominent in their DNA. And I think that this is really a failure on the part of both Israel and world Jewry, that we have not managed to keep that prominent.”

Since 2000, Taglit-Birthright Israel has brought a million Jewish young adults from the United States and elsewhere for a free 10-day “discovery” tour of Israel. The organization’s CEO says it’s more necessary than ever to show what their connection to Israel could be like beyond controversial politics.

“That really increases the importance of my job to expose people to what they give up on,” said Gidi Mark. “What we give them is a mirror.”

The staunch Israel-US relationship shows some cracks

Israel and the United States have long been staunch allies. U.S. President Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Washington earlier this week to discuss the war against Iran they launched together five months ago.

“The United States is perceived as the best friend of Israel in the entire world, and that’s still the case,” said Tamar Hermann, who directs the Israel Democracy Institute’s Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research in Jerusalem.

Divisions over the ceasefire in the Iran war, however, have weakened Jewish Israelis’ belief that Trump prioritizes Israel’s security — from 64% in March to 26% in June — according to the center.

Amid diplomatic tensions, the role of Jewish Americans who historically lobbied for political, military and financial support for Israel gains new prominence, Israelis said. And that deepens the concern that many young progressive Americans, including Jews, now see supporting Israel in any way as irreconcilable with their worldview.

The decline in support for Israel has become particularly stark since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack when Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians in southern Israel, and abducted 251 others. Israel’s ensuing war against Hamas in Gaza has killed more than 73,000 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The ministry, which was part of the recently dissolved Hamas-run government, maintains detailed records viewed as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and international organizations. It does not distinguish between civilians and militants but says women and children make up around half of all fatalities.

That in turn ignited protests across the United States, especially on college campuses.

“Holocaust, refugees, the importance of Israel in times of need abroad, and the fact that Israel is a small country fighting for its existence … that’s history they read in a book,” Sachs said of younger Jewish Americans. “They weren’t emotionally part of it in any way or any form. And so they look at their values and the things that they believe in. And they don’t see it in Israel.”

Jewish Americans have a complicated relationship with Israel

Only about 4 in 10 religious Jewish adults under 45 in the United States say that supporting Israel is “extremely” or “very” important for their Jewish identity, while about half of older religious Jewish adults do, according to the AP-NORC poll.

The survey of 1,022 Jewish adults — including people who identify as Jewish by religion and religiously unaffiliated people who identify as Jewish through culture, ethnicity or family background — also found that only about half of religious adults say Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza are justified. The number drops to 2 in 10 among Jewish adults without a religious affiliation.

At the same time, about 6 in 10 Jewish adults say prejudice against Jewish people is an “extremely” or “very” serious problem in the United States today.

To many Israelis, safety threats against Jews make it all the more tragic — and dangerous — that young Jewish Americans do not see the state of Israel as a refuge or even an ally.

“Antisemitism sadly helps us to explain why a Jewish homeland is not a bad idea,” said Asaf Zamir, a deputy mayor of Tel Aviv who served as consul general in New York. “Opposing the government is fine, but you cannot understand your history as a Jew without understanding the part of Israel in it.”

Israel reaches out to secular and liberal Jews in North America

In order to promote deeper attachment between Israel and diaspora Jews, both the government and religious organizations are reinforcing exchange programs. For decades, young Israelis have traveled to Jewish summer camps across North America, and non-Israeli Jews get free trips to Israel.

“To see Israel and meet Israelis is the gold standard,” Itai Nixon said of programs bringing teens to the country.

Taglit-Birthright’s Gidi Mark said that since 2023, with multiple wars, tour participants are fewer — and their reactions to touring Israel have also changed. He recalled one participant shouting “Israel! Israel!” outside his hotel just because he felt safe to express himself.

“These people don’t feel free to experience who they are in the places that they are coming from,” Mark said.

These and other initiatives are focusing on secular Jews and adherents to Reform Judaism. The largest branch of the religion in North America, it emphasizes progressive values such as social justice.

Orthodox Jews abroad tend to have stronger ties to Israel — and Orthodox Jews in Israel tend to see themselves as closer to diaspora Jews than do secular Israelis, Hermann said.

Within the Israeli Reform movement, which is a small part of Judaism in the country, there’s a push to send more young Israelis to the United States, including as camp counselors.

“That kind of action is important, that one-on-one connection saying, ‘You know what, we believe in the same things you do. Really, we have the same ideology in general, and we feel we need to change Israel together,'" Sachs said. “We need to be partners in making Israel the country that we all need.”

Alma Edry, 18, is spending two months as a counselor at a progressive Jewish summer camp in Ontario with teens and young adults from Canada and the United States. She said her biggest surprise has been “that Israel is such a big deal for people outside the country.”

“Most of their friends are anti-Israel,” she said of the campers. “This is their chance to celebrate their connection.”

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Brevard County Commission District 1, Republican Primary

The Brevard County Commission has five districts, and these are partisan races, which means you must be a member of a political party to vote in August. All voters will be able to choose from a final slate of candidates in November.

The winner of the Republican primary for the District 1 commission seat will go on to face Democrat Aldon Bookhardt, Libertarian Nathan Slusher, and write-in candidate Stuart Buchanan.

County Commission District 1 encompasses voters in the northern part of the county, including Titusville, Mims and Cocoa. You can see a map of the district HERE.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for Brevard County Commission District 1.

You can see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Pam Avery

WEBSITE: votepamavery.com

NOTE: This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to provide answers to the following questions.

FOR INCUMBENTS: Why do you deserve to be re-elected in this race? FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race?

Avery did not respond to the questionnaire but on her campaign website, she describes herself as a connector of people and said the following:

I’m running for County Commissioner because I truly care about this community and how decisions being made affect all of us. North Brevard can sometimes be overlooked, which is why effective leadership matters. Actions speak louder than words. I will work with others, lead with integrity, and treat everyone with respect.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Avery did not respond to this questionnaire. We could not find any information about her views on housing affordability.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Avery did not respond to this questionnaire. We could not find any information about her views on the property tax amendment.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Avery did not respond to this questionnaire. We could not find any information on how she feels about how Florida regulators should respond to rising utility costs.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Listed on her campaign website, Avery lists the Indian River Lagoon as one of the things she’d like to tackle. She says the following: Protecting our natural resources with practical, fact-based solutions for now and for generations to come.

Stel Bailey

WEBSITE: votestelbailey.com

NOTE: This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to provide answers to the following questions.

FOR INCUMBENTS: Why do you deserve to be re-elected in this race? FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? Bailey did not respond to the questionnaire; however, at a forum hosted by the Brevard County Republicans, Bailey spoke of her work in the community by saying the following:

For the past 12 years, I started fighting for clean water, but I also began fighting for constitutional rights. I’ve been doing thousands of public records requests. I’ve done investigative journalism. I’ve done government accountability, and I’ve been able to teach people about civic engagement, and I became very passionate about our government and bringing it back to the people. So I am running today because I want to bring that same experience to the county commission. I want to be able to focus on infrastructure, transparency, accountability and putting the residents back into the government where they belong.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? The candidate did not respond to this questionnaire. On her campaign website, she focuses on responsible growth rather than affordability. We could not find information about how she would deal with the affordability issue.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? The candidate did not respond to this questionnaire and found no information about where she stands on this issue.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? In a YouTube short video found on Bailey’s campaign website, she addresses the issue of AI data centers. She states the first question you should ask is what is the impact on the community vs. what the community will get in return. Bailey says she agrees with Brevard County’s decision to stop offering tax incentives for AI data centers. She says if a project is beneficial for Brevard County, it should be able to stand on its own merits. Bailey did not address how regulators should respond.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Bailey did not respond to this questionnaire; however, the centerpiece of her campaign and her work has been clean water. She’s stated that she and several members of her immediate family were all diagnosed with cancer at around the same time. Bailey has blamed the water that she says was contaminated with PFAS. At a forum put on by the Brevard County Republicans, when asked whether she supports the renewal of a sales tax that Brevard residents pay for the Indian River Lagoon, Bailey said not as it currently stands. She wants to see the amendment modified to specify that the money to infrastructure to keep things like stormwater out of the lagoon. Bailey does not support things like planting sea grass in the Indian River Lagoon, which has been a focus.

Rick Heffelfinger

WEBSITE: stickwithrick1.com

NOTE: This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to provide answers to the following questions.

FOR INCUMBENTS: Why do you deserve to be re-elected in this race? FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? Heffelfinger did not respond to the questionnaire but on his campaign website, he states that after attending commission meetings over the past eight years, we can’t keep increasing property taxes to pay for growth.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Heffelfinger did not respond to this questionnaire and we could find no information about how he would deal with Florida’s affordability issue.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? We could find no public statements made by Heffelfinger about the property tax amendment but his campaign centers around “DOGEing” the budget and not continuing to raise property taxes to pay for growth.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Heffelfinger did not respond to this questionnaire, but earlier this year, he spoke in support of a Brevard County ordinance that would prohibit tax incentives to open data centers in the county.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Heffelfinger did not respond to this questionnaire and we could not find any information to provide an answer to this question.

Micah Loyd

WEBSITE: www.micahloydcampaign.com/

NOTE: This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to provide answers to the following questions.

FOR INCUMBENTS: Why do you deserve to be re-elected in this race? FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? Loyd did not respond to this questionnaire; however, on his campaign website, he says the following: Micah is running because he has seen what poor leadership can do to a community. North Brevard struggled after the loss of space jobs in 2011, and today the community is facing a very different challenge: record growth. A lifelong member of this community, Micah has spent years giving back, supporting the SPCA, the Humane Society, and countless local causes that make North Brevard a better place to live. As a Canaveral Port Authority Commissioner, he’s stood up for residents when it mattered most, leading the effort to reject the Merritt Island LNG plant to protect our families and our lagoon. And as a local business owner, he understands firsthand what it takes to grow responsibly, manage a budget, and create good jobs. With that experience, Micah is ready to work alongside state and federal agencies, space companies, and local leaders to deliver real results for District 1. Micah believes Brevard County needs leaders who can balance healthy growth with quality of life, protect taxpayers, improve infrastructure, and work effectively with state and federal agencies, space companies, local businesses, and community leaders.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Loyd, on his campaign website, doesn’t focus on housing affordability but more so on responsible growth. We could not find any information about how he would deal with the affordability issue.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Loyd did not respond to this questionnaire and we could not find any information about where he stands on this amendment.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? We could not find any information about where Loyd stands on how regulators should respond to data centers.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Loyd did not respond to the questionnaire but on his campaign website, he does talk about the Indian River Lagoon by saying the following: The Indian River Lagoon is part of North Brevard’s identity, economy, and future. Micah supports practical planning and responsible decisions that protect this natural resource for the next generation.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Brevard County Commission District 4, Republican Primary

The Brevard County Commission has five districts, and these are partisan races, which means you must be a member of a political party to vote in August. All voters will be able to choose from a final slate of candidates in November.

The winner of the Republican primary for the District 4 commission seat will go on to face write-in candidate Cheyenne Brady-Mogle.

County Commission District 4 encompasses voters in the areas of Viera and Melbourne. You can see a map of the district HERE.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for Brevard County Commission District 4.

You can see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Adam Dyer

WEBSITE: adamdyerforbrevard.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? My top three priorities are leadership, public safety, and infrastructure.

First, Brevard needs leadership that puts residents before politics. Government should be transparent, accountable, and focused on delivering results instead of making excuses.

Second, we must strengthen public safety by ensuring our firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency responders have the resources they need while recruiting and retaining qualified personnel. Safe communities are the foundation of a strong county.

Third, we need to invest in infrastructure before approving additional growth. Roads, water and sewer systems, stormwater management, and public facilities must keep pace with development. Growth should pay for itself through stronger impact fees so existing residents aren’t left footing the bill.

FOR INCUMBENTS: Why do you deserve to be re-elected in this race? FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I’m running because I believe Brevard County deserves stronger leadership and a more proactive approach to solving problems. Too often we’ve seen infrastructure fall behind development, residents feel left out of major decisions, and government reacts to issues instead of planning ahead. As a former firefighter, Air Force Reserve veteran, and Deputy Mayor, I’ve spent my career serving people, solving problems, and making difficult decisions. I believe it’s time for leadership that listens to residents, plans responsibly, and focuses on delivering results instead of politics.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Housing affordability is being driven by several factors, including property taxes, insurance premiums, infrastructure costs, and the rising cost of everyday living. There isn’t a single solution.

At the county level, we should require growth to pay for itself through stronger impact fees so existing residents aren’t subsidizing new development. We should also streamline permitting where appropriate to reduce unnecessary costs, advocate for meaningful property tax relief, and support efforts to stabilize the property insurance market. Responsible growth, fiscal discipline, and protecting taxpayers are all part of making Brevard more affordable for working families and seniors.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? No. Floridians deserve property tax relief, but I don’t believe we should eliminate or dramatically reduce property taxes without a clear, responsible plan to replace the revenue that funds essential local services such as law enforcement, fire rescue, parks, roads, and infrastructure.

Before supporting any constitutional amendment, I want to see exactly how the proposal would work, who would benefit, and how counties and municipalities would continue providing the services residents expect. I support meaningful tax relief, but it must be fiscally responsible and not simply shift the burden elsewhere.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida families should not bear the cost of infrastructure built primarily to serve large commercial users like data centers. Utility regulators should require major energy-intensive developments to pay their fair share of infrastructure costs rather than shifting those costs onto residential customers. We also need an all-of-the-above energy strategy that improves reliability, encourages innovation, and keeps electricity affordable while protecting Florida’s natural resources. I’m also concerned about locating large data centers in Brevard County due to their significant demands on electricity, water, and infrastructure.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? For Brevard County, the biggest environmental challenge is restoring and protecting the Indian River Lagoon. The lagoon is one of our greatest natural resources, but decades of nutrient pollution, aging infrastructure, and poor water circulation have contributed to declining water quality and the loss of seagrass and marine life.

We need to continue investing in wastewater and stormwater improvements, septic-to-sewer conversions, and projects that reduce nutrient runoff. We should also be willing to explore innovative, science-based solutions to improve water quality, including evaluating the feasibility of creating an additional inlet at the north end of the lagoon to increase tidal flushing and improve water exchange with the Atlantic Ocean. Any such proposal should be thoroughly studied to ensure it provides a net environmental benefit without creating unintended impacts to surrounding communities or ecosystems.

Protecting the Indian River Lagoon requires long-term commitment, sound science, and leadership that is willing to pursue practical solutions that preserve this vital resource for future generations.

Rob Feltner - INCUMBENT

WEBSITE: robfeltner.com/

NOTE: This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to provide answers to the following questions.

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? Feltner is the incumbent but we could not find a campaign website or social media page where he spoke about the most pressing issues in his district.

FOR INCUMBENTS: Why do you deserve to be re-elected in this race? FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? We could not find any interviews, social media posts or a campaign website where Feltner addressed these questions.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? We could not find any interviews, social media posts or a campaign website where Feltner addressed these questions.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? We could not find any interviews, social media posts or a campaign website where Feltner has spoken about the proposed cuts to property taxes. He was recently the lone vote against raising the Brevard County millage rate beyond the cap.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Feltner has expressed concern about data centers and their noise and water usage. He recently voted to prohibit tax incentives to data centers looking to move to Brevard.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Feltner did not respond to the questionnaire and we could find no information about what he believes to be the biggest environmental issue facing Florida or his district.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Brevard County School Board District 2

The Brevard County School Board has five districts. These are nonpartisan races, so they are open to all voters.

School Board District 2 encompasses voters in parts of Cocoa Beach, Cocoa, Cape Canaveral, and Merritt Island. You can see a map of the area HERE.

Since there are three candidates in the race, the top vote-getter must get more than 50% of the vote (50%+1) in order to win outright. Otherwise, the top two candidates will go to a runoff in November.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for Brevard County School Board District 2.

You can see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Kyle Savage

WEBSITE: www.savage4students.com

TOP ISSUES

What are the three most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.

Problem Number 1 and Solution: Teacher pay and retention. Brevard teachers are paid more than $2,500 below the state average, despite averaging over 12 years of experience. That gap shows up in the numbers: nearly 1 in 3 teachers who were on staff in 2022 are gone today, and turnover has held steady above 13% every year since. Pay is part of the story, but so is trust. Teachers need professional autonomy in their classrooms, not a board micromanaging their work from the dais. I’ll push to prioritize compensation every budget cycle and give teachers back the room to teach.

Problem Number 2 and Solution: Declining enrollment and the risk of more closures. Brevard is losing students, driven in large part by the state’s voucher program pulling kids out of public schools. Cape View Elementary was the first casualty, closed in January after less than four months of public process, over a 2,200-signature petition and objections from the Cape Canaveral City Council. It won’t be the last if nothing changes. McNair Magnet Middle sits at just 37% capacity, lower than Cape View was when it closed, and is already being talked about for consolidation. On this board’s watch, families found out about Cape View too late to be part of the decision. I’ll fight for real notice-and-input before any closure vote, and push redistricting and shared facilities as the first option instead of closure.

Problem Number 3 and Solution: Budget and financial transparency. The district is currently operating without a CFO, on top of a 7% staffing cut and school closures, with no clear picture for families of the decisions driving those cuts. Layoffs and closures should be the last resort, not the first plan. Before cutting further, I want the board to pursue real ideas to grow enrollment and revenue: expanding VPK to every elementary school, building a Vocational Tech Center that gives families a reason to choose BPS, and moving district staff into underused school buildings instead of closing them. I’ll push for a public, plain-language budget breakdown every year, so families aren’t the last to know.

How should the district handle teacher shortages? Teacher shortages in Brevard come down to pay, discipline, and trust. Florida ranks 50th in the nation in teacher pay, and Brevard sits more than $2,500 below even the state average. Nearly 1 in 3 teachers who were on staff in 2022 are gone today. You can’t fix a shortage by cutting the people who are already stretched thin. Teachers also need real support keeping their classrooms under control, not a board leaving them to manage discipline on their own while getting second-guessed from the dais. I’ll push to prioritize teacher compensation every budget cycle, especially for veteran teachers, and back teachers with clear, consistent discipline policies so they can focus on teaching. Pay and respect are how you keep the teachers you have and attract the ones you need.

Florida ranked last for academic growth in reading. How would you improve that? Florida ranked last in the nation in reading growth, and that should alarm every parent in Brevard. The research is clear: the states improving are the ones committed to real phonics-based, science-of-reading instruction, especially in kindergarten through second grade, when the foundation gets built. I want Brevard to lead on this, not follow, with a real focus on early literacy before kids fall behind instead of costly interventions after they do. That starts with expanding VPK to every elementary school, so kids build pre-literacy skills before kindergarten even starts. It also means giving teachers the autonomy and trust to actually teach reading, not just teach to a test, and making sure classrooms are calm enough that lost instructional time from discipline issues isn’t part of the problem.

What changes, if any, would you make to school safety policies? School safety in Brevard starts with making sure every school has a School Resource Officer, full stop, and that larger schools have two. I served as a Military Police Officer in the Army, including protective security work for senior commanders overseas, so I understand what real security looks like: trained people, clear protocols, and no gaps. That’s the standard I want in our schools. It also means clear, consistent discipline policies so teachers aren’t left to handle serious problems alone, and a real focus on bullying, catching it early, taking it seriously when it’s reported, and holding the line so kids feel safe walking into their own school. I want mental health resources in place before a crisis, not after one. Safety isn’t a slogan; it’s showing up every day for the basics: enough adults in the building, consistent expectations, and a board that listens to teachers and staff about what they’re actually seeing in their schools.

How should book challenges and library removals be handled? Book challenges need a real process, not chaos. This board attempted to remove all 298 books on a state review list in a single motion, then restructured the review committee to cut out public input, and the whole process ground to a halt for months when committee members resigned. That’s not policy; that’s dysfunction. I want a clear, consistent process: individual challenges reviewed on their own merits by a real committee with parent and educator input, decisions made in a reasonable timeframe, and no blanket bans that skip the process entirely. Parents deserve a say in what their own kids read. What they don’t deserve is a board using library shelves as a political battleground while the actual business of running schools, budgets, teacher pay, safety gets ignored.

What outside organizations or endorsements are supporting your campaign? My campaign is proud to be endorsed by the Brevard Federation of Teachers and the Space Coast AFL-CIO CLC. These endorsements matter because they come from people who know this district firsthand, teachers and working families who see what’s happening in our schools every day. I’m also building support from parents, veterans, and community members who are tired of politics getting in the way of good decisions for kids. I’m not backed by any political party or machine. My support comes from people who know the classroom and know this community.

If elected, what policy would you try to pass in your first year? My first-year priority is expanding VPK, Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten, to every elementary school in the district. Right now, not every family has access to it close to home, and early childhood education is one of the clearest ways to set kids up for success before they ever fall behind. It’s also a direct answer to our enrollment problem: giving young families a reason to choose Brevard schools from day one, instead of losing them before they even start. This is a policy that helps kids, helps teachers, and helps stabilize enrollment all at once.

Gene Trent - Incumbent

WEBSITE: votegenetrent.com

NOTE: This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to provide answers to the following questions.

TOP ISSUES

What are the three most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below. The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire, but according to his campaign website, he plans to build upon the promises he made last time around.

His number one priority, according to his website, is elevating academic excellence. He said the following: Build on our record A ratings and 92.7% graduation rate. Expand STEM, CTE, and college/career readiness so every student graduates prepared for the real world.

Trent, on his website, said his second priority is safe and focused learning environments. He said the following: Maintain best-in-class safety infrastructure. Strong discipline policies mean teachers can teach and students can learn without unnecessary disruptions.

Trent listed his third priority as empowering parents and community. On his campaign website, he said the following: Parents are the primary decision-makers in their children’s education. Gene will keep the board transparent, community-connected, and parent-driven.

How should the district handle teacher shortages? Trent did not respond to this questionnaire. On his campaign website, he lists as a priority supporting exceptional teachers. The following is how he says he’s been doing so. Competitive pay, professional growth, and a school environment where educators are respected and supported. Strong teachers produce strong students. Trent says that focus has led to Improved teacher retention and stronger classroom and discipline support.

In a Facebook video posted on August 4, 2025, by the Brevard News, Trent was asked about nearly $7 million the Brevard could lose out on depending on what happened with federal funding. He was asked if people should be reaching out to their representatives in Congress to try to get the money released. Trent responded by saying the following: “So here’s the conservative in me, no. Maybe we don’t need that money. Look at the Department of Education, there’s a reason people want that closed down because throwing money at an issue doesn’t solve it.”

Trent went on to say that they were looking at doing away with open positions and moving teachers around where necessary. Including cutting open positions and moving resource teachers back into the classroom.

Florida ranked last for academic growth in reading. How would you improve that? Trent has touted the improvement in FAST scores for 7-10 graders attending Brevard Public Schools. We could not find any statements about how Brevard should continue to improve scores.

What changes, if any, would you make to school safety policies? The candidate did not respond to this questionnaire, but in recent years, Brevard Public Schools began using metal detectors and expanded its Guardian Program, which trains some school staff to respond to threats. Trent has supported these changes.

How should book challenges and library removals be handled? Trent did not respond to this questionnaire; however, in 2023 he criticized the book review policy for being too slow. He proposed, instead of reviewing a list of nearly 300 books to decide on removal, relying on what some other districts had done instead and moving forward with taking them off the shelves. Trent’s proposal failed. Since then, some have raised concerns about books being banned in Brevard without the proper review.

What outside organizations or endorsements are supporting your campaign? Trent has been endorsed by the following:

• U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos
• Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey
• Space Coast Young Republicans
• School Board Chair Matt Susin
• Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina

If elected, what policy would you try to pass in your first year? The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire. He did, however, say on his website that he plans to continue with the platform he put forth during his first run for the Brevard School Board.

Kelly Wentworth

WEBSITE: votekellywentworth.com

TOP ISSUES

What are the three most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.

Problem Number 1 and Solution: Financial Accountability and Long-Term Stability. Brevard Public Schools faces significant financial challenges that require stronger oversight and long-term planning. We should restore a Chief Financial Officer who reports directly to the School Board, with a collaborative reporting relationship to the Superintendent, to strengthen transparency and accountability. The district also needs stronger year-round financial controls so we are not relying on last-minute budget reclassifications to meet required reserve levels. Finally, audit findings--whether identified by independent auditors or state reviews--should be formally tracked, addressed, and reported to the Board to ensure recurring issues are resolved rather than repeated.

Problem Number 2 and Solution: Teacher Recruitment, Retention, and Support. Attracting and retaining outstanding educators is essential to student success. While compensation is an important part of the solution, it cannot be the only focus. We must also reduce unnecessary administrative burdens, give teachers greater professional autonomy, provide meaningful opportunities for growth, and create a culture where educators feel respected and supported. A comprehensive approach will improve retention, reduce vacancies, and help make Brevard a district where great teachers choose to build their careers.

Problem Number 3 and Solution: Trust, Transparency, and Community Partnership. Successful schools depend on strong partnerships between families, educators, and the community. We must rebuild trust by conducting Board business with professionalism, transparency, and respect. Parents should have meaningful opportunities to participate, public comments should remain on the public record except where student privacy requires otherwise, and district information should be easy to access with timely, accurate responses to public requests. By treating parents and teachers as partners rather than adversaries, we can create a more collaborative environment that better serves students.

How should the district handle teacher shortages? Teacher shortages cannot be solved by a single initiative. The district needs a comprehensive strategy focused on both recruitment and retention.

First, we must retain the excellent teachers we already have by reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, minimizing micromanagement, and giving educators the professional trust and support they deserve.

Second, we must make Brevard Public Schools a place where educators want to build their careers. Competitive salaries are essential; we should also look beyond salary by exploring creative ways to improve benefits, professional development, career advancement, workplace flexibility where appropriate, and other incentives that help recruit and retain outstanding educators.

Finally, we should regularly seek feedback from teachers about why they stay or why they leave and use that information to guide policy decisions. The people closest to the classroom are often best positioned to identify practical solutions. Every unfilled classroom or long-term substitute represents a disruption to student learning, so investing in teachers is ultimately an investment in student success.

It is also important to state here the importance of renewing the local millage referendum because it has been an important tool for improving teacher pay, particularly in addressing salary compression that has left many experienced teachers earning only modestly more than those entering the profession.

Florida ranked last for academic growth in reading. How would you improve that? Improving reading outcomes begins long before third grade. Research consistently shows that early childhood education has a lasting impact on literacy, so we should work with community partners to increase participation in high-quality VPK, particularly in areas where enrollment is low. Our focus should be on ensuring every child enters kindergarten ready to learn.

Once students are in school, we need to trust our teachers. Educators should have the professional flexibility to spend more time where students are struggling rather than following rigid pacing requirements that move every classroom at the same speed. Every group of students is different, and instruction should reflect those differences.

Finally, we must use student data to identify reading difficulties early and provide targeted interventions before students fall further behind. Early intervention, strong teachers, and a solid foundation in early childhood education are the keys to improving reading achievement.

What changes, if any, would you make to school safety policies? School safety should be approached through prevention, preparation, and accountability. I support maintaining School Resource Officers, the Guardian Program for highly trained non-instructional staff, appropriate school hardening, and our current emergency preparedness practices.

Safety is about more than physical security. We must continue investing in school counselors, mental health resources, and early intervention programs to identify concerns before they become crises.

As a School Board member, I also believe we have a responsibility to ensure every dollar invested in safety is producing meaningful results. We should regularly review our safety policies, procedures, and investments with input from law enforcement and security professionals to ensure they are evidence-based, effective, and making our schools safer.

How should book challenges and library removals be handled? Book challenges should be handled through a fair, transparent process that respects both professional expertise and parental involvement. Teachers and library media specialists are trained to select age-appropriate instructional and library materials, and concerns about specific books should be reviewed through an established process that includes educators, library professionals, administrators, and parents.

Parents have the right to make decisions about what their own children read, and schools should provide appropriate options for families. However, decisions that affect every student in the district should be based on a thoughtful review process and educational standards rather than the preferences of a single individual or small group. The goal should be to respect parental rights while preserving access to diverse, age-appropriate educational materials for all students.

What outside organizations or endorsements are supporting your campaign? At this time, I have not received any organizational endorsements. My campaign is a grassroots effort supported by parents, educators, community members, and residents from across the political spectrum who want strong public schools, fiscal accountability, and transparent leadership. I welcome support from organizations that share those values while remaining committed to making independent decisions based on what is best for students and Brevard Public Schools.

If elected, what policy would you try to pass in your first year? Rather than rushing to create new policies, my first priority would be reviewing existing policies to ensure they reflect the Board’s expectations and are being implemented effectively. Good governance begins with making sure our policies are clear, current, and consistently followed.

If I were to prioritize one area, it would be strengthening financial oversight. I believe the School Board should receive regular financial updates throughout the year, formally review audit findings and corrective actions, and ensure strong internal controls are in place so potential issues are identified early rather than at year-end. Better financial oversight helps protect taxpayer dollars and allows more resources to be directed toward supporting students and teachers.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Brevard County School Board District 5

The Brevard County School Board has five districts. These are nonpartisan races, so they are open to all voters.

School Board District 5 encompasses voters in the southwestern part of the county, from Melbourne on down. You can see a map of the area HERE.

Since there are three candidates in the race, the top vote-getter must get more than 50% of the vote (50%+1) in order to win outright. Otherwise, the top two candidates will go to a runoff in November.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for Brevard County School Board District 5.

You can see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Tammy Dennis

WEBSITE: tammyforstudents.com

TOP ISSUES

What are the three most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.

Problem Number 1 and Solution: Safety. To protect from outside predators, I will continue implementation of Open Gate and work with the Sheriff to employ additional deterrents. To protect from within, I will continue to implement the new discipline policy, including consequences for bad behavior and empower principals and teachers to enforce. A disciplined learning environment is critical for teachers to teach and kids to learn. Additionally, students are only one click away from very dangerous places through AI. I will ensure we employ the most qualified people to secure the proper protections immediately.

Problem Number 2 and Solution: A new era of less children in the population, decreasing student enrollment, school choice and increasing budget restraints. With my budget oversight experience, I will help make the hard choices, streamline processes, and tighten up spending, particularly for administration. I will look at unfunded state mandates, assess their value and push back on those efforts we are forced to execute and pay for that bring little or no results. I will move forward smartly with a laser focus on students.

Problem Number 3 and Solution: Parental rights at risk as some educators think they know better than parents. I will uphold Gov DeSantis’ and the state of Florida’s Parents’ Bill of Rights and stand firmly on the side of parental rights to direct their children’s education. I will ensure parents have the right to see curriculum, opt their children out of content they feel is objectionable, and to be notified - not kept in the dark - about matters affecting their child. I will be a board member who honors and enforces those rights every single day and never stops fighting for their right to be fully informed and fully involved in their child’s education.

How should the district handle teacher shortages? Celebrate the progress our district has made moving from being a B District for many years to an A District the last 3 years. Promote the wins, reveal the needs and show how they can be an integral part of a team who works hard every day to educate every student with excellence as the standard. Implement a merit-based system, compensate fairly and reward outstanding accomplishments.

Florida ranked last for academic growth in reading. How would you improve that? In 2024, Brevard Public Schools started the first-ever literacy plan, Mighty Moves, a “strategic, systematic, and structured plan based on the science of reading to tackle the need for foundational skills in the primary grades” (Wendy Smith). Orton Gillingham and the 7 Mighty Moves by Lindsay Kemeny are grounded in the Science of Reading. The quarterly moves include: Phonemic Awareness With Intention; Phonics Explicitly and Systematically; Decoding Strategies, Not Cueing Strategies; Improve Comprehension by Developing Vocabulary and Background Knowledge. The remaining three moves: fluency, use of decodable text, and teaching sight words, are addressed within each quarter’s moves. Just two years later, scores are starting to go up. I will support policy and funding for the Mighty Moves plan to improve early literacy proficiency, based on early literacy data.

What changes, if any, would you make to school safety policies? I will support trained armed staff on school property. The best defense for our kids is several adults prepared with a weapon to immediately stand up for them with an effective means to stop the violence. Also, as we renovate buildings, consider and implement safety improvements as well. For example, when replacing windows in classrooms to the front of the property, make openings higher so that shots cannot be easily fired through window at the level where people would be sitting or standing. Continue implementing Open Gate and working with the Sheriff for further security measures.

How should book challenges and library removals be handled? No books or literature with sexually explicit material should be accessible in school libraries. Age-appropriate books should be widely available. When needed, form a committee including some board members, teachers and members of the community to review books in question against the current policy - no R-rated literature allowed.

What outside organizations or endorsements are supporting your campaign?

• (Palm Bay) Mayor Rob Medina
• Space Coast Young Republicans
• Trail Blazers of Tomorrow

If elected, what policy would you try to pass in your first year? I will work hard to implement policy that accelerates the ability to attract quality teachers to our Certified Technical Education (CTE) Programs, provide options for transportation, and engage more businesses for apprenticeships and internships with a path to employment. Every kid needs a path. I will support commonsense choices supporting decisions that strengthen academic excellence and opportunity for every child to succeed.

Michele McCormack

WEBSITE: electmichelemccormack.com

TOP ISSUES

What are the three most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? The three most pressing problems in our district are instability in our schools, the loss of experienced educators and paraprofessionals, and inconsistent support for students with disabilities. I would strengthen stability by restoring transparency and collaboration, improve retention by supporting staff and reducing unnecessary burdens, and expand services for students with disabilities through better staffing, training, and evidence-based programs. When we invest in people and keep students at the center, we build stronger, more stable schools for every family.

How should the district handle teacher shortages? The district should address teacher shortages by making Brevard a place where educators want to stay. That means offering competitive pay, reducing unnecessary burdens, and ensuring teachers and paraprofessionals have the support they need to do their jobs well. We must also strengthen mentoring, expand recruitment pipelines, and create incentives for critical certifications. When we invest in our educators and treat them as the professionals they are, we build stability for students and strengthen our entire school community.

Florida ranked last for academic growth in reading. How would you improve that? To improve reading growth, we must strengthen early literacy, and one of the most effective ways is expanding access to high-quality VPK programs. When children enter kindergarten with strong early reading skills, they are far more likely to stay on track. We also need to support families with resources that build literacy at home, including parent training and accessible materials. By investing early and partnering with families, we can create a strong foundation for lifelong reading success.

What changes, if any, would you make to school safety policies? Brevard has strong safety protocols in place, and our schools work hard to keep students and staff protected. One area that needs attention is transportation. Late buses have been a significant issue this year, and when students are not picked up or dropped off on time, it creates stress and uncertainty for families. Improving bus reliability is a practical safety priority that helps ensure students arrive and leave school on schedule, reduces anxiety, and keeps daily routines stable.

How should book challenges and library removals be handled? Book challenges and library removals should be handled through a clear, consistent, and transparent review process. Florida law outlines what districts must follow, and it’s important that decisions are made based on age appropriateness, educational value, and established procedures - not politics. Families, educators, and trained media specialists should all have a role in the review process. When we follow the law, communicate clearly, and keep the focus on students, we maintain trust and ensure our libraries remain safe, appropriate learning spaces.

What outside organizations or endorsements are supporting your campaign? Our campaign is supported by a range of community leaders, local organizations, and small businesses.

I am honored to have the endorsement of Rachel Sadoff, Brevard County Clerk of Court and Comptroller; Sheriff Wayne Ivey; the Brevard Federation of Teachers; Julie Kennedy, Vice Mayor of Melbourne; and I am the recommended candidate for the Central Labor Council.

We are also proud to have the support of No Limits Fitness in West Melbourne and Fabulous Furr Dog Grooming in Palm Bay.

If elected, what policy would you try to pass in your first year? School Board members don’t pass policy independently, but we do set priorities and adopt policy as a team. In my first year, I would focus on strengthening policies that support safe, stable learning environments and clear communication with families. A major priority for me would be rebuilding trust between the Board and the community- through more transparent processes, consistent communication, and policies that make it easier for families and staff to understand how decisions are made. My goal is to work collaboratively with the Board and Superintendent to ensure our policies reflect what students and teachers actually need in classrooms.

Cecilia Trotter

WEBSITE: votececiliatrotter.com

TOP ISSUES

What are the three most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? The top issues facing Brevard County Schools are transparency, funding, and teacher retention.

Transparency has eroded in recent years, leaving families, educators, and personnel without clear information about spending, staffing decisions, and long-term planning. A solution-focused approach begins with restoring open communication so the district can rebuild trust and create stability. Strengthening regular information sharing, improving clarity around decision-making, and making district operations easier for families to understand can help reconnect the community to its schools. Highlighting the strong programs already in place -- including hands-on STEM labs, robust music and art opportunities, and evidence-based phonics and reading instruction in the early grades -- further reinforces confidence by showing families the value and quality present in Brevard’s neighborhood schools.

Funding continues to be a major challenge, but there are clear steps the district can take to strengthen stability. State-level decisions have diverted public dollars away from our schools while increasing unfunded mandates, creating pressure on already limited resources. A solution-focused path forward includes responsible, student-centered budgeting and stronger advocacy to ensure Brevard receives the support it needs. Working collaboratively with state legislators to pursue reasonable guardrails on voucher programs can help protect the funding that local schools rely on. Preserving local revenue streams is also essential for maintaining capital projects and long-term infrastructure, which makes transparency in financial planning critical for sustaining public trust and community buy-in.

Teacher retention is at a crisis point, but there are practical steps the district can take to strengthen stability and support educators. Low pay, heavy workloads, and a climate of political pressure have driven many talented teachers away, limiting opportunities for students. A solution-focused approach includes ensuring educators have the flexibility to teach state-mandated standards in ways that meet the diverse needs of their classrooms, reducing unnecessary pressures, and improving working conditions. Brevard can also explore innovative supports such as designating unused district land for affordable housing and partnering with local financial institutions, government agencies, and nonprofits to help employees access down-payment assistance and first-time homebuyer programs. Prioritizing respect, stability, and practical supports for educators is essential to maintaining strong academic

How should the district handle teacher shortages? There are many solutions the district can pursue to address teacher shortages and strengthen long-term retention. I have been teaching for 19 years, and I am still earning under $55,000. Working with state legislators to increase teacher pay remains essential, and Florida’s lottery revenue and tourism-based tax streams can help support needed compensation improvements. Locally, promoting the renewal of the 1-mill initiative--of which 80% supports staff salaries--provides a direct path to stabilizing the workforce. Supporting teachers also means treating them as the professionals they are by giving them flexibility to teach state standards in ways that fit their classrooms, respecting their planning time and contracted hours, and maintaining strong working relationships with teacher unions so educators feel heard and supported. Additional solutions include partnering with financial institutions, government entities, and nonprofits to expand access to first-time homebuyer assistance and exploring the use of unused district-owned land for affordable workforce housing. Offering meaningful professional development and clear career pathways further strengthens stability. Public schools thrive when educators experience respect, consistency, and genuine job satisfaction, and students benefit most when their teachers can build long-term careers in Brevard County.

Florida ranked last for academic growth in reading. How would you improve that? Improving Florida’s academic reading growth requires serious, sustained discussion about funding and how resources are used. Working with state representatives to ensure dollars reach classrooms and support programs with proven results is essential. After 19 years in the classroom, I have seen how millions can be spent on products that are later discarded due to inefficiency, lack of training, or rapid replacement. A solution-focused approach prioritizes investing in high-quality teachers and ensuring they earn a living wage, strengthening K-2 structured literacy programs, and providing additional support--such as literacy coaches and targeted training--to schools in low-performing or marginalized areas. Expanding access to early-learning programs like VPK and Head Start, especially in communities that need them most, helps prepare students for kindergarten and long-term reading success. Returning reasonable restrictions to the Universal Voucher Program can also help protect public funding, especially since many participating schools are not held to the same accountability standards as public schools. Research consistently shows that well-funded public schools close achievement gaps, interrupt cycles of poverty, and contribute to higher lifetime earnings. Strengthening funding, accountability, and early literacy supports is central to improving reading outcomes statewide.

What changes, if any, would you make to school safety policies? I was teaching in Coconut Creek when the tragic shooting at Stoneman-Douglas High School occurred. I will never forget the sense of loss and pain we experienced as a community. School safety remains a critical priority for every district, and Brevard County has taken significant steps to strengthen security through the revenue generated by the half-cent sales tax. Schools now operate with single points of entry, front offices equipped with bullet-resistant glass, and interior doors that automatically close and lock to prevent unauthorized access. Campuses are supported by armed resource officers and police partners, and students and staff participate in monthly safety drills to reinforce best practices. Continued improvement requires ongoing collaboration with local law enforcement agencies to identify vulnerabilities, update protocols, and ensure that every campus remains secure. Maintaining strong partnerships with police departments and the sheriff’s office is essential to protecting students and staff and sustaining a culture of safety across the district.

How should book challenges and library removals be handled? Book challenges have become a political flashpoint, even though many titles have sat on library shelves for years without concern. A solution-focused approach begins with establishing clear, consistent book-challenge policies that protect both parental involvement and students’ access to literature. Challenges should come only from a parent or guardian of a student, and once a formal complaint is filed, the book should remain in circulation until the review committee reaches a decision. The review process should require the challenger to read the book in its entirety and participate in a discussion with teachers, media specialists, and other parents to evaluate the book’s educational value, cultural relevance, and developmental appropriateness. Districts can also offer certain titles with parental permission when appropriate. Banning books simply because some individuals are offended is short-sighted and restricts students’ freedom to read. A thoughtful, transparent process ensures that concerns are heard while preserving access to diverse perspectives and high-quality literature for all students.

What outside organizations or endorsements are supporting your campaign? None, thus far.

If elected, what policy would you try to pass in your first year? If elected, I would focus on restoring the transparency that has been missing from our School Board’s operations. One key step is rehiring a Chief Financial Officer to serve as a single, accountable point of contact for our $1.6 billion budget, ensuring clearer oversight and communication. I would involve staff, students, and families in understanding the enrollment challenges facing the district and in shaping thoughtful, community-centered solutions. Increasing accessibility is also essential, which is why I would bring School Board visits directly into schools across the county to encourage participation from educators, families, and students. I will make myself available on campuses to hear concerns related to daily operations in a safe and private environment. Additionally, School Board meetings should be recorded from start to finish, include opportunities for public comment, and place non-agenda items at the beginning of the meeting so community voices are heard without unnecessary delay. Strengthening transparency, accessibility, and accountability will help rebuild trust and ensure the district’s decisions reflect the needs of the community.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Brevard County Judge, Group 3 candidates

The Brevard County Court handles county civil and criminal cases. This is a nonpartisan race, open to all voters.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

Our News Collaborative partners at Central Florida Public Media compiled the candidate responses for the Brevard County Judge race.

You can see the full Central Florida Public Media Voting Guide HERE.

Rodney Antonio Edwards

WEBSITE: https://rodneyedwards4judge.com

Note: This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews they’ve done to provide answers to the following questions.

What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench? Edwards currently works as the assistant city attorney for Palm Bay. He has held this role since January 2017. Before this role, he lists on his LinkedIn page experience as an attorney dating back to 2009 when he was an attorney at The Law Offices of Mueller & Sommerville, P.A.

What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making? Edwards did not respond to the questionnaire and we could find no information about his judicial philosophy.

How do you balance precedent with evolving societal standards? Edwards did not respond to the questionnaire and we could find no information about his judicial philosophy.

What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest? Edwards did not respond to the questionnaire and we could find no information about his judicial philosophy.

What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them? The candidate did not respond to this questionnaire and we could not find any information about what he believes to be barriers to justice.

Timi DeAnn Tucker

WEBSITE: Timiforjudge.com

What professional experiences have best prepared you for the bench? I am a seasoned trial attorney with over thirty years of experience. I am in court almost every day. I have worked as an Assistant Public Defender in the misdemeanor and felony divisions for approximately six years. I was a Child Welfare Legal Services Senior Attorney, prosecuting cases in which children were abused, abandoned, and neglected. After gaining significant experience as a defense attorney and a prosecuting attorney, I opened my own law firm in 2004. For the past twenty-plus years, I have been in the courtroom representing the people of Brevard County in family law, injunctions, civil matters, evictions, and criminal matters.I have a well-rounded background so that I am ready to handle all types of cases that will come before me from day one. I hold a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating. I have over 100 5-star reviews as an attorney.

What role should personal values play in judicial decision-making? A judge should follow the law, not create the law. The law must be applied by all judges as it is written because all people are entitled to equal justice, and no person should not be subject to the whims of a judge he or she was randomly assigned.

How do you balance precedent with evolving societal standards? Courts following prior judicial decisions is referred to as stare decisis. Stare decisis is very important to our judicial system because it creates stability and predictability, ensuring equal application of the law to everyone. Evolving societal values should be addressed by the legislature, the branch of government elected by the people to make the laws that govern us all, not the judiciary. An activist judiciary creates an imbalance in the three separate, co-equal branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial. Judicial activism leads to rulings that treat people differently.

What steps do you take to avoid conflicts of interest? Fairness and impartiality are the bedrocks of our judicial system. I would disqualify myself from any case in which I could not be fair and impartial. An example of such a case would be if I were assigned a case in which I formerly represented one of the parties.

What barriers to justice do you see in the current system, and how would you address them? Activist judges are the greatest barrier to justice in our judicial system. Judges who legislate from the bench create a system in which the law is applied differently to different people based on the whim or belief of the judge. All people should be treated fairly and equally under the law, and a judge can only do this when she follows the law as written.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Flagler County Commission District 2, Republican Primary

The Flagler County Commission has five districts, and these are partisan races, which means you must be a member of a political party to vote in August. All voters will be able to choose from a final slate of candidates in November.

The winner of the Republican primary for the District 2 commission seat will go on to face Independent candidate Raymond Royer in November.

County Commission District 2 encompasses the northeastern part of the county. You can see a map of the district HERE.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

News 6 compiled the candidate responses for Flagler County Commission District 2, emailing and calling the candidates over several weeks. Responses were edited for spelling and grammar, but otherwise left intact.

Greg Feldman

WEBSITE: https://www.votefeldman.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: One challenge is managing growth responsibly. Thousands of new homes, apartments and commercial properties are in various stages of planning. Development will continue, and I will work with staff, the other commissioners, other jurisdictions and the many stakeholders to ensure projects respect property rights while requiring compatibility with existing neighborhoods, follow land development codes and demonstrate adequate infrastructure planning and implementation from the outset.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Flagler County Fire Rescue (FCFR) is a component of our county’s public safety efforts. In fiscal year 2024, FCFR saw over 19,000 calls for service. Of those, over 15,000 were for emergency medical service (EMS) as FCFR is the sole provider of actual rescue units in Flagler County regardless of jurisdiction. That number is served by 10 Rescue stations scattered around the county, ensuring an average response time of approximately 5 minutes regardless of the location within the county. Based upon county growth, the number of calls, and specifically, EMS calls for service will continue to grow as well as expand to other areas not currently high volume. It is the role of the County Commission to make sure that FCFR has the fiscally sound resources to maintain the response time for professional fire and rescue services in Flagler County.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Traffic and vehicle volumes have become a topic of conversation in Flagler County, accelerating along with the pace of homes and businesses being built. The last few years have brought a number of large-scale housing developments proposed or under construction. As a member of the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners, I will draw on my experience as a member, and current Chairman of the Volusia Flagler Transportation Planning Organization’s Community Advisory Council to work on solutions to these problems. I will work to bring the major participants to this issue - FDOT, all of the cities, and the county road and engineering departments - to the table to have frank and open discussions to solve the issues of traffic management, signalization, road volumes and more. Through a cooperative effort centered on resolution, solutions improving this aspect of the quality of life for residents, business owners and visitors can be identified, addressed and resolved for everyone’s benefit.

FOR INCUMBENTS: Why do you deserve to be re-elected in this race? FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I bring 47 years of law enforcement experience to the table. Through this experience, I bring skills in conflict resolution, complex decision-making, and a very analytical perspective to the dais. I am not afraid to make decisions for our county but I do so after careful analysis of information presented on specific topics and evaluating them to determine the benefit for everyone in Flagler County.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Since this is not specific to any one issue, I will address the greatest issue in our county when it comes to affordability. As a candidate for a county office I have no power to deal with the state’s issues. In Flagler County, affordable housing is a challenge. I would like to explore incentives for builders to take a little less profit to make homes, condos and apartments accessible to those who have limited incomes. This could be done through tax incentives and/or credits, public/private partnerships and bond guarantees. Exploring novel ways to assist in this endeavor would be my approach.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? The fiscal impacts of these changes have yet to be fully understood. There is assuredly some lost revenue from the amendment. There is also restrictive language in the summary as to what the ad valorem revenues may be utilized. Depending upon the actual amounts, lost revenue may be accounted for through adjustments in the budget or by increased and new fees, surcharges and taxes such as sales, gas, etc. I strongly desire to provide the same level of service currently enjoyed by all who are in Flagler County. If the numbers work out, then I would be in favor of it.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? They should ensure that utilities are prohibited from cost recovery from residential and commercial customers to cover costs for increased loads. These should always be the responsibility of the entity consuming inordinate amounts of resources.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Water. Water quality, drainage, reclaiming, aquifer protection, coastal renourishment, excessive consumption and elimination of septic systems.

Theresa Pontieri

WEBSITE: theresaforflagler.com/

Mrs. Pontieri did not respond to multiple emails and phone calls regarding our candidate survey.

She did, however, respond to our sister station in Jacksonville, WJXT, for their voting guide.

Since they asked different questions, we are linking to their responses HERE.

You can see the full WJXT voter guide HERE.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.

[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]

Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.

However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.

Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.

Flagler County Commission District 4, Republican Primary

The Flagler County Commission has five districts, and these are partisan races, which means you must be a member of a political party to vote in August. All voters will be able to choose from a final slate of candidates in November.

The winner of the Republican primary for the District 4 commission seat will go on to face write-in candidate Denise “Woody” Calderwood in November.

County Commission District 4 encompasses the western part of the county. You can see a map of the district HERE.

The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.

Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.

News 6 compiled the candidate responses for Flagler County Commission District 4, emailing and calling the candidates over several weeks. Responses were edited for spelling and grammar, but otherwise left intact.

Anna Jones

WEBSITE: https://annaforflagler.com/

Top issues in your race

If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:

YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Explosive Development - Growth Mgmt Act ensures Infrastructure is concurrent with development. Apply it and make the developers pay for infrastructure or delay or deny the project.

YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Infrastructure is priority when planning. It must be in place before building more.

YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Overspending. Our budget has ballooned over the last few years. We need a forensic audit. Some department heads think this is acceptable. We need to freeze flagged spending and the performance evaluations must be accurate.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Property tax will be a relief if the vote passes. Insurance is another issue. Utilities are too high. They are punishing past residents for future growth. Unacceptable and these rates must come down.

Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I have knocked on too many doors and heard the pain and stress of high property taxes. Everything went up except Social Security and homeowners exemption. Should not be an issue. Forensic audits will account for 20% waste, fraud, and abuse. Our governments need to be more accountable for less and when we have the infrastructure in place, we will have more revenue without growing pains.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Demand the burden go to the Data Centers and not the taxpayers.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Filling in wetlands. This is destroying entire ecosystems and they must be preserved.

Drew Moss

WEBSITE: votedrewmoss.com/

Mr. Moss did not respond to multiple emails and phone calls regarding our candidate survey.

He did, however, respond to our sister station in Jacksonville, WJXT, for their voting guide.

Since they asked different questions, we are linking to their responses HERE.

You can see the full WJXT voter guide HERE.

Leann Pennington - Incumbent

WEBSITE: penningtonforflagler.com/

Ms. Pennington did not respond to multiple emails and phone calls regarding our candidate survey.

She did, however, respond to our sister station in Jacksonville, WJXT, for their voting guide.

Since they asked different questions, we are linking to their responses HERE.

You can see the full WJXT voter guide HERE.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in the Superior Court of Delaware, is the latest in a flurry of suits filed against the social media giants that alleges their platforms are addictive and dangerous.

The complaint was filed on behalf of four families from Texas, North Carolina, Minnesota and Tennessee whose children died over a 14-month period starting in July 2024 through September 2025.

The Social Media Victims Law Center is bringing the suit on behalf of the families, and its founding attorney, Matthew Bergman, said it's “particularly salient” that the children in this case died “long after” similar suits had been filed.

“These platforms continue to kill kids, despite the platitudes of their executives,” Bergman said in an interview. “This is a clear and present danger to the health and safety of children, not just in the United States but around the world.”

The four teens who died by suicide each experienced harms including social media addiction, severe sleep deprivation, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation after years of using the social platforms, the complaint states. Livi Castro died at age 13, Riv Kelleher at 14, Nathaniel Chambers at age 17 and Dawson Holden at 18.

The complaint alleges the social media companies knew they were causing harm to young users.

A spokesperson for Google, which owns YouTube, said in a statement that “providing young people with a safer, healthier experience has always been core to our work. In collaboration with mental health and parenting experts, we’ve built services and policies to provide young people with age-appropriate experiences, and parents with robust controls. We send our deepest sympathies to the families and are reviewing the claims in this lawsuit.”

Representatives for Meta, TikTok and Snap did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Sacha Haworth, executive director of The Tech Oversight Project, said in a statement that parents, activists and whistleblowers have come forward and met with lawmakers for years and “while Congress has dragged its feet, more children have died."

Federal legislation of social media has moved at a glacial pace. The Senate passed the Kids Online Safety Act — which had the support of parents’ groups and children’s advocacy organizations — exactly two years before this lawsuit was filed. The House of Representatives never voted on that version of the legislation, and the House and Senate are currently disagreeing on key provisions they think should be included.

“Livi, Nathaniel, Dawson, and Riv’s stories are proof that Big Tech companies continue to lie about the safety of their products, choosing instead to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into false advertising, deceptive paid partnerships with trusted education programs and political lobbying,” Haworth's statement continued.

Meta, YouTube, TikTok and Snap are facing numerous state and federal lawsuits over harms to minors. Meta is on trial in Tennessee this week for a lawsuit brought by the state attorney general claiming that the company deliberately designed its platforms, notably Instagram, to make them addictive to young people, and did not warn them of its dangers. And in August, Meta is heading to trial in federal court in Oakland, California to face four of dozens of states that sued the company in 2023. That lawsuit says the company is contributing to the youth mental health crisis by designing addictive features and violated federal law by collecting data on kids under 13 without parental consent.

Not all lawsuits are successful, and many are settled out of court. Last week, a Florida teenager dropped his case against Meta that was set to go to trial in state court in Los Angeles, without receiving any payment from the company. Meta had argued that the teen only used his Instagram and Facebook for just minutes a day, on average, and created most accounts only after hiring a lawyer in his case.

Still, the mounting court cases can get expensive, even for a company like Meta Platforms. Earlier this week Meta said it had $2.4 billion in legal expenses in the second quarter, which contributed to a relatively unusual 14% profit decline.