Candidate responds to Times editorial recommendations

Editor’s note: The Tampa Bay Times encourages candidates not recommended by the Times to come forward. Here are responses from local candidates who took advantage of our offer. You can find all the recommendations by clicking here.

US Representative – District 15

Pat Kemp

The families of District 15 deserve a representative who will fight for them. Disaster relief is one example. I would never threaten or vote against FEMA as my opponent did shortly before Hurricanes Helen and Milton.

My opponent was celebrating the end of Roe v. Wade and Florida’s dangerous six-week abortion ban. But I will fight to restore reproductive freedom. I will support bipartisan legislation with real border security solutions, not procrastination on behalf of party leaders. And I will never play politics with the impeachment process.

As a county commissioner, I did the math to find funding for schools, parks and roads without raising taxes. I promise to work hard in Congress to preserve the Social Security and Medicare benefits we all deserve. I have fought for fair elections for decades and I promise to stand up and fight for you in Washington.

District 16

Ian Schneider

Jan Schneider’s campaign is made up of believers – in reproductive freedom, economic justice, environmental protection, equality and representative democracy.

Although the Supreme Court overturned the 50-year-old Roe v. Wade decision, Congress can still act in several ways to preserve the choice. Congress should also pass benefits for the middle class rather than extend tax cuts for the super-rich. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was the most far-reaching federal climate change and green investment measure ever, and a bipartisan border bill could make improvements.

I agree with my opponent on many issues, including honoring veterans, a drilling ban off Florida, and federal fiscal responsibility. However, I fear the threats to our US Constitution and the country if one presidential candidate is elected and Congress fails to provide checks and balances and combat lies.

Yes, my beliefs have not yet prevailed in District 16, where registered Republicans suppress Democrats. But they are still worth fighting for.

Florida Senate – District 23

Ben Braver

I find myself in the unusual situation of largely agreeing with my opponent’s Tampa Bay Times editorial board recommendation. I agree that incumbent Danny Burgess is taking the wrong position by voting against your right to reproductive health care and recreational marijuana. I absolutely agree that “he is part of the status quo in Tallahassee that is not doing enough to address the housing, education and affordability crisis in the state.” In fact, the only person I disagree with is who the board recommended.

If you don’t like the status quo, don’t stick to it. Be bolder. Take a new path that didn’t lead us directly here. Raising taxes on just the richest 2% could fully fund our schools, expand healthcare, fix our roads, and lower insurance costs for all of us.

We are in a deep cost of living crisis and further cleanup will not dig us out. There will be investments in the middle class. Vote for me this November.

Florida House – District 57

Kelly Johnson

Thank you for this opportunity. I disagree with the Times’ recommendation.

I am the best candidate in the race for the following reasons:

• I am the only Florida native in the race.

• I have a proven track record of environmental activism. I worked on the green space and affordable housing masterplan for the DREAM project with the City of Dunedin.

• I led a statewide effort to provide tens of thousands of Floridians with unpaid unemployment benefits.

• I do not support a six-week abortion ban and instead know that these decisions should be left to the discretion of those involved.

• I travel to Washington DC every year to promote cancer research and will always fight for health.

• I have a great plan to reduce the cost of living and homeowners insurance premiums. This is possible because I do not accept money from insurance lobbyists.

District 59

Don Douglas

As a lifelong Pinellas resident, I bring a deep understanding of the needs of our community and a fresh perspective on how to address them. My campaign is focused on the affordability crisis, quality education, and environmental protection—priorities that directly impact the lives of our residents. I would vigorously defend District 59 and my constituents, drawing on my years of community involvement and advocacy. I have consistently articulated innovative solutions to our district’s problems that go beyond the “usual Democratic talking points.” My experience as a union leader, teacher, and hospital foundation board member has given me the skills to promote open dialogue and collaboration across party lines. I am committed to being a strong and effective voice for District 59 in Tallahassee, bringing new energy and practical approaches to addressing the issues that matter most to our community.

District 62

Amaro Lionheart

I am running for District 62 because I believe in the power of faith and family as the cornerstones of a strong community. Our families need to be supported, protected and given the opportunity to thrive in a society that honors tradition and unity. With me, you will have a leader who strongly supports policies that promote economic prosperity, job creation and increased entrepreneurship. I believe that true prosperity comes when we are confident in our values ​​and in our ability to provide a better future for our children.

Together we will build a Florida where faith, family and opportunity are the foundation of our success. Economic growth and family security go hand in hand, and I am committed to ensuring a future where both prosper. Let’s create a brighter future. Vote for me in District 62.

Pinellas-Pasco District Judge

Jenn Dubbeld

I am the best candidate for the position of District Court Judge because of my deep commitment to justice and extensive legal experience. For nearly two decades, I worked as an assistant public defender in Clearwater, handling a wide range of cases from complex litigation to daily court appearances, representing the most vulnerable members of our community. This role has honed my ability to manage a high volume of cases, negotiate complex motions, and negotiate favorable outcomes for my clients while maintaining a fair and balanced approach. I am the only candidate in this race with extensive judicial experience and the only one who has served on many jury trials.

My roots in the Tampa Bay area, combined with my dedication to community service such as mentoring students and volunteering with Fluff Animal Rescue, reflect my belief in the power of giving back. I am committed to upholding the law fairly and fairly.

Pasco County School Superintendent

Chris Dunning

As a dedicated educator with more than 30 years of experience in Pasco County Schools, I am uniquely qualified to lead our district as Superintendent. My career has spanned positions from teacher to principal at all levels, including improving struggling schools and creating the district’s first magnet high school. My time as a district leader and chief negotiator also provides me with invaluable insight into district operations.

My priorities include retaining and attracting excellent teachers, expanding STEM and career development programs, and supporting early literacy initiatives. As the Principal of 2024, I understand the challenges our schools face and have proven strategies to address them.

I am committed to fostering a culture of excellence, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. With my deep roots in Pasco and comprehensive understanding of our county, I am ready to lead the company from day one.