Candidate responds to the recommendations of the Times Editorial Board

Editor’s note: The Tampa Bay Times encourages candidates not recommended by the Times Editorial Board to apply. Here are the responses from the local candidates who took up the offer. You can find all recommendations by clicking here.

U.S. Representative – District 15

Pat Kemp

Families in District 15 deserve a representative who will fight for them. Disaster management is an example of this. I would never threaten or vote against FEMA, as my opponent did just before Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

My opponent celebrated the end of Roe vs. 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, instead of pushing the envelope 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 have all earned. I have fought for fair elections for decades and promise to stand up and fight for you in Washington.

District 16

Jan Schneider

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

While the Supreme Court overturned fifty years of Roe v. Wade, Congress can still act in several ways to preserve freedom of choice. Congress should also pass benefits for the middle class and not pass tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act was the most far-reaching federal action on climate change and green investments ever, and the bipartisan border bill would have delivered improvements.

I agree with my opponent on many issues, including honoring veterans, banning drilling off the coast of Florida, and federal budget responsibility. Yet I fear threats to our U.S. Constitution and our country if one presidential candidate is elected while Congress is unable to provide the checks and balances and combat lies.

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

Florida Senate – District 23

Ben Braver

I find myself in the unusual situation of largely agreeing with my opponent’s recommendation from the Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board. I agree that incumbent Danny Burgess is taking the wrong positions 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, which is not doing enough to address housing, education and the state’s affordability crisis.” Actually, I just don’t agree with who the board recommended.

If you don’t like the status quo, don’t stick with it. Be braver. Choose a new path, one that didn’t lead us directly here. Just raising taxes on the top 2% can fully fund our schools, expand health care, fix our roads, and lower insurance costs for all of us.

We are deep in a cost of living crisis, and more shoveling will not dig us out. Investing in the middle class will do that. Vote for me in 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 resident participating in the race.

• I have a proven track record of fighting for the environment. I worked with Dunedin City Council on the green space and feasible housing masterplan for the DREAM project.

• I led the statewide effort to get tens of thousands of Floridians their unpaid unemployment benefits.

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

• I travel to DC annually to advocate for cancer research and will always fight for health.

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

District 59

Dawn Douglas

As a lifelong resident of Pinellas, I bring a deep understanding of our community’s needs and a fresh perspective to addressing them. My campaign focuses on the affordability crisis, quality education and environmental protection, priorities that directly impact the lives of our residents. I would advocate strongly for District 59 and my constituents, building on my years of community involvement and advocacy. I have consistently articulated innovative solutions to our district’s challenges that go beyond “normal 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 collaborate across party lines. I am committed to being a strong, effective voice for District 59 in Tallahassee, bringing new energy and practical approaches to tackling 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 cornerstone of a strong community. Our families must 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 stands firmly for policies that stimulate economic prosperity, job creation and entrepreneurial growth. I believe that true prosperity comes when we are confident in our values ​​and 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 achieving a future where both thrive. Let’s create a better future. Vote for me in District 62.

Judge of the Pinellas-Pasco Circuit

Jen Dubbeld

I am the best candidate for the position of Circuit Court Judge because of my strong commitment to justice and my extensive legal experience. For nearly two decades, I served as an Assistant Attorney General in Clearwater, handling a wide range of cases, from complex litigation to day-to-day court hearings representing the most vulnerable in our community. This role has honed my ability to manage large caseloads, argue 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 courtroom experience and the only one who has tried many jury trials.

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

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 a superintendent. My career includes roles from teacher to principal at every level, including turning around struggling schools and creating the district’s first magnet high school. My time as a district leader and chief negotiator also gives me valuable insight into district operations.

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

I am committed to promoting a culture of excellence, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. With my deep roots in Pasco and my extensive knowledge of our district, I am ready to lead from day one.