“As a former Navy Nuclear Reactor Plant Supervisor, I was trained in an environment where mistakes aren’t an option and accountability is absolute.  In the nuclear field, you don’t make excuses, you deliver results.  I am running for Congress to bring that same Zero-Fail standard to Florida’s 7^th District.

Working families in Central Florida are tired of being ignored.  They deserve a representative who delivers action – not rhetoric – and who understands that leadership means showing up and getting results. In Congress, I will fight to lower housing costs, stabilize our insurance market, ensure accessible healthcare and be an unwavering advocate for the veterans’ benefits we have earned”.  Her website is https://www.kinterforcongress.com 

Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet is a proven community leader and problem solver running to represent State House District 42.

With decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and public service, he holds a Bachelor’s in Business with a Minor in Economics from St. Thomas University and an Associate’s in International Studies from Miami Dade College.

As an immigrant and LGBTQ+ Floridian, Felipe brings lived experience and a career rooted in expanding opportunity, advancing inclusive policies, and delivering real results for everyday people.

His campaign is grounded in the belief that we all do better when we Thrive Together.  His website is https://felipeforflorida.com

Samuel Vilchez Santiago for  HD 43

The affordability issues hitting us hard right now are a direct result of years and years of poor leadership in Tallahassee. Our elected officials have failed us- especially here in District 58. 

I’ve spent the last decade helping to lower energy bills for families, seniors, and churches. I have the experience to bring real relief home to Pinellas.​​

​It’s time for a new way forward.  A new way that puts Floridians first – not politicians and big corporate lobbyists.  His website is https://www.bryanbeckmanfl.com

My family immigrated to the United States in 1999, and we’ve called St. Petersburg home since then. My North Star has been, and always will be, my mom. As a child growing up, I watched this single mother raising five children while navigating a new country, a new language, and a new culture. She worked multiple jobs to ensure we had food on the table and a roof over our heads. The only requirement she had for us was to take the opportunities presented to us in our new home. It was her model of servant leadership that inspired me to work to give back to the community that welcomed us home.

As your Representative, I am committed to tackling the needs of our communities with practical solutions for the affordability crisis, bringing local power back to the people, and ensuring health care is accessible and affordable for all Floridians. My mom has given me the tools to grow. Together, we can use these skills to help us build a thriving community. I invite you to join me in the fight. Now is our time to create a better Pinellas County where we can lower our costs, raise our wages, and give all working families and seniors the brighter future they have earned. Her website is https://maythach.com

Teacher, union member, fighter for Tampa Bay families.

Real change takes someone willing to fight, not just talk.  That’s why Ben’s motto is simple: Be Braver.

Ben grew up in Hillsborough County going to Benito Middle School, King High School, and USF (Go Bulls!).  He studied economics, interned for Congresswoman Kathy Castor, and directed State & Local policy for the Young Democrats of America.

After graduating, Ben’s experience teaching at Title 1 schools showed him exactly what families need.  He’ll fight for fully funded public schools, Universal Pre-K and free public college so Florida keeps its talent in state.  His website is https://benbraver.com

State Representative Johanna López is a dedicated public servant, single mother of four, grandmother, and advisor to both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. A proud daughter and mother of veterans—and a survivor of domestic violence—she has led her life and career with resilience, determination, and purpose.

​She grew up in a public housing project in Puerto Rico, where she learned early the value of hard work, community, and perseverance. After moving to Orlando, she worked at the MCO

Airport car wash and a fast-food restaurant to help support her family—experiences that shaped her deep commitment to serving others. 

 Johanna currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Orange County Realtors Foundation, is an Executive Board Member of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, and previously served on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Teacher Advisory Council. She was also a member of the Superintendent’s Public Education Leadership Project at Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Orange County Public Schools Foundation.

​Now, Johanna López is running to continue serving her community at the local level as Orange County Commissioner for District 4—bringing her experience, passion, and proven leadership closer to the people she represents. Her website is https://www.votejohannalopez.com

Anna is a bold and unapologetic fighter for Florida families and everyday people. Born and raised in Orlando, she’s the daughter of working-class immigrants who came to Florida from Iran in search of the American Dream. Anna went to Orange County Public Schools and the University of Central Florida. She earned dual degrees as an undergrad and graduate student, works as a nonprofit professional, and completed her PhD in Public Administration from UCF in 2024.

A bridge builder, Anna flipped her legislative seat in 2018 and won her re-election by an overwhelmingmajority in 2020, 2022, and 2024. She made history as the first Iranian-American elected to any public office in Florida and has championed critical issues like housing affordability, tax breaks for working families, environmental protection, equality for all, funding for public schools, human trafficking and sexual assault prevention, and support of arts and culture funding. With a track record of kind sacrifice, endless hard work, and iron-clad values, Anna is known across the state and nation as a leader who is unbothered, unbossed, and committed to the people of Florida.

Brandi is running for Mayor because she believes St. Petersburg has reached a critical turning point where reactive decision-making and missed opportunities can no longer be the status quo. To get our city back on track, she is committed to the same principled leadership she has demonstrated on the City Council. By reestablishing a culture of accountability and transparency at City Hall, Brandi will tackle the pressing challenges of public safety and housing while exploring innovative, bold solutions to lower the cost of living for every household.

Her track record proves she has the courage to challenge the “business as usual” approach, whether she is shining a spotlight on the need for a healthier workplace culture for our dedicated employees or advocating for a planning-first framework for the Historic Gas Plant District. Brandi has consistently shown the tenacity to press pause and “level up” to ensure that development serves the people and protects the investments residents have made in their own neighborhoods. As Mayor, she will lead with that same relentless energy, listening to the community, working around the clock, and ensuring that City Hall remains focused on doing the right thing for every corner of St. Petersburg.  Her website is https://brandi4stpete.com 

I firmly believe District 2 deserves a representative who understands both its economic importance and its identity as a community where people build their lives. I work in hands‑on roles that require problem‑solving, coordination, and accountability, and those experiences shape how I approach public service. I believe in practical, resident‑focused leadership that listens first and acts with empathy and transparency. My priorities reflect what I hear from neighbors every day: infrastructure that works, safe and connected neighborhoods, and a city where the people who power our local economy can afford to live and thrive. District 2 is home to families, workers, and small businesses who deserve consistent attention and fair investment. I am committed to advocating for the needs of this district, strengthening the systems residents rely on, and ensuring that our community’s voice is heard in every decision that affects our future. I’ve spent years creating positive change behind the scenes, working directly with residents and solving problems where they happen. Now I’m ready to step into a leadership role and use that experience to serve District 2 on a larger scale, advocate for our community, and make sure the people who live here are truly heard.

I care deeply about policies that support residents, protect their interests, and make District 2 a place where families and workers can thrive. to me, this means supporting policy that strengthens the quality of everyday life for district 2 residents. My focus will be on supporting policy that supports infrastructure, Ensures our communities are safe and connected, And driving housing affordability that is consistent and permanent.  Her website is https://bermudez4district2.com

Richie was first elected in 2021 after running a grassroots campaign driven by hard work and funded by small dollar donations from everyday people. Richie is a Florida native, and previously worked as an Electrical Engineer and a Pinellas County Schools Science Teacher. He lives in the Central Oak Park neighborhood with his wife, Miranda. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, fishing, gardening, and participating in community organizing.

Richie moved to St. Petersburg after college and immediately fell in love with the city. He quickly became civically engaged, participating in neighborhood groups and political campaigns. He is a democratic socialist, and before running for office he worked on campaigns for working class issues like the $15 minimum wage, labor rights, voting rights, and more.

Richie has won his seat on the St Petersburg City Council.  His website is https://www.richiefloyd.com

Community leader, journalist and a longtime Clearwater resident, Jared Leone has been involved in our city for decades.

A resident of Pinellas County since 1985, Leone’s deep roots in the community helped shape his servant leadership. He graduated from Largo High School, where he had the opportunity to spend time in Washington D.C. as part of the National Youth Leadership Council Youth Leadership Conference pursuing his dedication to civic engagement. He was the editor of the award-winning Packer Press newspaper, a member of the Academic and Tennis teams and an early enrollee to St. Petersburg College. He was featured on Fox 13’s “What’s Right with Tampa Bay” segment after returning from March of the Living.

He worked as editor and launched the Clearwater Patch news site for AOL in 2011, winning a Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists Griot Drum award in 2014 for his coverage in the North Greenwood neighborhood.

After graduating Clearwater’s Citizen academy in 2015, he joined the city’s Environmental Advisory Board, where he served as chairman for nearly a decade. There, he helped shape policies and initiatives that reduced costs for the city, strengthened environmental protections, and improved community resilience. His leadership led to the City Council’s unanimous approval of the groundbreaking “Ocean Friendly” ordinance aimed at curbing single-use plastics and the revival of the city’s GreenPrint sustainability plan.  His website is https://jaredforclearwater.com

Living in Clearwater for 13 years and Pinellas County for 33 years, I have carefully watched the developments in the race for Clearwater City Council Seat 5 and the direction of the present board. I see the urgent need to become involved.”

I hear the same tired clichés of transparency, affordability and safety yet nothing on the real issues facing Clearwater. I crave real conversations about what is ahead for our city.

I have the experience and maturity to make Clearwater an even better community — from beach to bay.   His website is https://kevinforclearwatercouncil.com.

Angie Gallo brings deep dedication and proven leadership to the fight for strong public schools.  She’s currently serving her second term as School Board Member for District 1 and as President of the Florida School Boards Association.  With a clear vision for student-centered progress, she’s committed to building a brighter future for learners, educators, and families across Orange County.

Angie Gallo’s journey as an education advocate began when she recognized the power of standing up -not just for her children’s education, but for every child in the district.  For over 25 years, she has immersed herself in supporting the students of Orange County.

Now, as a candidate for Orange County School Board Chair, Angie is ready to build on that foundation of leadership – championing strategic investments in students and teachers to strengthen public education for all.  Her website is https://www.voteangiegallo.com

Melissa Lopez Marinates for Orange County School Board / District 1

Gloria is running for Orange County School Board because as a parent with children in and graduated from OCPS, she see first-hand both the opportunities our schools provide and the challenges families face.

She believes our schools should be focused on what truly matters: strong academics, safe learning environments, and preparing students for success in life.  Too often, time and energy are pulled away from the classroom and from the real needs of students and teachers.  Gloria is running to bring the focus back to student achievement, support for educators, and outcomes that actually improve our schools.

Daniela Simic is an experienced education leader with more than two decades of service strengthening schools at every level, from the classroom to the district office. She began her career as a classroom teacher and rose to serve as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for Hillsborough County, supporting 233 schools and over 12,000 educators.

Throughout her career, Daniela has worked across the education system, serving at the Florida Department of Education and in senior district leadership roles across Florida and Texas. She has led large-scale improvement efforts in underperforming schools, overseen curriculum and instructional systems, and supported educators in strengthening student outcomes.

Today, she serves as Vice President of Advocacy for the Hillsborough County Council PTA, working alongside parents and educators to advance policies that support student success. She also works in the private sector supporting school districts in implementing responsible AI tools that strengthen instruction and support teachers.

Daniela is also a proud Hillsborough County mom whose 10-year-old son attends school in the district. She became a parent under difficult circumstances, losing her husband while she was pregnant. Raising her son in this community has deepened her appreciation for the stability and opportunity strong schools provide families every day, especially during life’s most challenging moments.

Daniela believes that where a child starts should never determine where they finish. Much of her career has been devoted to ensuring schools have the leadership, structure, and support necessary to help every student succeed.

She is running for School Board with one clear mission:

Every Child. Every Chance.

Her website is https://danielaforschools.com/

Megan Tennimon is a lifelong Sarasota resident who is deeply rooted in the community she hopes to serve. A proud 1997 graduate of Sarasota High School, Megan comes from a true Sailor family—her mom is also an SHS alum, and her three kids now represent the third generation attending Sarasota County schools.

Megan and her husband, Drew, have been married for nearly 18 years. Drew is a small business owner and together they are raising three children who are actively involved in Sarasota schools and extracurricular activities

Education has always been at the heart of Megan’s life. After graduating high school, Megan attended Manatee Community College (now State College of Florida), earning her associate degree before continuing her education at USF Sarasota, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. In 2001, she began her career as a second-grade teacher at Gocio Elementary School. She loved being in the classroom and took on leadership roles, worked closely with parents, and helped create family learning nights that made education fun and accessible at home. While she eventually left to raise her family and work at home for her husband’s payroll and insurance business, she continued working in education—this time helping adult students find the right graduate programs and later managing and training admissions teams.

When Megan became a stay-at-home mom, she didn’t step away from her community. She found Moms Club of Sarasota, where she eventually served as president, and once her kids entered school, she jumped in as a volunteer and leader. Over the years, Megan has served in countless roles across Fruitville Elementary, Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences (SSAS), McIntosh Middle, and Sarasota High School—everything from PTO president and treasurer to volunteer coordinator, fundraiser, event planner, and exam proctor.

Outside of school, Megan loves reading, exercising, boating, traveling with her family, and caring for their very full house of pets—two dogs, two cats, and two guinea pigs (she’d have more if her husband wasn’t so opposed to it). She’s a lifelong learner who believes kindness matters, community matters, and our schools are strongest when families and educators work together. Megan is running for Sarasota County School Board to give back to the schools that shaped her family and to be a positive, thoughtful advocate for students, parents, and teachers.

Her website is https://electmegantennimon.com

A graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Miami, and a Doctorate Degree in Child, Youth, and Family Studies from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Kimmel has deep roots in Florida’s educational landscape. Her teaching career began in Dade County before she moved to Broward, where she was named Broward County Teacher of the year in 1996 for her work with gifted students at Pembroke Lakes Elementary. Her classroom, known as the “Discovery Crew,” was celebrated for its creativity, including immersive projects like a “live” chess game and a giant bubble for reading activities.

Transitioning from the classroom to administration and higher education, Dr. Kimmel served as the founding Assistant Principal of the Sagemont School, where she helped design the institution from the ground up. She later directed grants and programs for the South Florida Annenberg Challenge, managing a $100 million matching grant program. For the past 22 years, she has served as a Professor of Teacher Education at Broward College, where she has been awarded two Endowed Teaching Chairs and founded the first-ever community college chapter of the prestigious Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, opening the door for chapters at community colleges nationwide. She also currently serves as a Faculty Senator.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Kimmel is a leader in the Northwest Broward community, where she has lived since 2019. She currently serves as the President of the Parkland Friends of the Library and is a long-standing member of the City of Parkland Community Advisory Board. Her leadership extends to her local neighborhood, where she served as the first HOA President of the Cascata community. Her community work is characterized by a “relentless” drive to unite residents, often spearheading initiatives like city-wide partnerships with the Harvest Drive to support families in need during the pandemic.

Why I’m Running.  For over 20 years, I’ve dedicated my life to Broward County’s students – as a teacher, instructional leader, and community advocate.   I’m running for the School Board of Broward County because our students, families, and educators deserve experience, thoughtful leadership that puts people, not politics, at the center of every decision.

With a background in both military service and public education, I bring a commitment to integrity, accountability, and service to every challenge we face.

His Website is https://www.electroberto2026.com .

I’m Jenn McDaigle, and I’m running for Lee County School Board District 1 because our kids are stepping into a world being rapidly reshaped by artificial intelligence, and our schools should be preparing them for the future, not the past. We need an education system built for their future: hands-on, relevant, and focused on critical thinking, adaptability, and real-world experience, not just memorization. Our kids don’t care about adult debates. They care whether they can read, whether their teacher shows up, whether school feels safe. That’s what I care about too. It’s about building a system that works for every child, every family, every time.  Her website is https://jennforeverychild.com .

Hi. I’m Carline Saintilus, a proud wife, mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, and community advocate dedicated to empowering families through education and opportunity. With over 20 years of leadership experience in real estate, business management, and public service, I have built a legacy rooted in integrity and impact.

The eldest daughter of Haitian immigrants, I was raised with a simple truth: education is the key to every door. I carried that lesson with me to become the first in my family to earn a graduate degree, obtaining an MBA in Organizational Leadership. My journey is a testament to the American Dream—a dream I am now fighting to protect for every child in our district. I am running to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, is afforded the high-quality education and opportunities they need to succeed.

​I believe that true education is the transfer of power from the teacher to the learner. By prioritizing safety as our foundation and transparency as our bridge to the community, we create an environment where rapid growth is met with unwavering stability, and every student is equipped to lead their own future.  

I will work tirelessly to strengthen our local schools, support educators, restore the community’s trust, and expand opportunities for our emerging leaders.   My vision is clear: a stronger, more united Lee County where families thrive, communities grow, and leadership listens.

Her website is https://www.votesaintilussbd5.com

In 2018, after being encouraged to run by her predecessor, Sue was elected to the Monroe County School Board unopposed. Since then, she has served in leadership roles at the local, state, and regional levels, including Chair of the Monroe County School Board, President of the Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards, and Federal Relations Chair for the Florida School Boards Association. Her advocacy work has taken her to Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., where she works with policymakers on issues including school funding, workforce challenges, student mental health, housing for educators, and educational opportunity for all students. Along the way, she has helped secure federal funding for teacher workforce housing, advance public education priorities, and strengthen collaboration among school districts across Florida.

Despite her statewide and national advocacy work, Sue remains most at home in Monroe County’s schools. Whether attending a school musical, cheering from the sidelines at a sporting event, celebrating student achievements at graduation, or volunteering at a community event, she believes one of the most important parts of public service is simply showing up. A familiar face at schools and community gatherings throughout the Keys, Sue values the relationships she has built with students, families, educators, and local residents over the years.

Throughout her service, Sue has remained focused on ensuring every child has access to a safe, welcoming, and high-quality public school staffed by excellent educators. She believes strong public schools strengthen communities, support local families, and create opportunities that last a lifetime.

When she isn’t advocating for public education, Sue enjoys photography, travel, water sports, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog Archie.  Her website is https://www.woltanski4schools.com 

Schnelle Tonge/ Palm Beach County Court Judge, Group 1

Yvette Drucker / Clerk & Comptroller Palm Beach County