US Senate
We here at the Alligator support Patrick Murphy in his race for a seat in the U.S. Senate. A former Republican, Murphy left the party after he believed them to be dishonest about the Iraq War, and he considers the party to have fallen into the hands of extremists. This honesty, insightfulness and steadfastness to his principles is admirable. In terms of positions, Murphy is pro-choice and is comfortable with LGBTQ+ lifestyles. We believe his experience in the U.S. House of Representatives, his ability to understand partisanship and his policy positions make him most qualified to represent us in the Senate.
US House of Representatives
We here at the Alligator support Kenneth “Ken” McGurn in his race for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. A veteran, a three-time Gator alumnus and a community builder (literally as a general contractor), McGurn knows Gainesville inside and out. Ken has been awarded over 60 local, state and national awards for projects and services that try to make Gainesville a better place for residents. He was partly responsible for the revitalization of downtown Gainesville, and he supported employment initiatives that have made the unemployment rate of Alachua County one of the lowest in Florida. We believe McGurn is beyond qualified to speak on our behalf in the House of Representatives.
Alachua County Sheriff
We here at the Alligator encourage you to re-elect Sheriff Sadie Darnell as Alachua County sheriff. Having served as sheriff since 2006, Darnell is a UF alumna who understands this city in all of its intricacies. She worked with Gainesville Police from 1978 to 2005, climbing easily to captain, until she was voted in as sheriff of Alachua County in 2006. She encourages her staff to understand the complexities mental illness brings to law enforcement. She has a track record of public safety that is unparalleled, and we encourage you to support her today.
Florida State Senate
We here at the Alligator support Rod Smith in his race for a seat in the Florida Senate. A Levin College of Law alumnus, Smith has been involved in the political scene here in Gainesville since he graduated from Levin in 1975. In the realms of gun control and abortion, Smith has expressed his opinions with the sensitivity and reason they deserve and a willingness to compromise that is essential for any politician to have. Smith previously represented us in the Florida Senate from 2001 to 2006 and did a fantastic job, stepping down in order to run for governor. We’re glad Smith is back on the ballot and urge a vote supporting his run for the state Senate.
Florida State Representative
We here at the Alligator support Marihelen Wheeler in her race for a seat in the Florida House of Representatives. While the minimum wage has not been adjusted for inflation in many moons, Wheeler recognizes this dilemma and is persistent on resolving it. In terms of women’s health, she believes the government has no business in the personal decisions of women. In a district that is very concerned about environmental questions, Wheeler encourages locals to stand up in the defense of waterways and agricultural lands that can’t defend themselves. We’re glad Wheeler was not discouraged in her 2014 loss when she ran for the same position, and that she is persistent enough to not give up on the district she cares so much about.
Florida State Representative
Jeremy Lawrence Bullard has been serving the Floridian community since 1985 when he began a career in law enforcement. He continued working in law enforcement until 2010 when he retired with the rank of captain. He has an understanding of the importance of education as the husband of a public school teacher and a product of the public school system himself, and he understands how education consequentially makes the job of law enforcement a lot easier. Bullard has a history of keeping our communities safe by getting to the root of the problem, and for that reason, we encourage you to support him as your State Representative.
