Read the responses from candidates below to gauge their platforms and views.
US REPRESENTATIVE
Ted Yoho (REP)
Age: 63
Highest level of education: Doctorate in veterinary medicine.
Current or last occupation: U.S. Representative, District 3.
Top three goals if elected:
1) Health care
2) Immigration reform
3) Reduce debt
How does he differ from his opponent?
Yoho has experience, passed legislation bipartisanly and has already made the largest reform to foreign aid since 1971 bipartisanly, he said.
His political platform in 10 words:
Efficient, effective government that serves the people.
Does this candidate support the following: yes or no?
Restrictions on gun and ammo purchases (including greater limitations on open carry, banning bump stocks, raising the age to purchase guns) - Declined to answer yes or no.
Investing in renewable sources of energy - Yes
Recreational marijuana - No
President Donald Trump’s administration and its decisions - Yes
School choice - Yes
Universal health care - No
Heightening U.S.-Mexican border security - Yes
DACA and a path to citizenship - Declined to answer yes or no.
Expanding Medicaid/Medicare - No
Abortion rights - No
Money raised in campaign: $813,139.53
Yvonne Hayes Hinson (DEM)
Age: 70
Highest level of education: Master’s degree in education.
Current or last occupation: Retired principal and Gainesville City Commissioner
Top three goals if elected:
1) Affordable health care
2) Stronger gun safety laws
3) Equal voting rights and enforcing Veteran’s Preference Act to support veterans
How does she differ from her opponent?
Hinson said her opponent doesn’t want universal health care or more gun safety laws, and doesn’t support minimum wage.
Her political platform in 10 words:
To support the earth, equal justice, education and protecting farmers and veteran’s benefits.
Does this candidate support the following: yes or no?
Restrictions on gun and ammo purchases (including greater limitations on open carry, banning bump stocks, raising the age to purchase guns) - Yes
Investing in renewable sources of energy - Yes
Recreational marijuana - Yes
President Donald Trump’s administration and its decisions - No
School choice - Yes
Universal health care - Yes
Heightening U.S.-Mexican border security - No
DACA and a path to citizenship - Yes
Expanding Medicaid/Medicare - Yes
Abortion rights - Yes
Money raised in campaign: $36,777.82
STATE SENATE DISTRICT 8
Keith Perry (REP)
Age: 59
Highest level of education: High school graduate.
Current or last occupation: Current state senator and president of Perry Roofing Contractors
Top three goals if elected:
1) Music as a core curriculum
2) Regulatory environment for young people to grow their own business
3) Making texting and driving a primary offense
How does he differ from his opponents?
Perry is blue-collar and started his own business when he was 18. He knows what it takes to run a business and speaks for the working class, he said.
His political platform in 10 words:
Providing common-sense solutions for all of North Central Florida.
Does this candidate support the following: yes or no?
A $15 minimum wage - Declined to answer yes or no.
Increased funding for UF and other public universities - Yes
Offshore drilling - Declined to answer yes or no.
Making texting while driving a primary offense in Florida - Yes
Felon voting rights - Yes
School choice - Yes
DACA and a path to citizenship - Declined to answer yes or no.
President Donald Trump’s administration and its decisions - Declined to answer yes or no.
Recreational marijuana - No
Restrictions on gun and ammo purchases (including greater limitations on open carry, banning bump stocks, raising the age to purchase guns) - Declined to answer yes or no.
Money raised in campaign: $828,412
Dr. Kayser Enneking (DEM)
Age: 59
Highest level of education: Medical doctorate.
Current or last occupation: UF professor of anesthesiology.
Top three goals if elected:
1) Expand Medicaid
2) Change health care delivery
3) Get public schools funded and more environmental regulations
How does she differ from her opponents?
Enneking has a background in health care and can see where there are strengths and weaknesses in the system, she said.
Her political platform in 10 words:
Running for the people, running to make a difference.
Does this candidate support the following: yes or no?
A $15 minimum wage - Yes
Increased funding for UF and other public universities - Yes
Offshore drilling - No
Making texting while driving a primary offense in Florida - Yes
Felon voting rights - Yes
School choice - No
DACA and a path to citizenship - Yes
Recreational marijuana - Yes
Restrictions on gun and ammo purchases (including greater limitations on open carry, banning bump stocks, raising the age to purchase guns) - Yes
Money raised in campaign: $653,412.21
Charles E. Goston (NPA)
Age: 69
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s degree
Current or last occupation: Former Gainesville City Commissioner for District 1, current owner and CEO of Business Black College Monthly and All Roots Production
Top three goals if elected:
1) Build up, expand and solidify Medicaid and to cover people with preexisting conditions
2) Restore rights applied to all people who have done their time
3) Make sure to approach the deficit that has been facing state workers
How does he differ from his opponents?
Goston said he differs greatly, and that his opponent has no experience while he has an abundance. He already knows people who are elected in Tallahassee, which will allow him to work on bipartisan legislation, he said.
His political platform in 10 words:
A representation for all of the people all of the time.
Does this candidate support the following: yes or no?
A $15 minimum wage - Yes
Increased funding for UF and other public universities - Yes
Offshore drilling - No
Making texting while driving a primary offense in Florida - Yes
Felon voting rights - Yes
School choice - Yes
DACA and a path to citizenship - Yes
President Donald Trump’s administration and its decisions - No
Recreational marijuana - Yes
Restrictions on gun and ammo purchases (including greater limitations on open carry, banning bump stocks, raising the age to purchase guns) - Yes
Money raised in campaign: $9,500
FLORIDA HOUSE DISTRICT 21
Jason Lee Haeseler (DEM)
Age: 43
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s degree
Current or last occupation:
Assistant director of utilities (Water Resources) at UF
Top three goals if elected:
1) Expand Medicaid
2) Protect Florida’s natural resources
3) Strengthen public schools
How does he differ from his opponent?
Haeseler supports home rule and public schools, wants to protect water resources, and to expand Medicaid, he said.
Political platform in 10 words:
The government should serve people, not special interests.
Does this candidate support the following: yes or no? Declined to answer yes or no on all questions.
Money raised in campaign: $76,449.36
Chuck Clemons (REP)
Age: 61
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s degree
Current or last occupation: Vice president of advancement for Santa Fe College.
Top three goals if elected:
1) Education
2) Agriculture
3) Natural resources
How does he differ from his opponent?
Clemons has proven himself as an experienced leader with a track record, he said.
His political platform in 10 words:
Work toward bringing people together for practical solutions for challenges faced.
Does this candidate support the following: yes or no?
A $15 minimum wage - No
Increased funding for UF and other public universities - Yes
Offshore drilling - Declined to answer yes or no.
Making texting while driving a primary offense in Florida - Yes
Felon voting rights - Yes
School choice - Yes
DACA and a path to citizenship - Yes
Recreational marijuana - No
Money raised in campaign: $292,321.09
FLORIDA HOUSE DISTRICT 10
Chuck Brannan (REP)
Age: 56
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Current or last occupation: Retired after 30 years with Baker County Sheriff’s Office as Chief Investigator.
Top three goals if elected:
1) Maintain a strong economy
2) Protect springs, water and natural resources
3) Be an advocate for education
How does he differ from his opponents?
Broad footprint in all the counties across the district.
His platform in 10 words:
Pro-gun, anti-abortion rights and anti-tax.
Does this candidate support the following: yes or no?
A $15 minimum wage - No
Increased funding for UF and other public universities - Yes
Offshore drilling - No
Making texting while driving a primary offense in Florida - Yes
Felon voting rights - No
School choice - Yes
DACA and a path to citizenship - No
President Donald Trump’s administration and its decision - Yes
Recreational marijuana - No
Restrictions on gun and ammo purchases - No
Money raised in campaign: $106,589.35
Ronald W. Williams II (DEM)
Age: 48
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s degree in social work from Saint Leo University
Current or last occupation: Drug counselor in Alachua County
Top three goals if elected:
1) Education
2) Employment
3) Social services
How does he differ from his opponents?
Williams is from the district and has a lot of social work background in mental health issues, he said.
His political platform in 10 words:
1) Education
2) Employment
3) Social services and infrastructure
Does this candidate support the following: yes or no?
A $15 minimum wage - Yes
Increased funding for UF and other public universities - No
Offshore drilling - No
Making texting while driving a primary offense in Florida - Yes
Felon voting rights - Yes
School choice - Yes
DACA and a path to citizenship - Yes
Recreational marijuana - Yes
Restrictions on gun and ammo purchases (including greater limitations on open carry, banning bump stocks, raising the age to purchase guns) - No
Money raised in campaign: $3,880
Fred S. Martin (NPA)
Age: 56
Highest level of education: Trade school
Current or last occupation: A political protester
Top three goals if elected:
1) Body cameras for all law enforcement officers
2) Data storage
3) More money to go toward preventing domestic violence and toward homeless shelters
How does he differ from his opponents?
He is pushing for ethical standards of conduct for law enforcement and the judicial system, he said.
His political platform in 10 words:
Criminal justice reform, legalize prostitution and marijuana.
Does this candidate support the following: yes or no?
A $15 minimum wage - No
Increased funding for UF and other public universities - Yes
Offshore drilling - No
Making texting while driving a primary offense in Florida - Yes
Felon voting rights - Yes
School choice - No
DACA and a path to citizenship - Yes
Recreational marijuana - Yes
Restrictions on gun and ammo purchases (including greater limitations on open carry, banning bump stocks, raising the age to purchase guns) - No
Money raised in campaign: $1,300
Merrillee Malwitz Jipson (NPA)
Age: 53
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s degree
Current or last occupation: Owner of Rum 138
Top three goals if elected:
Declined to answer.
How does she differ from her opponents: Declined to answer.
Political platform in 10 words: Declined to answer.
Does this candidate support the following: yes or no?
A $15 minimum wage - Yes
Increased funding for UF and other public universities - No for UF, Yes for other public universities
Offshore drilling - No
Making texting while driving a primary offense in Florida - Yes
Felon voting rights - Yes
School choice - Yes
DACA and a path to citizenship - Yes
Recreational marijuana - Yes
Money raised in campaign: $19,612.78
ALACHUA COUNTY JUDGE
Craig DeThomasis
Age: 60
Highest level of education: Juris Doctor
Current or last occupation: Attorney, senior partner at DeThomasis & Buchanan P.A. and adjunct professor at Levin College of Law
Top three goals if elected:
1) Administer justice fairly
2) Work to improve the court system
3) Continue to educate and mentor young attorneys
How does he differ from his opponent?
DeThomasis is the only candidate in this race who has been an Alachua County resident for 42 years, an Alachua County attorney for 35 years, teaching law for 28 years at Levin College of Law and awarded highest ratings in legal ability and ethical standards from both Florida Bar-approved ratings services, he said.
His political platform in 10 words: To serve the community with integrity.
Money raised in campaign: $80,995.99
Meshon Rawls
Age: 47
Highest level of education: Juris Doctor
Current or last occupation: Law professor, director and supervising attorney of Gator TeamChild Juvenile Law Clinic
Top three goals if elected:
1) To make sure everyone’s voice is heard
2) Administer the law fairly and impartially
3) Treat everyone with dignity and respect
How does she differ from her opponent?
Instead of focusing on her opponent’s differences, Rawls asked students to consider her contributions and dedication to the profession and community over the past 20 years.
Her political platform in 10 words: Continuing a lifetime of public service from a different perspective.
Money raised in campaign: $66,707.39
ALACHUA COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 2
Marihelen Haddock Wheeler (DEM)
Age: 67
Highest level of education: Two master’s degrees
Current or last occupation: Retired two years ago as a teacher from Westwood Middle School
Top three goals if elected:
1) Florida waters
2) Advocating for children
3) Trying to improve economic opportunities for rural and urban families
How does she differ from her opponents?
She brings a unique perspective as a woman, teacher and mother coming to the board, she said.
Her political platform in 10 words: Ensuring economic health and wellbeing and protecting the environment.
Does this candidate support the following: yes or no?
Open container/expansion of bar hours - No
GRU referendum - No
School choice - No
Sabal Trail Transmission pipeline - No
More needs to be done in regards to lead testing of school’s water - Yes
Tax funding going toward conservation efforts in the county - Yes
Development of Plum Creek - No
Money raised in campaign: $45,349
Gregory Caudill (LPF)
Age: 38
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s degree from UF in computer science but was accepted into a UF master’s program
Current or last occupation: Senior database analyst
Top three goals if elected:
1) Reduce tax burden on property owners
2) Ensure every dollar spent is only spent on needs in the county especially on infrastructure
3) Make sure everyone in the county has a voice
How does he differ from his opponents?
He comes from a different background because both his opponents are registered from the same party, he said. Caudill wants to help people fix problems themselves instead of the government fixing problems.
His political platform in 10 words: The person most capable to make decisions about your life is you.
Does this candidate support the following: yes or no?
Open container/expansion of bar hours - Yes
GRU referendum - Yes
School choice - Yes
Sabal Trail Transmission pipeline - No
More needs to be done in regards to lead testing of school’s water - Yes
Tax funding going toward conservation efforts in the county - No
Development of Plum Creek - Yes
Money raised in campaign: $18,916.92
Scott Costello (NPA)
Age: 45
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s degree
Current or last occupation: Owner and publisher of Advantage Publishing and executive director of Taste of Gainesville
Top three goals if elected:
1) Fix roads
2) Create jobs in eastern Gainesville
3) Expand economic opportunities throughout the county
How does he differ from his opponents?
Costello said he is the only candidate with a proven track record of running a business.
His political platform in 10 words:
Common sense leadership and a voice for all residents of Alachua County.
Does this candidate support the following: yes or no?
Open container/expansion of bar hours - Yes to open container, No to bar hours
School choice - Yes
Sabal Trail Transmission pipeline - Yes
More needs to be done in regards to lead testing of school’s water - Yes
Tax funding going toward conservation efforts in the county - No
Development of Plum Creek - Yes
Money raised in campaign: $51,029
ALACHUA COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 1
Gunnar Paulson
Age: 71
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, and specialist degrees
Current or last occupation: Chairman of the school board.
Top three goals if elected:
1) Funding public education
2) School safety
3) Building new learning spaces from the money from the half-cent sales tax.
How does he differ from his opponent?
Paulson said he has experience because he’s been in the classroom and knows how to fix it.
His political platform in 10 words:
Paulson is here to save public education and defend our children, he said.
Does this candidate support the following: yes or no?
Betsy DeVos and her agenda as Sec. of Education - No
School choice - Declined to answer yes or no.
More lead testing of school’s water - No
Guardian program - No
The tax referendum currently on the ballot - Yes
Plan announced for dealing with the equity gap and its implementation - Yes
Term limits for the school board - No
Deciding teachers’ pay and employment status based on test scores and evaluations - No
Money raised in campaign: $34,190
April Barefoot Tisher
Age: 41
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of North Carolina Wilmington
Current or last occupation: Writer and sales executive for Irving Publications
Top three goals if elected:
1) Equity gap
2) Mental health issues
3) Extracurricular activity support
How does she differ from her opponent?
Tisher is a mom who has kids in public schools now, so she would bring a diverse opinion to the board, she said.
Her political platform in 10 words:
An advocate for all students and parents in the district.
Does this candidate support the following: yes or no?
Betsy DeVos and her agenda as Sec. of Education - Declined to answer yes or no.
School choice - Yes
More lead testing of school’s water - Yes
Guardian program - No
The tax referendum currently on the ballot - Yes
Plan announced for dealing with the equity gap and its implementation - No
Term limits for the school board - Yes
Deciding teachers’ pay and employment status based on test scores and evaluations - No
Money raised in campaign: $8,998.40
CIRCUIT JUDGE
David Robertson
Age: 51
Highest level of education: Juris Doctor degree
Current or last occupation: Chief counsel of the Florida Department of Transportation and more than 17 years of service as the Command Judge Advocate for the Florida Army National Guard 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team
Top three goals if elected:
1) Gain the trust and respect of the citizens
2) Earn a reputation for fairness
3) Maintain the integrity of the judiciary.
How do he differ from his opponent?
Robertson has a broader base of experience, with a higher level of responsibility over a much longer period of time, he said.
Political platform in 10 words: Honesty, integrity and experience matter.
Statement:
Money raised in campaign: $74,020
Gloria Walker
Age: 49
Highest level of education: Juris Doctor degree
Current or last occupation: Managing attorney and director of litigation
Top three goals if elected:
1) Continue to serve the residents of this circuit with dignity and respect
2) Uphold the Constitution and rule of law
3) Be fair and impartial
How does she differ from her opponent?
Walker has been endorsed by seven former Circuit Court Judges. She has 15 years of legal experience in state, federal and at the appellate court levels. She teaches pretrial practice at the UF Levin College of Law as an adjunct professor and is the current president of the Eighth Judicial Bar Association, she said. She is a bilingual, first-generation college graduate raised by a single mother, she said. Walker is the first lawyer in her family who is running for a seat that has never been held by a Hispanic female, she said.
Money raised in campaign: $75,907.88
SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT GROUP 3
Chris Rose III
Age: 29
Highest level of education: High school graduate.
Current or last occupation: Self-employed
Top three goals if elected:
1) Raise awareness of issues with the aquifer and springs
2) Expand oversight of the Board of County Commissioners
3) Develop community programs for conservation.
How does he differ from his opponent?
He campaigned, spoke at various City and County Commission meetings, attended every candidate debate/forum/social and small town events, he said.
His political platform in 10 words:
Free-market conservation. Fiscal responsibility. Transparency. Accountability by officials.
Money raised in campaign: $1,111.01
Kaithleen Hernandez
Age: 23
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s degree in sustainability and the environment
Current or last occupation: Event coordinator for the Civic Media Center
Top three goals if elected:
1) Education outreach
2) Environmental justice
3) Helping small farmers
How does she differ from her opponent?
She said she has the passion and drive to put the community’s health and safety first without compromising financial gains.
Her political platform in 10 words:
By the people, for the planet.
Money raised in campaign: $1,055.02
Nicholas Moore-Lefauve, a 20-year-old information systems and operations management major, puts on his "I Voted" sticker during the first day of early voting at the J. Wayne Reitz Union Monday morning. This is the third time Moore-Lefauve has voted in his life.
