Scott Powers
More than 300 candidates are running for the 160 seats in the Florida House and Senate. And, try as we will, FloridaPolitics.com won’t be able to interview all of them.
So we are asking every candidate, including incumbents, to complete a questionnaire we believe offers an interesting, albeit, thumbnail sketch of who they are and why they are running. If you are a candidate and would like to complete the questionnaire, email [email protected].
Today’s candidate spotlight features Linda Stewart, Democratic candidate for Florida’s Senate District 13, representing east and north-central Orange County.
Stewart, 67, became a surprise rising star in Central Florida politics when she won a low-budget, grassroots campaign to upset an entrenched incumbent for the Orange County Commission in 2002, yet she quickly established herself as one of the best-known voices for Democratic politics.
Twice, she’s been out of office, after 2010 when she ran unsuccessfully for Orange County mayor, rather than for re-election, and since 2014. In 2012 she was elected to serve House District 47, serving much of central Orange County. But Republican Mike Miller beat her in the 2014 election to take the seat.
Now Stewart is running for the Florida Senate in Senate District 13, which includes much of the areas she served as a county commissioner and as a state representative. Competition is tough, with another former state representative, Mike Clelland, and a longtime Orange County School Board member, Rick Roach, seeking the Democratic nomination, and well-financed Republican nominee Dean Asher waiting for whoever wins.
Here is Stewart in her own words:
Significant other? Kids?
Husband, two kids, and two grandkids.
Education background? Professional background?
Bachelor’s degree, insurance license.
What was your first job?
I worked at a steakhouse as a waitress.
In 25 words or less, why are you running for office?
I am running because this community deserves an experienced candidate that will represent the ideals of this community.
Did you speak with anybody in your political party before deciding on running? Receive any encouragement? From whom?
No.
Who do you count on for advice?
It depends on the situation, I go to those I trust, and who are most experienced in the topic.
Who is your political consultant? Campaign manager?
Chelsea Daley, Wes Hodge.
Who was the first person to contribute to your campaign? Why did they donate?
Doug Head — friend.
Who, if anyone, inspires you in state government?
State Rep. Janet Cruz.
Why do people mistrust elected officials and what are you going to do about it?
They don’t always feel that elected officials will follow through with the commitments they make during campaign season. I have always been transparent, and my work will show that constituents can trust me.
What are 3 issues that you’re running on? (You’re not allowed to say education or “improving the schools.”)
Environment, women’s rights, expanding health care.
What is a “disruptive” issue (i.e. ride-sharing) you are interested in?
Gun control.
What does your legislative district need from Tallahassee?
Transportation dollars, river clean-up, and we need high-paying jobs.
Who was the best governor in Florida’s modern history?
Bob Graham.
If you could amend the Florida Constitution, what would you change?
I would get rid of the Right-To-Work law.
Are yard signs an important part of campaigning in your district?
Not necessarily. We are a grassroots campaign and enjoy speaking with voters door to door or on the phone.
What’s the first thing you read each morning?
New York Times, Orlando Sentinel.
Where do you get your political news?
Various sources, New York Times, Orlando Sentinel, forums.
Who do you think will be the next President of the United States?
Hillary Clinton.
60 Minutes or House of Cards?
60 Minutes.
Social media presence? Twitter handle?
Facebook and Twitter. @LindaStewartFL .
In 140 characters, what’s a Tweet that best describes your campaign message?
Linda Stewart has represented the Orlando area for over 10 years, serving as a commissioner from 2002-2010 and a State House Representative for District 47 from 2012-2014. She wants to bring her experience to the district to improve the community.
Hobbies?
Gardening.
Favorite sport and sports team?
Favorite sport is football, and my favorite team is the Clemson Tigers.
