Florida House | U.S. House | Statewide | Voting
Three seats in the Florida House of Representatives representing different parts of Lakeland will be contested in the Nov. 5 general election. You can vote only in the race for the district where you live. Here are the districts and the lineups:
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Candidates:
* Jennifer Kincart Jonsson, R
* Ashley Elizabeth Herrmann, D
Candidates:
* Jennifer Canady, R, incumbent
* Bonnie Patterson-James, D
Candidates:
* Josie Tomkow, R, incumbent
* Octavio E. Hernandez, D
The Florida House of Representatives has 120 members, who can serve up to four two-year terms. Along with the 40-member Senate, they meet annually for 60 days, voting on proposed laws and passing a state budget. Their annual salary is $29,697.
Florida House District 49
The two contenders are Jennifer Kincart Jonsson, who won the Republican primary on Aug. 20, and Ashley Elizabeth Herrmann, who was unopposed for the Democratic nomination. The seat has been held for six years by Republican Melony Bell of Fort Meade, who resigned to run for Polk Supervisor of Elections.
Jennifer Kincart Jonsson
- Republican
- Lakeland, age 46
- Vice president, A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc.
- Brief bio: I’m a Christian, constitutional conservative and businesswoman with deep Polk roots – but most importantly, a wife to Eric & mom to Jackson, Lily and Elin.
- Education: BS, Health Science, University of Florida; Master of Public Health, University of Florida
- Website
- Facebook | Instagram
- Campaign finance
- Endorsements: Americans for Prosperity Action Florida; Florida Chamber of Commerce; West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association; Fraternal Order of Police, District 3; Fraternal Order of Police, State of Florida;
Lakeland Professional Firefighters;
Florida Professional Firefighters;
BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland (Lakeland Chamber of Commerce);
State Rep. Josie Tomkow; Florida Family Action; Florida Nurses Association; Associated Builders & Contractors; Florida Realtors PAC;
Associated Industries of Florida; American Fire Sprinkler Association, Florida Chapter
Ashley Elizabeth Herrmann
- Democrat
- Thonotosassa, age 34
- Educator
- Brief bio: Ashley is a fifth-generation Floridian who loves to travel, and loves coming home. She is a mother and justice advocate.
- Education: M.A. Global Sustainability – Patel College of Global Sustainability
B.S. Economics, College of Business – University of South Florida - Facebook | Instagram
- Campaign finance
- Endorsements:
Questions and answers
Click on any of the questions to compare the candidates’ answers:
What are your top three priorities?
Jonsson: My priorities are to reign in rising costs impacting Florida’s residents and businesses, uphold the rule of law and support law enforcement, and improve our education system to empower parents and invest in workforce education.
Herrmann: 1. Personal liberties – Republicans have successfully implemented a six week abortion ban and disrespected Floridians by limiting the implementation of past constitutional amendments that voters supported.
2. Homeowner’s insurance – Florida government can do more for homeowners to make insuring their home against extreme weather affordable.
3. Public schools – A 2021 survey of Florida’s high school students by the Florida Health showed: 39% of students felt sad or hopeless. They deserve better.
Why are you running for office?
Jonsson: My family raised me with the principle that in everything you do in life, you must leave it better than you found it. I am running because I believe it is our duty to provide a safe and prosperous world for our next generation. It is also important that House District 49 has a Representative who understands what makes our community special as well as the challenges it faces. I believe I am the best person to represent and fight for the families and businesses of House District 49.
Herrmann: I’m running because Republicans have become so bizarre. I was raised Republican. Republicans politicians now seem primarily concerned with passing policy to uphold patriarchy and white supremacy. I do not come from a political family. As a first generation college student, I never imagined myself qualifying for public office. However, after working in government and non-profits, I would bring a lot of life experience to the role of state legislator. I want to represent real Floridians.
Do you support Florida’s current six-week abortion law? If not, what changes would you like to see?
Jonsson: Yes, and we must do more to increase resources that help women carry their baby to birth.
Herrmann: I understand the concern folks have for infants and the unborn. However, abortion bans have had serious effects on mothers and wanted children. I’m currently pregnant and I really hesitated deciding to have a second child after hearing stories about hopeful mothers who need medical abortions due to complications and without access to healthcare have had terrible repercussions to their health. Abortions are healthcare and government should only help access to healthcare, not impede it.
What, if anything, should the Legislature should do about gun violence?
Jonsson: First off, I oppose any legislation that would infringe on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. We must fully support our law enforcement heroes and provide them with the resources needed to protect the public, while toughening penalties for violent offenders and gang members to keep them off our streets.
Herrmann: My husband is a Marine, so we have guns even though I witnessed gun violence as a child and have a mostly healthy fear of them. I think gun ownership is a huge responsibility and should be treated more similarly to owning and driving a car. I hate that we have nearly given up on tackling gun violence and keeping guns from criminals and instead are traumatizing young children with monthly active shooter drills. We need to do a lot better.
How well do you think the Florida Legislature has addressed the state’s homeowners’ insurance problems? What else do you think would help?
Jonsson: I am pleased the legislature has recognized the importance of alleviating insurance costs & taken steps to address the issue, but there is more to be done – especially to ensure rate reductions & promised savings are passed down to homeowners. We should create an Insurance Fraud Task Force to root out any corruption in the system & protect ratepayers by ensuring costs are reduced & that people receive the coverage they purchased without having to fight tooth & nail or wait months or years.
Herrmann: As one of the top issues in my district and in our state, and as a homeowner who has been personally affected, I know that Florida can do more for homeowners. It is a complicated topic and should be a bridge issue that Democrats and Republicans can tackle together. We can’t ignore the contributing factors of climate change causing more extreme weather.
Campaign finance
Florida House District 50
Neither candidate was opposed in the August primary.
Jennifer Canady
- Republican, incumbent
- Lakeland, age 50
- Legislator and teacher
- Brief bio: Lakeland native, mother of two, wife of Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady, director of Lakeland Christian School RISE Institute
- Education: Florida State University, BS, Elementary Education, 1992-1995; University of South Florida, MA, Special Education, 2011-2014
- Website
- Facebook | Instagram
- Campaign finance
- Campaign slogan: Conservative Republican for State Representative
- Endorsements: Sheriff Grady Judd
Bonnie Patterson-James
- Democrat
- Lakeland, age 56
- Disabled, Former Application Specialists and Cardiac Sonographer, R.C.S, R.D.C.S.
- Brief bio: A dedicated activist, Bonnie Patterson-James has spent years advocating for social justice and bodily autonomy. She is committed to positive change.
- Education: Vocational Associates Degree, Cardiovascular Sonography;
Associates Degree, Business - Website
- Campaign finance
- Campaign slogan: A Real Voice For Real People.
- Endorsements: Florida Rising, Lakeland Women’s Health Center
Questions and answers
Canady did not respond to LkldNow’s questionnaire. Click on any of the questions to view Patterson-James’ answers:
What are your top three priorities?
Patterson-James: Bodily Autonomy: Uphold individuals’ rights to make decisions about their bodies and ensure access to comprehensive healthcare for all. Advocate for Trans Rights.
Public Education: Commitment: Ensure every child has access to high quality, equitable education. Increase Teachers’ Salary to a competitive rate. End phony voucher programs.
Housing Affordability: Making housing affordable and accessible for everyone. Address homelessness through comprehensive support systems. Insurance Crisis.
Why are you running for office?
Patterson-James: As a disabled wife, mom, and proud “YaYa”, I know firsthand the struggles families face every day. My passion for advocacy in central FL and my active participation during legislative sessions have shown me just how much our democracy is in danger. From the challenges in our public education system to the urgent fight for bodily autonomy, I’ve seen the gaps and failures that need addressing. These issues are deeply personal to me. After my arrest, it became my “stand up, fight back” moment.
Do you support Florida’s current six-week abortion law? If not, what changes would you like to see?
I DO NOT support the six-week abortion law. In November, I will be voting YES on Amendment 4 to protect abortion rights in our state constitution. This is a non-partisan issue. The incumbent misled us about her forced-birth agenda. I would like to see the incumbent OWN her forced-birth agenda and be held accountable by the voters. We deserve truth and integrity from our officials.
What, if anything, should the Legislature should do about gun violence?
Patterson-James: Gun violence is a pressing issue that continues to affect our communities in Florida. The number of mass shootings this year alone underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action from our legislature. Here is a clear plan to tackle fun violence effectively and ensure the safety of all Floridians: Mandate comprehensive background checks, implement a strong red flag system, enforce a 72-Hour waiting period, require body cameras on all FL law enforcement, community-based violence prevention.
How well do you think the Florida Legislature has addressed the state’s homeowners’ insurance problems? What else do you think would help?
Patterson-James: Homeowners’ insurance is a crisis in Florida. Addressing the crisis in Florida necessitates a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. As a candidate, I will advocate for transparent and balanced regulations. Support the expansion and improvement of state-sponsored programs like Florida Citizens’ Property Insurance. Propose initiatives for mitigation programs and incentives. Promote consumer advocacy and education. Implement strict measures against insurance fraud and strengthen penalties.
Campaign finance
Florida House District 51
Neither candidate was opposed in the August primary.
Josie Tomkow
- Republican, incumbent
- Polk City, age 28
- Legislator and cattle rancher
- Brief bio: Tampa native, three-term House member, recently married to political consultant Tom Piccolo
- Education: B.A., political science, University of Florida
- Website
- Facebook | X
- Campaign finance
- Endorsements:
Octavio E. Hernandez
- Democrat
- Davenport, age 44
- High school algebra teacher
- Brief bio: Immigrant from Mexico, moved to Central Florida in 1987 and Polk County in 2005. I am a father of two amazing boys, teacher and unionist
- Education: B.A, political science, University of Central Florida
- Website
- Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok
- Campaign finance
- Campaign slogan: Your Voice for Polk
- Endorsements: Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida, Progressives for Democracy in America
Questions and answers
Tomkow did not respond to LkldNow’s questionnaire. Click on any of the questions to view Hernandez’ answers:
What are your top three priorities?
Hernandez: Easier access to mental health services for Polk County public service workers and students.
Support our Public Education system, focusing on issues that our students, teachers, and parents are facing. Smaller class sizes for teachers and better pay, longer lunches for our students to help develop social skills and better transportation for our students to help parents.
Final priority is smart growth. We need to be proactive and not reactive with our growth, in order to lower the rising cost.
Why are you running for office?
Hernandez: I want to be a role model for my students. They have pushed me to get involved and make a difference in our community. I want to show them that is up to us to get involved and make a change for the better. Being a teacher, has allowed me to see how difficult things have gotten for our community and I want to run because I want to be the voice of Polk. The voice that represents the middle and working class of my community. We forget, it’s by the people for the people.
Do you support Florida’s current six-week abortion law? If not, what changes would you like to see?
Hernandez: No, abortion should be legal.
What, if anything, should the Legislature should do about gun violence?
Hernandez: Have an extra resource officer in our schools. Although, I support any citizen to protect their home as they see fit. Open carry should never be allowed and concealed carry should be limited to handguns. Educate people on firearms. We forget that many gunshot victims are shot accidentally by children or an unexperienced individual. Educating people on how to properly use and secure a gun at home could help.
How well do you think the Florida Legislature has addressed the state’s homeowners’ insurance problems? What else do you think would help?
Hernandez: Terrible. A program to just cover roofs should be created by the State. With roof replacements having the highest cost and also the most fraud, it would help insurance companies keep cost down and help our homeowners cost of living. The State can also purchase shingles in advance and have a reserve in order to stop price gouging.
Campaign finance
News links
- Abortion-rights activist Bonnie Patterson-James looks to unseat Jennifer Canady, sponsor of 6-week ban – The Ledger (Oct. 19)
- Election for open seat in Florida House 49 pits pair of first-time candidates, Jennifer Kincart Jonsson and Ashley Herrmann – The Ledger (Oct. 18)
- Going for her fourth term, Josie Tomkow faces teacher Octavio Hernandez – The Ledger (Oct. 18)
- Meet the four Republicans runing for the open Florida House District 49 seat in the primary – The Ledger (Aug. 8)
- WUSF Voter Guide: District 49
- Canady remains in line for House speaker as challenge is dismissed – Florida Politics (June 28)
- Kincart Jonsson amassed $225,000+ in the first finance reporting period – Florida Politics (June 12)
- Hillsborough Democrat Ashley Herrmann enters District 49 race – The Ledger (June 1)
- Lakeland resident Jonsson is third Republican candidate for open seat – The Ledger (April 19)
- Jennifer Kincart Jonsson enters race – Florida Politics (April 11)
- Meet Jennifer Canady (video) – Spectrum News 9 (March 15)
- Florida House candidate Patterson-James pleads guilty to misdemeanor at clinic – The Ledger (Aug. 17, 2023)
- Davenport Democrat challenges Josie Tomkow – The Ledger (July 26, 2023) | Also: Florida Politics
- Lakeland activist will challenge Canady for House seat – The Ledger (June 20, 2023)
- Canady becomes second House sponsor of six-week abortion ban – The Ledger (March 23, 2023)
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