Florida's 5th Congressional District

Florida's 5th Congressional District includes Baker, Gadsden, Hamilton and Madison counties, and parts of Columbia, Duval, Jefferson and Leon counties.

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Al Lawson won his Democratic primary will face Virginia Fuller, who was unopposed in the Republican primary, in the November general election.

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Democratic


Al Lawson (incumbent), Tallahassee

Age: 69

Candidate's family: Delores Lawson, Al Lawson III, Shani Lawson Wilson

Occupation: Insurance Agent

Education: Florida A&M University, B.S. 1970; Florida State University, M.S.P.A., 1973

Political experience: Served 28 years in the Florida Legislature representing Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison and Wakulla counties. Elected to the House of Representatives, 1982-2000. Minority (Democratic) Leader, 2008-2010. Elected to the Senate in 2000.

Summarize your political platform in 10 words or less. 

Standing Tall On The Issues Impacting All North Florida Families

What do you see as the top three issues in this race?

The top three issues in this race are: (1) creating and bringing high wage jobs to this district; (2) improving and providing better access to healthcare for our seniors, children and all North Florida families; and (3) protecting our families by reforming our gun laws and reducing inner-city violence to keep our streets and communities safe.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot? 

For nearly 30 years, I have a record of always putting the interests of the people in this community first, no one else in this race can honestly say that. 

During my first few months in office, I brought the Speaker of the House and HUD Secretary to this community to address problems in Eureka Gardens. Days after Hurricane Irma impacted this district, while working to help displaced families recover, I secured $85 million in Disaster Relief SNAP benefits to feed over 300,000 people. 

In Congress, I've passed laws to recognize icons from this community like Ruthledge Pearson and James Weldon Johnson. I have voted more than 15 times against efforts to remove over 2 million Floridians from their health insurance. I have fought to protect the social security and medicare benefits for over 22 million seniors in our country, while also voting to reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). 

In addition, I have sponsored legislation to create the Let's Feed America campaign to address food insecurity in our communities and study how it impacts our children, seniors and quality of life. 

During my first term in Congress, I have secured over $54 million for improvements to JaxPort, to create 15,000 new permanent, good paying jobs. I led Congressional efforts to secure $17 million for JTA's First Coast Flyer. I've fought to protect and provide more benefits for our veterans by securing $18 million for a new VA Clinic in Jacksonville. And I'm currently working to bring new VA Hospital to Jacksonville as well. 

I've done this all in less than 18 months and we still have a lot more work to do. 

I have a 30-year record of helping all North Floridians, so the voters can trust that there is only one candidate in this race, who will ALWAYS put their interest first. 

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?  

I am a humble servant. I would hope to be remembered for standing tall on the issues that matter most and always putting the people of North Florida first.

Website: www.AlLawson.com
Social media: Facebook.com/AlLawsonJr / @AlLawsonJr

Republican


Virginia Fuller , West Inglis

Age: 

Candidate's family: Divorced

Occupation: RN

Education: Nursing

Political experience: 2 Terms County Commission woman/Tea-Party Activist.

Summarize your political platform in 10 words or less. 

A Central government with Limited Powers, One that upholds the First, Second, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendment.

What do you see as the top three issues in this race?

1.) The economy
2.) Immigration
3.) Healthcare

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot? 

I am a grassroots candidate, and I'm not supported by the establishment.
I have not been bought, and I'm not for sale.
I respect our Constitution, and am willing to defend it.
I'm objective, honest, and just, and I intend the support / endorse any bill, that is good for the American citizens, and not just for lawmakers and the rich.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office? 

1.) That we have effectively dealt with pedophilia, human tracking and drug trafficking, by building a southern border wall.
2.) That we have implemented a healthcare plan that is affordable and gives all individuals the freedom to choose the primary care physician, and the ability to shop across state lines.

Website: www.fullerforcongress.com
Social media: Facebook.com/Fuller.Virginia.2018 / Twitter.com/Florida_CD5