Incumbent Republican Wyman Duggan is term-limited and can’t seek re-election in District 12, which includes portions of Duval County, including neighborhoods west of the river stretching from Ortega to Chimney Lakes, and neighborhoods east of the river from San Marco to Mandarin. There are two candidates in the race: Republican Terrance Freeman and Democrat Benjamin Sandlin. As there is only one candidate running in each party, they will not appear on the August primary ballot, and the race will only be in the general election in November.
News4JAX sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.
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Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically by party and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.
| DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE |
Benjamin Sandlin
Occupation: Research Assistant, Logistics Personnel
Age: 22
Family: Son of Tom Sandlin and Rachel Gaillard.
Education: Physics Student at UNF
Political experience: Current Political director of Jax Young Dems
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Voting Rights
As state rep, I will be the biggest champion of voter rights in the whole legislature. I will fight any attempt by the Republicans to the will of Floridians, and I will work with my collogues to draft legislation to increase accessibility, especially those that people in power have historically sought to leave out.
Housing/Affordability
Floridians have been given the impossible task of having to compete with private equity simply to house themselves. In the house, I will end the cycle of constantly talking about reigning in wall street with no action. I will pass laws to pave the way for housing to be built for sale only to Florida families. I will also work with our cities to provide the resources necessary to develop high quality, high density housing, and build communities with work, school, and groceries within walking distance, therefor combatting the parasitic attachment of car companies and oil execs to Floridians’ pocket books. Furthermore, it is ever important that we fight for the right of Florida workers to be able to advocate for themselves and each other. We need to end Florida’s status as an Anti-union, anti-worker state, and beginning allowing and emboldening Florida workers to be able to collectively bargain so they can finally receive the fruits of their labor which they have long been owed.
Education
If Ron DeSantis can throw away over $1 billion on an internment camo in the everglades, we can afford to support our public schools. The world is changing so much so fast that we must be very intentional in how education moves forward. I will follow the guidance of education professionals to see how we can properly prepare our students to be successful in this new age. I want to provide universal childcare to make sure every child has the opportunity the start their education career off strong. I will also put an end to the siphoning of public school resources to private entities that prioritize padding their pockets over the success of our students.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I’m the only one in the race that answers to the people of Florida, and not backroom special interests.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I would like for my term in the house to end with more people housed, successful schools, and greater access to opportunity for every community.
Campaign website: None given
Campaign social media: Facebook
Terrance Freeman
Occupation: Workforce Development
Age: 51
Family: Wife and 5 kids (18, 16, 14, 12, and 3)
Education: M.S. Exercise Science
B.S. Education
Political experience: Jacksonville City Councilman - 8 years
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
1. Affordability - Fiscal responsibility and lowering taxes,
2. Jobs - Boosting small businesses and removing barriers that prevent them from growing
3. Public Safety - Always will lead in supporting our first responders.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
By bringing experience and knowledge of the issues that impact N.E. Florida
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I would hope to be remembered as someone who could be trusted, as one who always held the line for the wellbeIng of kids and seniors, and a staunch supporter of first responders.
Campaign website: terrancefreeman.com