Incumbent Republican Kim Kendall is seeking re-election in Florida House District 18, which covers the northern half of St. Johns County, including Ponte Vedra Beach, Fruit Cove, World Golf Village, Vilano Beach, and neighborhoods in between. She faces one challenger in the Republican primary, Diana Patrice Jordan-Baldwin, and there are two candidates in the Democratic primary: Heather Anne Smith and Art Stresing.
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 CANDIDATES |
Heather Anne Smith
Campaign website: None found
Campaign social media: None found
The Democratic candidate has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.
Art Stresing
Occupation: Attorney - Division Chief - Public Defender’s Office, 4th Judicial Circuit
Age: 43
Family: Wife - Brittney Stresing
Daughter - Phoenix Storm Stresing
Son - Banner Logan Stresing
Education: University at Buffalo ’06
Florida Coastal School of Law ’10
Political experience: First time running. Active voter.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
My three top issues are more funding for our schools, affordable healthcare, and help for our veterans. I want to introduce legislation that increases funding for our schools that will raise the salaries of public school teachers so that we have better retention and attract more teachers all while limiting the voucher programs to those who truly need them. As for healthcare, I would like to expand Medicaid so that childless adults and struggling families are covered and not bankrupted by medical expenses. As for Veterans, I want more funding for programs and organizations whose sole missions are to help Veterans who are disabled, retired, or simply just trying to transition into civilian life.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
My best ability is that I can relate to a lot of people from different walks of life because, more often than not, I’ve gone through what they went through or something similar. I feel I have a much wider perspective in life when it comes to other cultures because of my family, dealing with loss, working manual labor jobs, and working with professionals. I grew up Republican and a lot of my friends are Republicans. As an attorney at the Public Defender for over 11yrs, I have to routinely negotiate between two adversaries (State and client) to come to a resolution. So I know I can reach across the aisle to work towards a common goal that will help everyone regardless of party affiliation or race.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I’ve dedicated my life to helping others as a defense attorney at the Public Defender and through volunteering. I want to be remembered as someone who continued that service by significantly improving the lives of others in my District and State without any kind of political agenda.
Campaign website: www.voteartstresing.com
Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram
Diana Patrice Jordan-Baldwin
Campaign website: www.drjordanbaldwinforflorida.com
Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
The Republican candidate has not completed the News4JAX candidate questionnaire following email and telephone invitations to do so. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.
Kim Kendall
Occupation: Current State House Rep and former FAA Air Traffic Controller & owner of 2 dry cleaners
Age: 59
Family: Husband of 32 years, Kelly Kendall and two adult children
Education: Florida State University, Bachelor’s Degree Public Relations
Political experience: 2024-Current: State House Representative HD18
Over 20 years of political/volunteer/community experience at the state and local levels - too many to list all – but to see my complete resume visit: votekimkendall.com/resume
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
INFRASTRUCTURE remains one of our district’s biggest challenges as growth continues. I’ve secured funding for major road improvements, including the International Golf Parkway and I-95 interchange upgrade, to improve safety, reduce congestion, and support economic growth. I will continue prioritizing transportation investments that keep our communities moving safely and efficiently.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANDING THE SKILLED TRADES are critical to our future. I passed legislation creating workforce certification opportunities for students with autism and IEPs, secured funding for First Coast Technical College and aviation training programs, and worked to grow our aerospace sector. My focus is creating pathways to high-paying careers and strengthening our local economy.
MAINTAINING QUALITY OF LIFE. I have fought to protect Guana River WMA from a terrible proposed land swap situation and passed legislation to protect it. Also, worked with a 15-year old constituent who is a volunteer swim instructor who lobbied to raise the ages on the swim voucher program to help more kids while capturing children with autism – this was another bill that became law this year.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
Anybody can tell voters what they want to hear. What I offer is proof: 20+ years of showing up in this community, doing the unglamorous work, long before I ever ran for office. That track record — combined with my current experience as your State Representative — means voters aren’t taking my word for it. They can see it. I would ask you to check out my 3-minute video on my homepage www.VoteKimKendall.com which contains clips of my activism. Also, check out my Issues Page – it shows the campaign promises I made – and how I kept them. And I will continue to stand up and be our voice for our community.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
LEGISLATIVELY: my top three priorities of addressing our infrastructure and workforce development needs, expanding skilled trades ,and protecting our quality of life.
PERSONALLY: that I was the voice and heart of our district. That the constituents know they had a true voice of the people representing them and showing up. Working on keeping St. Johns County our “big, small town.” We have the benefits of a big city – but that small town neighbor-helping-neighbor community - and working hard to keep that as we grow.
Campaign website: votekimkendall.com
Campaign social media: (None given)