Why am I doing this?

It goes without saying that I did not see myself running for political office at my age. It should also be obvious that I did not see myself running for any political office as a Democrat. The rise of Trump and the MAGA movement changed everything for my wife Roni and me.

So why run for the Florida State House District 81 seat? The New York Times article linked above provides some context. I was approached in late 2023 by Democrats in Florida to see if I would run in our very red district that spans from Naples to Marco Island. Republicans have been in power for a number of election cycles, making it difficult for Democrats to justify an investment here and did not put up a candidate in the 81st district in 2022. To add insult to injury and further make you wonder what is happening to our democracy, candidates who run unopposed in Florida do not appear on the ballot. The New York Times serendipitously highlighted the exact challenge we are trying to combat: an election at any level without opposition is a sign of a struggling democracy. At its worst, it is a sign of authoritarianism.

Although the odds are long, we are making an impact by providing a choice for residents in the district. I am getting lots of support from women who want to end Republican efforts to restrict women’s health care access in Florida. We are committed to campaigning for and passing Amendment 4, which will prohibit the government’s ability to interfere with abortions. (support their efforts here). My background as a moderate and a former Republican is also helping and has been a successful stump speech for me, and has resonated with voters on both sides of the aisle who are tired and/or scared of the MAGA cabal. It is always easier to shape a campaign narrative around the truth.

Now that the Republican primary has completed and my opponent has been determined (she is proudly endorsed by The MAGA Circus, including top blowhards Byron Donalds and UFC wildcard Tito Ortiz) the election is in full swing. I am attending events in neighborhoods around the district to improve my name recognition, and Roni and I are handing out flyers, door hangers, shaking hands and kissing babies. We have endorsements from the Atheists of Florida and the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida, with a few more endorsements on the horizon. It has been a more fun ride than I ever could have imagined.

As we get closer to Election Day, your support gets more and more important. Any contribution helps. Visit our website or click the link below. We are also in need of volunteers if you have time to give.

Yours in Good Government,

Chuck

Learn more here: A Democracy with Everything but a Choice