Megan’s Primary Picks
Below are my personal recommendations for the Florida Democratic Primary and my brief reasoning around them. I am really glad to say that, for all of these picks, I did not make my choice simply in opposition to another! Every single one of these races is a tough decision. These are just the candidates who stood out the most to me and I feel have earned my Primary vote.
FL Governor: Andrew Gillum
Andrew Gillum has roots all across the state, having spent his childhood in the Miami and Gainesville areas as well as attending college in Tallahassee. He has 14 years of experience in public service. He takes no money from PACs and major special interest groups, particularly “Big Sugar” companies who want to influence Florida’s agriculture for profit. Gillum’s platform points that swayed me the most were his commitment to raising teacher salaries to $50,000 and his focus on implementing clean energy developments. I like Gwen Graham and Chris King, too, but for the primary, I’m going with Gillum.
US House District 3 Representative: Tom Wells
I’m a sucker for science. Ted Yoho, who is the incumbent for this seat, was actually a veterinarian for 30 years before turning to politics. Tom Wells has a PhD in Nuclear Physics. I’m a little biased, but I think I’m gonna have to go with the physicist on this one. It helps that Tom Wells opposes fracking and phosphate mining, wants to cancel all student debt, and supports the de-privatization of prisons. Did I mention he wants to cancel all student debt?
FL Commissioner of Agriculture: Roy David Walker
Once again, I’m a sucker for science! Son to a firefighter and teacher, Roy David Walker has a Master’s in Environmental Policy and Management and has spent years as a scientific researcher. He’s the perfect middle-ground — a fresh face to politics without sacrificing knowledge and understanding of the position. His priorities include climate change and water cleanliness, consumer protections, and economic growth. I am personally looking forward to his proposals regarding citrus greening research and honeybee population restoration!
FL Senate District 8: Olysha Magruder
Okay, when I’m not a sucker for science, I’m a sucker for education. Olysha Magruder’s experience as a public school teacher is incredibly important to me. She was also present for the protest against Richard Spencer when he visited the University of Florida. Magruder lists “Home Rule” as a key issue for her campaign, which is a common-sense feature that I believe most Americans believe in yet so few politicians bring up. In general, she’s got passion, spunk, and a strong progressive streak!
FL District 21 Rep: Amol Jethwani
Amol Jethwani is a current student at the University of Florida. Yes, you heard right — he took calls for younger Americans to get into politics pretty seriously. He was a leading force behind the protest against Richard Spencer at UF, and he helped drive a campaign to raise awareness of systematic voter suppression in Student Government. Jethwani’s platform points includes unique features like supporting the expansion of free Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) hours, which is currently only offered for free from 9am to 12pm, making it virtually impossibly for working parents across Florida to make the most of the program. Like Olysha Magruder, he is also an avid supporter of “Home Rule;” he would like municipalities to be allowed to adjust their own minimum wages and to make environmental protection decisions specific to their regions.
In addition to these positions, I would like to note that School Board seats and Judges are nonpartisan races, yet still appear on the Primary ballot. Everyone can vote for these seats regardless of your political party. So be sure to do your research, prepare your sample ballot, and VOTE on August 28!
