Eight seats are up for grabs in the Florida House that include districts that are entirely in Palm Beach County or include parts of the county.
The election is Nov. 3. Early voting in Palm Beach County begins Monday, Oct. 19.
Many of the following previews have been compiled through questionnaires sent to the candidates by The Palm Beach Post and returned. For the candidates who did not respond to questionnaires, limited information is included on those candidates from their campaign websites. The District 86 preview was compiled from information from Treasure Coast Newspapers.
voters have large say in who controls US House
State House District 86
Incumbent John Snyder, Republican, vs. Elizabeth Brendel Pandich, Democrat
The district includes most of Martin County, including Jensen Beach, Stuart, Hobe Sound and Port Salerno, but does not include Palm City. It also stretches into Palm Beach County to encompass Jupiter.
The following information for District 86 is from questionnaires sent out by Treasure Coast Newspapers, which includes the Stuart News and is a partner of The Palm Beach Post.
John Snyder, Republican
∎ Age: 39
∎ Residence: Stuart
∎ Occupation: Business owner, Employment Simplified Inc., a payroll, recruiting and staffing company founded in 2015
∎ Political experience: Elected to the Florida House in 2020; has served as Deputy Majority Leader since 2024
∎ Military: U.S. Marine Corps, 2007-12; deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom
∎ Education: B.S. in marketing, Indiana Wesleyan University
∎ Key accomplishments: Sponsored the State Park Preservation Act following controversy over proposals to add golf, pickleball and other amenities to state parks; cites securing millions in state funding for local governments, nonprofits, public safety, environmental restoration, veterans and other programs
∎ Top priorities: Property taxes, property insurance and Lake Okeechobee restoration
∎ Why he's running: Seeking what he says would be his final term representing his home area
∎ What he says distinguishes him: His legislative experience and conservative record, along with an open-door, constituent-service approach
∎ Campaign website: www.electjohnsnyder.com
Elizabeth Brendel Pandich, Democrat
∎ Age: 43
∎ Residence: Wellington
∎ Occupation: Horse trainer; owns Limelight Farm; has coached riders, bred and sold horses and competed internationally
∎ Political experience: Previously ran unsuccessfully for local office; describes working with candidates of different political backgrounds in a nonpartisan coalition
∎ Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, Cornell University; Rye Country Day School graduate
∎ Civic involvement: Former member of the USHJA Equitation Task Force; volunteers with Restoration Bridge, a Palm Beach County food-distribution charity
∎ Key accomplishments: Coached a rider from age 9 to 21 who competed at the 2024 Olympics; cites her previous political campaign and participation in a nonpartisan candidate coalition
∎ Top priorities: Affordability, protecting Florida's land and water, and restoring trust in government
∎ On affordability: Wants to address homeowners insurance costs, oppose unnecessary utility-rate increases and expand housing options
∎ On growth/environment: Opposes development that she says outpaces infrastructure and wants stronger protection of waterways and natural resources
∎ On government: Pledges regular town halls, accessible explanations of legislation and votes, and year-round constituent access
∎ What she says distinguishes her: Says she will not accept corporate or special-interest PAC money
∎ Campaign website: www.pandich2026.com
State House District 88
Incumbent Jervonte Edmonds, Democrat vs. William Joseph, Republican.
District 88 includes much of West Palm Beach, including neighborhoods running along the Intracoastal Waterway (such as areas off North Flagler Drive and South Dixie Highway), and communities surrounding Village Boulevard. It extends north into parts of Riviera Beach and includes Mangonia Park. It includes large residential communities of Century Village and Golden Lakes and portions around Haverhill.
Joseph did not respond to The Post's questionnaire. The information below was pulled from his campaign website.
Jervonte Edmonds, Democrat
∎ Age: 35
∎ Occupation: Florida House representative for District 88 since 2022; founder and CEO of CareerReady (formerly Suits for Seniors).
∎ Education: Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Florida Atlantic University (2015).
∎ Voting record: Incumbent state representative seeking re-election. Points to legislation supporting affordable housing, requiring overdose-reversal medication in public college dormitories and expanding dental-care eligibility for veterans. He also secured funding for water infrastructure projects in West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach.
∎ Campaign website: None listed.
∎ Top three campaign priorities: Lowering everyday costs for families, strengthening public schools and helping small businesses grow. Specific priorities include reducing insurance costs, increasing teacher pay and improving access to capital for local businesses.
∎ Why should people vote for you?: Edmonds says voters should judge him by his record. He cites legislation he has helped pass, funding he has secured for local infrastructure projects and his efforts to address affordable housing, veterans' issues and public safety. He says he wants to continue focusing on the everyday needs of residents.
∎ Community involvement and service: President-elect of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County; board member of the Edna Runner Tutorial Center and South Florida Fair; member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and Delray Beach Education Board; trustee for the Chamber of the Palm Beaches and Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce; author of three children's books.
∎ Experience that prepared them for office: Edmonds says leading CareerReady taught him budgeting, management and workforce development. He also cites his work in the Florida House, with the Florida Senate and with the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission, where he learned to turn community needs into policy.
∎ What they hear from voters: Insurance costs are the top concern, followed by housing affordability, health care costs, gas and grocery prices. Edmonds also says residents have raised concerns about Flock cameras, data centers, privacy and government transparency.
∎ Key endorsements: County Commissioner Bobby Powell, state Sen. Mack Bernard, SEIU, AFL-CIO, Classroom Teachers Association, BIZPAC, Palm Beach County Economic Council, and police and firefighter organizations.
∎ Top campaign donors: Edmonds says his major supporters include local business groups, unions, community leaders and district residents. He anticipates spending about $150,000 on the campaign.
Williams Joseph, Republican
∎ Age: 55
∎ Occupation: Businessman and licensed professional in investigations and as a fugitive agent. Joseph says he has owned and operated multiple businesses in the district.
∎ Education: Graduate of Oxford Academy
∎ Voting record: The campaign website says Joseph has served on three boards but does not indicate that he has previously held elected office.
∎ Campaign website: votewilliamjoseph.com
∎ Top three campaign priorities: 1) Making housing more affordable, particularly for first-time homebuyers; 2) reducing or eliminating property taxes; 3) expanding economic opportunities for local businesses.
∎ Why should people vote for you?: Joseph says his business experience, public service and more than three decades living in the district give him the knowledge and commitment to address its problems. He says he would emphasize innovation and cooperation while shifting the focus from politics to serving community needs.
∎ Community involvement and service: Joseph says he has served on three boards, including board roles in Lake Worth Beach, and has focused his public service on helping homeless and needy residents.
∎ Experience that prepared them for office: Joseph points to his experience owning and operating businesses, his professional work in investigations, service on three boards and more than 30 years as a district resident. He also cites his involvement in district meetings as preparation for representing the community.
State House District 89
Incumbent Deborah Tindrich, Democrat, vs Cathy Higgins, Republican.
District 89 is entirely within Palm Beach County and covers its central,, including Palm Springs, Lake Clarke Shores and Atlantis, along with portions of Greenacres and Lake Worth Beach. It also includes smaller communities such as Seminole Manor, Pine Air, Kenwood Estates, Gun Club Estates, Acacia Villas, Glen Ridge and Cloud Lake.
Higgins did not respond to The Post's questionnaire. The information below was pulled from her campaign website.
Deborah Tindrich, Democrat
∎ Age: 40
∎ Occupation: State representative for Florida House District 89 since 2024; founder and executive director of Eat Better Live Better, a nonprofit focused on food access, nutrition education and social services.
∎ Education: GED; attended college.
∎ Voting record: Incumbent state representative seeking re-election. Tendrich says she passed five bills unanimously during her first term, including a sweeping domestic violence law, legislation strengthening West Palm Beach police and firefighter pensions, and measures supporting students with individualized education plans. She also secured more than $5 million in funding for District 89 projects.
∎ Campaign website: ReElectDebra.com
∎ Top three campaign priorities: Lowering insurance and housing costs to help families remain in Palm Beach County; strengthening public schools, teacher pay and workforce readiness programs; and improving public safety, mental health services and protections for domestic violence survivors.
∎ Why should people vote for you?: Tendrich points to her long-standing ties to District 89, her work with nonprofits and community organizations, and her legislative record. She says she has built deep relationships throughout the district, passed bipartisan legislation, secured nearly $5 million in state funding and consistently responds to constituent concerns.
∎ Community involvement and service: Founder of Eat Better Live Better; president of the Palm Beach County Democratic Veterans Caucus; board member of the Palm Beach County Crime Prevention Officers Association; member of the FAU School of Social Work Advisory Board; co-founder of the Florida-Israel Policy & Exchange Initiative; volunteer with Dress for Success; and former leader or member of numerous hunger-relief, education and community initiatives.
∎ Experience that prepared them for office: Tendrich cites her experience as a nonprofit founder, small-business owner, mother and state lawmaker. She says managing public and grant funding, working directly with residents on issues ranging from hunger to housing, and serving in the Legislature have taught her budgeting, accountability and how to turn community concerns into legislation.
∎ What they hear from voters: Residents frequently raise concerns about insurance costs, housing affordability, public schools, mental health services, child care, health care access, traffic and flooding issues, public safety, and the need for government to focus on local concerns rather than partisan political disputes.
∎ Key endorsements: State Sens. Lori Berman, Mack Bernard and Tina Polsky; House Minority Leader-elect Fentrice Driskell; numerous Democratic state representatives; Palm Beach County Commissioner Joel Flores; School Board Chair Karen Brill; State Attorney Alexcia Cox; Tax Collector Anne Gannon; AFL-CIO; CTA; FEA; Florida PBA; Florida Professional Firefighters; Realtors PAC; Ruth's List; The Hispanic Vote; Human Rights Campaign; and numerous municipal officials throughout Palm Beach County.
∎ Top campaign donors: Tendrich says her campaign is supported by more than 300 individual donors as well as organizations representing police, firefighters, educators, Realtors, labor groups and Democratic organizations. She expects to spend approximately $150,000 and says no single donor dominates her fundraising.
Cathy Higgins, Republican
∎ Occupation: Managing partner, owner and vice president of East Coast Protection Inc., where Higgins handles operations, payroll and client relations.
∎ Education: Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management and Marketing from Florida Atlantic University.
∎ Voting record: Higgins served 12 years on the Atlantis City Council, including three years as the city’s first woman mayor. Her campaign says that while in office she held the line on taxes, maintained financial reserves and worked on parks, public safety and infrastructure improvements.
∎ Campaign website: votecathyhiggins.com
∎ Top three campaign priorities: 1) Addressing affordability, including property insurance; 2) housing costs and inflation; 3) supporting public safety and law enforcement.
∎ Why should people vote for you?: Higgins portrays herself as an experienced local public servant, small-business owner and educator who would bring a fiscally conservative, practical approach to Tallahassee.
∎ Community involvement and service: Higgins served 12 years on the Atlantis City Council, including three years as mayor. Her campaign says she spearheaded creation of Sunset Park, helped secure grant funding for Kintz’ Water Park & Splash Pad and supported community events including the Fall Festival and Holiday Wheels Golf Cart Parade.
∎ Experience that prepared them for office: Higgins cites experience in local government, business and education.
State House District 90
Incumbent Rob Long, Democrat, vs Ionel Roiban, Republican
District 90 is contained within Palm Beach County and covers the Boynton Beach and Delray Beach area, extending east to the Atlantic coast. The district includes ZIP codes associated with Boynton Beach (33426, 33435, 33436) and Delray Beach (33444, 33445, 33483, 33484)
Roiban did not respond to The Post's questionnaire. The information below was pulled from his campaign website.
Rob Long, Democrat
∎ Age: 41
∎ Occupation: Director of External Affairs at Netta Architects and Florida state representative. Previously worked as a loss control engineer and founded D2D Strategies.
∎ Education: Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Penn State University.
∎ Voting record: Democratic incumbent representing Florida House District 90. Elected in 2025 after previously serving as a Delray Beach city commissioner and vice mayor and as chair and a two-term supervisor of the Palm Beach County Soil & Water Conservation District.
∎ Campaign website: roblongforflorida.com
∎ Top three campaign priorities: Addressing affordability, particularly property insurance, housing and the rising cost of living; investing in infrastructure, clean water and environmental resilience while supporting responsible growth; and strengthening public education, public safety and local home rule. Long also wants to continue work on PFAS contamination and expand Florida’s housing supply while preserving local flexibility.
∎ Why should people vote for you?: Long points to his experience in engineering, business and government at the local, regional and state levels. In his first legislative session, his HB 851 requiring autism-specific professional learning opportunities for instructional and school administrative personnel became law. He also co-sponsored the Joe Casello Act addressing PFAS-containing firefighting foam. He says he works across party lines, remains accessible to constituents and focuses on practical results.
∎ Community involvement and service: Long has served as a Florida state representative, Delray Beach city commissioner and vice mayor, Delray Beach CRA board member and chair and two-term supervisor of the Palm Beach County Soil & Water Conservation District. He also has served on the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization Governing Board, Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council, Delray Medical Center Governing Board, Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce Board and Friends of the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Executive Board, among other organizations.
∎ Experience that prepared them for office: Long cites his background in civil engineering, business and nearly a decade of public service. He says engineering taught him to analyze problems and seek workable solutions, while his service in local and regional government gave him experience with infrastructure, water policy, housing, transportation, economic development and local government.
∎ What they hear from voters: Long says affordability dominates his conversations with residents, particularly property insurance, housing costs, property taxes and everyday expenses. He also hears concerns about traffic and infrastructure, public education, healthcare, public safety, clean water, environmental protection and the disconnect between decisions made in Tallahassee and their effects on local communities.
∎ Key endorsements: Long lists endorsements from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Florida, Humane World Action Fund, Florida Professional Firefighters, Palm Beach County Professional Firefighters, Delray Beach Professional Firefighters, Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association, SEIU Florida, Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association, Florida Rising, Palm Beach County Human Rights Council Voters Alliance and Florida Planned Parenthood PAC. Elected and former elected officials supporting him include Lois Frankel, Jared Moskowitz, Lori Berman, Tina Polsky, Mack Bernard, Debra Tendrich, Karen Brill and former Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg.
∎ Top campaign donors: Long says his financial support comes from individual contributors and business, labor, professional and political organizations, including contributors associated with real estate and development, organized labor and professional associations. He did not identify individual top donors or donation amounts in the questionnaire.
∎ Expected campaign spending: Approximately $50,000 during the election cycle.
Ionel Roiban, Republican
∎ Occupation: Software and artificial intelligence engineer and consultant.
∎ Education: Not specified on the campaign website.
∎ Voting record: This is Roiban’s first campaign for public office. He currently serves as president of the National Committee of Romanian-American Republicans.
∎ Campaign website: voteroiban.com
∎ Top three campaign priorities: 1) Making District 90 more affordable, with a particular focus on homeowners insurance and property taxes; 2) supporting clean water and environmental protection; 3) making state government more effective and transparent.
∎ Why should people vote for you?: Roiban says his lack of previous elected experience is a strength and presents himself as a political outsider who would apply an engineer’s problem-solving approach to government.
∎ Community involvement and service: Roiban serves as president of the National Committee of Romanian-American Republicans.
∎ Experience that prepared them for office: Roiban cites his two decades as a software and AI engineer and consultant, where he says he has modernized organizations' technology and addressed malfunctioning systems.
State House District 91
Incumbent Peggy Gossett-Seidman, Republican, vs Luis Garcia, Democrat
District 91 is contained within Palm Beach County and centers on the Boca Raton area, with ZIP codes including 33428, 33431, 33432, 33433, 33434, 33483, 33486, 33487 and 33496.
Peggy Gossett-Seidman, Republican
∎ Age: 73
∎ Occupation: Florida state representative. Previously served as a Highland Beach town commissioner and has worked in public relations and marketing, including freelance work.
∎ Education: Bachelor of Arts with honors from Michigan State University, majoring in English/creative writing with concentrations in journalism and history.
∎ Voting record: Republican incumbent representing Florida House District 91. Elected to the Florida House in 2022 after serving on the Highland Beach Town Commission from 2018 to 2022. She says she has passed 15 bills and brought $75.4 million in state appropriations to her district and Palm Beach County during four years in the Legislature.
∎ Campaign website: peggyforfl.com
∎ Top three campaign priorities: Addressing affordability, including property insurance, property taxes, healthcare and housing costs; improving water quality, infrastructure and transportation, including wastewater notification requirements and roadway flooding; and strengthening consumer protections, including legislation restricting the sale of personal information from driver’s license records. She also wants stronger requirements for repairing broken elevators and greater scrutiny of insurance company profits.
∎ Why should people vote for you?: Gossett-Seidman says her legislative experience, knowledge of District 91 and relationships throughout state and local government allow her to effectively address constituent problems and secure state funding. She points to passing 15 bills and securing $75.4 million in state appropriations for projects involving water, roads, job training, mental health, children, seniors, public safety, veterans and education. She argues that her government experience and established contacts allow her to respond quickly to constituent problems.
∎ Community involvement and service: Gossett-Seidman has served in the Florida House since 2022 and previously served four years on the Highland Beach Town Commission. Her community involvement includes the Bel Lido Property Owners Association, Palm Beach Medical Society Auxiliary, Daughters of the American Revolution, Unity School PTA and St. Lucy’s Women’s Society. She also cites beach cleanups, school story-time programs, sea turtle safety activities and Red Cross children’s swimming lessons.
∎ Experience that prepared them for office: Gossett-Seidman cites nine years of public service, including service in municipal and state government, along with her background as a journalist and researcher. She says those experiences have taught her to investigate problems, identify solutions and navigate government agencies. She also points to constituent-service work involving health care, building safety and other problems and to her experience moving legislation through committees and coordinating with Senate sponsors.
∎ What they hear from voters: Gossett-Seidman says voters raise concerns about the economy, housing, taxes, insurance, public safety, traffic, infrastructure and Medicare and Medicaid assistance. She also hears concerns about shortages of physicians and dentists, prescription costs and transportation to medical appointments for older residents.
∎ Key endorsements: Gossett-Seidman lists endorsements from numerous Republican state lawmakers and public officials as well as the Florida Professional Firefighters, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue 2928, Fraternal Order of Police, Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association, Economic Council of Palm Beach County, BIZPAC, Palm Beach County Medical Association, Florida Home Builders Association, Associated Industries of Florida, Associated Builders and Contractors, Florida Realtors Association, Florida Chamber of Commerce, Seminole Tribe of Florida and Miccosukee Tribe of Florida, among others.
∎ Top campaign donors: Gossett-Seidman identifies local friends, businesses and business organizations as her major financial supporters. She did not identify individual top donors or contribution amounts in the questionnaire.
∎ Expected campaign spending: Approximately $200,000.
Luis Garcia, Democrat
∎ Age: 60
∎ Occupation: Independent contractor in emergency property restoration; sales, marketing and training consultant, primarily with 911 Restoration of Florida.
∎ Education: High school diploma; completed 93 college credit hours but did not earn a degree.
∎ Voting record: Not provided. Candidate for Florida House District 91.
∎ Campaign website: voteforluisgarcia.com
∎ Top three campaign priorities: Not provided in the submitted information.
∎ Why should people vote for you?: Not provided in the submitted information.
∎ Community involvement and service: Endorsed by the National Organization for Women (Florida chapter), Florida Alliance for Retired Citizens, AFL-CIO of Florida and the Palm Beach County Democratic Black Caucus. No additional community-service information was provided.
∎ Experience that prepared them for office: Garcia cites experience in emergency property restoration, business consulting, sales, marketing and training.
∎ What they hear from voters: Not provided in the submitted information.
∎ Key endorsements: National Organization for Women (Florida), Florida Alliance for Retired Citizens, AFL-CIO of Florida, and the Palm Beach County Democratic Black Caucus.
∎ Top campaign donors: Garcia said his campaign had raised about $4,000 through small individual donations and did not identify any major donors. He said limited fundraising has prevented the campaign from purchasing yard signs and other campaign materials.
∎ Expected campaign spending: Garcia said he anticipates spending little beyond the cost of printing campaign flyers unless fundraising substantially improves.
State House District 92
Incumbent Kelly Skidmore, Democrat, vs. Steve Byers, Republican
District 92 is contained within Palm Beach County and covers portions of Boca Raton and Boynton Beach, including the Watergate community.
Byers did not respond to The Post's questionnaire. The information below was pulled from his campaign website.
Kelly Skidmore, Democrat
∎ Age: 62
∎ Occupation: State representative for Florida House District 92 since 2020; former CEO of the Palm Beach County Medical Society; former public relations professional for the Marine Industries Association of South Florida; former vice president of community relations for UnitedHealthcare.
∎ Education: Associate of Arts degree in Communications.
∎ Voting record: Incumbent state representative seeking re-election. Skidmore highlights her work on Florida's prescription drug monitoring program, efforts to address property insurance costs, and legislative initiatives involving education, ocean economy development and health care.
∎ Campaign website: kellyskidmore.com
∎ Top three campaign priorities: Reducing property insurance costs through a catastrophic risk pool; improving access to school-based dental services; and securing recurring funding for Florida's Office of Ocean Economy while protecting environmentally sensitive areas such as the Agricultural Reserve.
∎ Why should people vote for you?: Skidmore says she offers a proven record of constituent service, legislative success and securing appropriations that benefit the community. She argues her experience in government and public policy exceeds that of her opponent.
∎ Community involvement and service: Former legislative aide from 1996 to 2005; served in the Florida House from 2006 to 2010 and again since 2020. Has worked extensively in health care, community relations and public policy in Palm Beach County.
∎ Experience that prepared them for office: Skidmore cites 30 years of involvement in the legislative process, experience in both the public and private sectors, and a bipartisan approach focused on collaboration, compromise and constituent service.
∎ What they hear from voters: Residents consistently raise concerns about affordability, particularly property insurance premiums, housing costs, gas prices, grocery prices, child care and health care. She says voters want government focused on practical solutions rather than partisan issues.
∎ Key endorsements: Congresswomen Lois Frankel and Debbie Wasserman Schultz; state Sens. Lori Berman, Tina Polsky, Kristin Arrington, Mack Bernard and Shevrin Jones; numerous state representatives including Debra Tendrich, Jervonte Edmonds and Emily Gregory; Palm Beach County Tax Collector Anne Gannon; Florida Realtors; Florida Education Association; Palm Beach County and Florida Professional Firefighters; Florida State Fraternal Order of Police; Palm Beach County Medical Society; Florida Dental Association; Florida Osteopathic Medical Association; Progress Florida; and numerous local elected officials.
∎ Top campaign donors: Skidmore said her campaign is supported by local organizations, individuals, professional groups and businesses. She did not identify specific major donors.
∎ Expected campaign spending: Between $50,000 and $75,000.
Steve Byers, Republican
∎ Occupation: Entrepreneur and business owner with experience in technology consulting, aviation, real estate, education, beekeeping and insurance. He operates a honey bee farm and describes himself as a beekeeper.
∎ Education: Attended college for computer engineering.
∎ Voting record: Byers describes himself as not being a politician; the campaign website does not identify previous elected office.
∎ Campaign website: votestevebyers.com
∎ Top three campaign priorities: 1) Fighting inflation and reducing taxes and the property-tax burden; 2) reforming Florida's insurance system to address rising costs for homeowners and businesses; 3) protecting parental rights and expanding educational choices, including homeschooling, vocational education, skilled trades, aviation and technical training.
∎ Why should people vote for you?: Byers says Tallahassee needs representatives with real-world experience rather than professional politicians.
∎ Community involvement and service: Byers says he has served as a pastor and helped build Hilltop Christian Fellowship, where he hosted church services, retreats and ministry projects.
∎ Experience that prepared them for office: Byers cites his experience starting and operating businesses in technology, aviation, real estate, education, beekeeping and insurance.
State House District 93
Incumbent Anne Gerwig, Republican, vs August Mangeney, Democrat
District 93 is contained within Palm Beach County and covers Wellington, along with portions of Greenacres and Royal Palm Beach and the Royal Palm Estates community.
Mangeney did not respond to The Post's questionnaire. The information below was pulled from his campaign website.
Anne Gerwig, Republican
∎ Age: 62
∎ Occupation: State representative for Florida House District 93 since 2024; former co-owner and director of client communications for Alan Gerwig & Associates, an engineering firm.
∎ Education: Certificate in Architectural Drafting from North Technical Education Center; graduate of North Shore High School.
∎ Voting record: Incumbent state representative seeking re-election. Previously served on the Wellington Village Council from 2010 to 2016 and as Wellington mayor from 2016 to 2024. Highlights passage of three bills without opposition, including legislation expanding capacity at family child care homes, and support for property insurance reforms.
∎ Campaign website: annegerwig.com
∎ Top three campaign priorities: Lowering homeowners insurance costs through excess-profit refunds; increasing transparency in utility bills and government finances; and investing in water infrastructure, teacher pay and career-training programs.
∎ Why should people vote for you?: Gerwig says her experience as Wellington mayor and state representative gives her a proven record of balancing budgets, managing major infrastructure projects and delivering legislative results. She argues that Florida's challenges require experienced leadership rather than "on-the-job training."
∎ Community involvement and service: Former Wellington mayor and village council member; former president of the Palm Beach County League of Cities; former board member of the Florida League of Cities, Palm Beach County Metropolitan Planning Organization and Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council; recipient of the Florida League of Cities Home Rule Hero and Legislative Appreciation awards; active with the Binks Forest Elementary PTA.
∎ Experience that prepared them for office: Gerwig points to more than a decade in local government, experience running an engineering business, oversight of major utility infrastructure projects and years of balancing municipal budgets. She says those experiences taught her to evaluate costs, understand development impacts and manage taxpayer dollars responsibly.
∎ What they hear from voters: Residents consistently raise concerns about homeowners insurance costs, utility bills, taxes, affordability, government transparency and trust in public spending. She says voters want practical solutions rather than political slogans.
∎ Key endorsements: Florida Professional Firefighters, Palm Beach County Professional Firefighters, Fraternal Order of Police, Police Benevolent Association, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Florida Chamber of Commerce, Economic Council of Palm Beach County, BizPAC and the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association.
∎ Top campaign donors: Gerwig says her support comes primarily from firefighters, law enforcement officers, teachers, education supporters, local businesses, friends and family. She has also invested personal funds in her campaign.
∎ Expected campaign spending: Approximately $250,000. She reported raising about $172,000 as of her most recent campaign-finance filing.
August Mangeney, Democrat
∎ Occupation: Attorney. Mangeney has practiced law for more than a decade, specializing in auto insurance issues.
∎ Education: Graduate of Union College in Kentucky, which he attended on a football scholarship, and the University of Miami School of Law.
∎ Voting record: No prior office.
∎ Campaign website: augustmangeney.com
∎ Top three campaign priorities: The website does not provide three specific policy priorities.
∎ Why should people vote for you?: Mangeney points to his working-class background, experience as an attorney and involvement in Democratic politics and voting-rights efforts.
∎ Community involvement and service: Mangeney worked with the Fair Districts effort that successfully challenged partisan redistricting in Florida. He is a past president of the Margate Democratic Club and served as a precinct committeeman with the Palm Beach County Democratic Party.
∎ Experience that prepared them for office: Mangeney cites more than a decade practicing law, specializing in auto insurance issues, along with his involvement in political campaigns, redistricting litigation and election activities.
State House District 94
Incumbent Meg Weinberger, Republican, vs. Elizabeth Holmes, Democrat, vs. Doug Barrow, No Party Affiliate (NPA).
District 94 stretches across western Palm Beach County, encompassing Belle Glade, Pahokee, South Bay, Westlake, Loxahatchee Groves, The Acreage and Jupiter Farms, as well as portions of Royal Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens and Jupiter. It also includes Canal Point and Lake Harbor.
Weinberger did not respond to The Post's questionnaire. The information below was pulled from her campaign website.
Elizabeth Holmes, Democrat
∎ Age: 42
∎ Occupation: English and Exceptional Student Education teacher in Palm Beach County public schools. Has taught at William T. Dwyer High School and Emerald Cove Middle School.
∎ Education: Bachelor of Arts in English Education.
∎ Voting record: Democrat seeking election to Florida House District 94. Has not previously held elected office or received a government appointment.
∎ Campaign website: elizabethholmesforflorida.com
∎ Top three campaign priorities: Reducing the cost of living, particularly homeowners insurance and housing costs; strengthening public education through better teacher pay, classroom funding and support for Exceptional Student Education; and expanding healthcare access, including Medicaid expansion. Holmes also emphasizes responsible growth and preserving local control over development decisions.
∎ Why should people vote for you?: Holmes says her experience as a public school teacher has taught her to listen, evaluate evidence, work with limited resources and collaborate with people who disagree. She says she would focus on practical issues affecting residents, including homeowners insurance, housing costs, public education, healthcare access and responsible development, rather than culture-war issues.
∎ Community involvement and service: Holmes has spent 15 years working with Palm Beach County students and families and advocating for students with disabilities. She has participated in parent-teacher organizations at Equestrian Trail Elementary, Marsh Pointe Elementary and Emerald Cove Middle; volunteered with school band programs at Dreyfoos School of the Arts and Emerald Cove; and volunteered with Christ Fellowship and Friends of Jupiter Beach. She also collects clothing and necessities for students and helps operate the Dwyer Closet at Dwyer High School.
∎ Experience that prepared them for office: Holmes cites her experience as a teacher, mother of four and lifelong Palm Beach County resident. She says teaching has required her to listen, collaborate, solve problems, adapt to changing policies, explain complex issues and advocate for students and families while working with limited resources.
∎ What they hear from voters: Holmes says residents most often raise concerns about the cost of living, including homeowners insurance, rent, housing prices, utilities, groceries and healthcare. Other concerns include teacher shortages and school funding, healthcare access, development and traffic, data centers, flooding, drinking-water supplies and local control. In the Glades, she says residents also raise concerns about transportation, jobs, roads, healthcare and recreational opportunities for children.
∎ Key endorsements: Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association; SEIU Florida; Florida AFL-CIO; Palm Beach-Treasure Coast AFL-CIO; Democratic Women’s Club of Florida; Women’s Issues Now; Palm Beach County Human Rights Council Voters Alliance; Moms Fed Up; Emgage; and retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman. Holmes listed Florida High School Democrats as pending.
∎ Top campaign donors: Holmes says her campaign is primarily supported by individual donors, including small-dollar contributors, along with supporters from labor and community organizations. She says no single donor or organization accounts for a dominant share of campaign funding.
∎ Expected campaign spending: Approximately $75,000, primarily for voter contact, digital outreach, printed materials, signs and other communications. If additional money becomes available, Holmes says the campaign could expand into television and streaming advertising while maintaining funding for field operations and voter turnout.
Doug Barrow, No Party Affiliate
∎ Age: 51
∎ Occupation: Owner of HP Hospitality; business owner and employer in the hospitality industry.
∎ Education: High school graduate.
∎ Voting record: Nonpartisan candidate (NPA) seeking election to Florida House District 94. Has not previously held elected office.
∎ Campaign website: dougbarrowforflorida.com
∎ Top three campaign priorities: Stopping or pausing large-scale data center development pending further study; investing in infrastructure and economic development in Belle Glade and Pahokee; and increasing government transparency through spending audits, fiscal accountability and campaign finance reforms.
∎ Why should people vote for you?: Barrow says voters deserve an independent voice free from party politics. He argues that his private-sector experience, fiscal discipline and willingness to work with Democrats, Republicans and independents make him uniquely positioned to address affordability, insurance, growth and infrastructure challenges.
∎ Community involvement and service: Barrow did not list any government appointments, elected offices or organized community activities.
∎ Experience that prepared them for office: Barrow cites his experience as a business owner, employer, father and community member. He says managing budgets, creating jobs, solving problems and bringing people with different viewpoints together has prepared him to serve effectively in Tallahassee.
∎ What they hear from voters: Residents most often raise concerns about affordability, property insurance, housing costs, taxes, utility bills, infrastructure keeping pace with growth, government accountability and excessive political partisanship.
∎ Key endorsements: Barrow did not list any formal endorsements, saying the endorsement he values most is that of district voters.
∎ Top campaign donors: Barrow said his campaign has been funded primarily by himself and a small group of personal friends. He said he made a conscious decision not to actively solicit donations from residents in the district.
∎ Expected campaign spending: Not specified. Barrow said the campaign is largely self-funded and supported by a small circle of friends and supporters.
Meg Weinberger, Republican
∎ Occupation: Florida state representative and animal-welfare advocate. Weinberger has led Rescue Life, an animal sanctuary, for 10 years.
∎ Education: Her site does not identify a degree or educational background.
∎ Voting record: Her campaign says she supported property-tax initiatives headed to the Nov. 3 ballot and legislation intended to hold insurance companies accountable and help policyholders access claims.
∎ Campaign website: megforflorida.com
∎ Top three campaign priorities: 1) Addressing affordability by targeting insurance premiums and housing costs; 2) lowering taxes and reducing regulations to promote jobs and economic growth; 3) supporting agriculture and protecting farmland from being taken out of production.
∎ Why should people vote for you?: Weinberger presents herself as a conservative legislator focused on making Florida more affordable, safe and prosperous. She points to her first term in Tallahassee, including support for property-tax changes and insurance legislation, as well as her longtime advocacy for people with disabilities, foster children and animals.
∎ Community involvement and service: Weinberger has been involved with Rescue Life for 10 years. The sanctuary works with organizations including Kid Sanctuary, Place of Hope, Els Center for Excellence & Adult Day Program and Friendship Circle.
∎ Experience that prepared them for office: Weinberger cites her advocacy for people with physical and intellectual disabilities, foster children and animals, including her leadership of Rescue Life and work with community organizations.
∎ Key endorsements: The campaign website identifies endorsements including President Donald Trump, U.S. Reps. Brian Mast, Gus Bilirakis and Jason Smith, as well as the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association and Florida Fraternal Order of Police.
This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: For Florida House races, here's a chance to know your candidates
