Eric Yonce

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Eric Yonce completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Yonce's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-356992-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading-bio-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-356992-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-356992-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tBorn in Florida and raised in the 6th District, Eric Yonce grew up with hard work, community, and public service in his blood—his mother led the local Realtor Association, and his father is a retired police officer.\r\n<p>Eric spent 20+ years in big box retail, building a reputation for strong leadership, problem-solving, and helping people get results. In 2022, he completed a 2,000+ mile thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, proving his endurance, perseverance, and commitment to purpose.\r\n</p><p>Since then, he’s entered real estate and launched his own small business, remodeling vintage Airstreams—turning challenges into opportunities every step of the way.\r\n</p>\nEric isn’t a career politician; he’s a neighbor, a worker, and a builder. He brings real-world experience and a people-first perspective to politics, ready to fight for practical solutions and a fairer future for the district he calls home.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-356992-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading-key-message-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-356992-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-356992-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Real Representation, Not a Political Career:\r\nI’m not a career politician, and I’m not running to use this office as a stepping stone. My focus is to bring true representation back: serving the people of Florida’s 6th District, listening to their needs, and delivering results that improve everyday life.</li><li>Protecting Our Communities and Environment:\r\nOur district faces unprecedented overdevelopment that strains local resources, threatens our natural environment, and puts our older developments at risks for flooding. I’ll fight for smart growth policies that protect our neighborhoods, waterways, and green spaces for generations to come.</li><li>Tackling the Cost of Living:\r\nFloridians are struggling as housing, energy, and everyday expenses continue to rise. I will champion policies that keep life affordable, support local businesses, and ensure everyone can thrive without being priced out of our community.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-356992-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading1-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-356992-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-356992-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’m passionate about policies that protect our environment, manage responsible development, and preserve Florida’s natural resources. I am also passionate about making housing, healthcare, and childcare more affordable, while strengthening local communities and infrastructure. My goal is practical, to find results-driven solutions that put constituents first, not special interests, ensuring our communities thrive now and for future generations.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-356992-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading2-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-356992-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-356992-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe people I look up to most are my parents. They instilled in me a strong work ethic and a healthy dose of stubbornness, but the quality I most strive to emulate is their deep connection to the community and their commitment to doing what is right for others. They taught me that honesty and integrity are non-negotiable, and that public service is about putting the needs of the community above personal gain. Their example has shaped my belief that leadership is not about power—it’s about responsibility and service.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-356992-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading3-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-356992-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-356992-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe the core responsibility of someone in a representative office is to truly listen to and serve the people who elected them. It’s essential to understand the needs, challenges, and opportunities within our district and to work diligently on their behalf. Effective representation also requires collaborating across the aisle and with leaders nationwide to find common ground and pass legislation that addresses these issues. The challenges we face locally often mirror those in other parts of the country, and working together is the key to creating meaningful solutions that benefit both our district and the nation as a whole.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-356992-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading4-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-356992-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-356992-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe historical event that stands out most in my lifetime is Hurricane Andrew. We were living in Citra at the time, but had family in Miami. I remember my father leaving to stay with my grandmother in North Miami to ride out the storm. I was only nine years old, but the experience left a lasting impression on me. Since then, I’ve developed a fascination with hurricanes—following their development and seeking to understand both their power and the devastating impacts they can have on communities.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-356992-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading5-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-356992-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-356992-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWorked for the Marion County Clerk's Office for 2 years when I was 16.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-356992-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading6-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-356992-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-356992-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tA Land Remembered by Patrick Smith<br/>\r\nIt tells the story of Florida’s early days through the lives of a pioneer family. It shows how people lived, worked, and built communities in a young, growing territory. The book also highlights how development has shaped Florida from the very beginning, showing both the opportunities and challenges of growth while giving a sense of the state’s history and way of life.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-356992-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading7-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-356992-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-356992-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe biggest thing is finding true purpose.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-356992-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading8-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-356992-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-356992-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNot necessarily. Previous experience in government or politics would be nice, but it's not needed. The experience within that whelm can be learned. <br/>\r\nThe previous experience that matters is your overall life, your connection to the district, your connection with the other people that work and live within the district. The way to bring change is to have fresh perspective and different view points.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-356992-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading9-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-356992-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-356992-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tOver the next decade, our nation will face a series of interconnected challenges that demand thoughtful, practical solutions. <br/>\n<p>1. One of the most pressing is the rapid overdevelopment of land, which not only harms our environment but also drives up housing costs, making it increasingly difficult for families to afford safe, stable homes. <br/>\n</p>\n<pre>2. Our international commitments, including our relationship with Israel and our financing of conflicts in the Middle East, require careful oversight to ensure that U.S. resources are being used responsibly and in ways that align with our national interests.<br/>\r\n</pre>\n<p>3. Workforce development is another critical area, especially as artificial intelligence and automation transform the job market. We must ensure that humans continue to have meaningful roles and opportunities, preparing our workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy. <br/>\r\n4. Rising healthcare costs and the burdens of insurance further strain families and businesses, creating a pressing need for reforms that make healthcare more accessible and affordable.<br/>\r\n5. Equally important is the protection of individual rights and freedoms. Recent Supreme Court decisions have threatened a woman’s right to choose and could also endanger the right to marry whom one loves. Protecting these liberties is essential to preserving the principles of justice and equality that underpin our democracy. <br/><br/>\n</p>\nAddressing these challenges requires leadership that is willing to listen, compromise when necessary, and focus on solutions that benefit all Americans—not just special interests. By confronting these issues head-on, we can build a stronger, more resilient nation for the decades to come.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-356992-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading10-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-356992-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-356992-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes. It's tough, you have a short time to show you will make an impact for your constituents. If you are doing a good job, you will earn their vote for another term. I feel that there should be a term limit for 3 terms, allowing for 6 years to make a true impact for your constituents.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-356992-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading11-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-356992-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-356992-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tTerm limits should be in place, this helps prevent the career politician allowing for fresh ideas to come out. I feel that representatives should serve no more than 3 terms.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-356992-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading12-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-356992-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-356992-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWe are living in a time of deep division, where many people feel hesitant to speak openly about their beliefs, and this is true on both sides of the aisle. I believe real progress in policymaking comes when we move away from the extremes and meet in the middle, engaging in honest, respectful conversations about the issues. Compromise is not about giving up our values—it’s about finding practical solutions that serve everyone and create meaningful, lasting impact for our communities.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-356992-2025-08-22\" id=\"heading13-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-356992-2025-08-22\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is an accomplishment that you are proud of?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-356992-2025-08-22\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-356992-2025-08-22\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tCompleting a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nEric Yonce completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Yonce's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Born in Florida and raised in the 6th District, Eric Yonce grew up with hard work, community, and public service in his blood—his mother led the local Realtor Association, and his father is a retired police officer. Eric spent 20+ years in big box retail, building a reputation for strong leadership, problem-solving, and helping people get results. In 2022, he completed a 2,000+ mile thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, proving his endurance, perseverance, and commitment to purpose. Since then, he’s entered real estate and launched his own small business, remodeling vintage Airstreams—turning challenges into opportunities every step of the way. Eric isn’t a career politician; he’s a neighbor, a worker, and a builder. He brings real-world experience and a people-first perspective to politics, ready to fight for practical solutions and a fairer future for the district he calls home. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Real Representation, Not a Political Career:\r\nI’m not a career politician, and I’m not running to use this office as a stepping stone. My focus is to bring true representation back: serving the people of Florida’s 6th District, listening to their needs, and delivering results that improve everyday life. Protecting Our Communities and Environment:\r\nOur district faces unprecedented overdevelopment that strains local resources, threatens our natural environment, and puts our older developments at risks for flooding. I’ll fight for smart growth policies that protect our neighborhoods, waterways, and green spaces for generations to come. Tackling the Cost of Living:\r\nFloridians are struggling as housing, energy, and everyday expenses continue to rise. I will champion policies that keep life affordable, support local businesses, and ensure everyone can thrive without being priced out of our community. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I’m passionate about policies that protect our environment, manage responsible development, and preserve Florida’s natural resources. I am also passionate about making housing, healthcare, and childcare more affordable, while strengthening local communities and infrastructure. My goal is practical, to find results-driven solutions that put constituents first, not special interests, ensuring our communities thrive now and for future generations. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? The people I look up to most are my parents. They instilled in me a strong work ethic and a healthy dose of stubbornness, but the quality I most strive to emulate is their deep connection to the community and their commitment to doing what is right for others. They taught me that honesty and integrity are non-negotiable, and that public service is about putting the needs of the community above personal gain. Their example has shaped my belief that leadership is not about power—it’s about responsibility and service. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? I believe the core responsibility of someone in a representative office is to truly listen to and serve the people who elected them. It’s essential to understand the needs, challenges, and opportunities within our district and to work diligently on their behalf. Effective representation also requires collaborating across the aisle and with leaders nationwide to find common ground and pass legislation that addresses these issues. The challenges we face locally often mirror those in other parts of the country, and working together is the key to creating meaningful solutions that benefit both our district and the nation as a whole. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? The historical event that stands out most in my lifetime is Hurricane Andrew. We were living in Citra at the time, but had family in Miami. I remember my father leaving to stay with my grandmother in North Miami to ride out the storm. I was only nine years old, but the experience left a lasting impression on me. Since then, I’ve developed a fascination with hurricanes—following their development and seeking to understand both their power and the devastating impacts they can have on communities. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? Worked for the Marion County Clerk's Office for 2 years when I was 16. What is your favorite book? Why? A Land Remembered by Patrick Smith It tells the story of Florida’s early days through the lives of a pioneer family. It shows how people lived, worked, and built communities in a young, growing territory. The book also highlights how development has shaped Florida from the very beginning, showing both the opportunities and challenges of growth while giving a sense of the state’s history and way of life. What is something that has been a struggle in your life? The biggest thing is finding true purpose. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? Not necessarily. Previous experience in government or politics would be nice, but it's not needed. The experience within that whelm can be learned. The previous experience that matters is your overall life, your connection to the district, your connection with the other people that work and live within the district. The way to bring change is to have fresh perspective and different view points. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Over the next decade, our nation will face a series of interconnected challenges that demand thoughtful, practical solutions. 1. One of the most pressing is the rapid overdevelopment of land, which not only harms our environment but also drives up housing costs, making it increasingly difficult for families to afford safe, stable homes. 2. Our international commitments, including our relationship with Israel and our financing of conflicts in the Middle East, require careful oversight to ensure that U.S. resources are being used responsibly and in ways that align with our national interests. 3. Workforce development is another critical area, especially as artificial intelligence and automation transform the job market. We must ensure that humans continue to have meaningful roles and opportunities, preparing our workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy. 4. Rising healthcare costs and the burdens of insurance further strain families and businesses, creating a pressing need for reforms that make healthcare more accessible and affordable. 5. Equally important is the protection of individual rights and freedoms. Recent Supreme Court decisions have threatened a woman’s right to choose and could also endanger the right to marry whom one loves. Protecting these liberties is essential to preserving the principles of justice and equality that underpin our democracy. Addressing these challenges requires leadership that is willing to listen, compromise when necessary, and focus on solutions that benefit all Americans—not just special interests. By confronting these issues head-on, we can build a stronger, more resilient nation for the decades to come. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? Yes. It's tough, you have a short time to show you will make an impact for your constituents. If you are doing a good job, you will earn their vote for another term. I feel that there should be a term limit for 3 terms, allowing for 6 years to make a true impact for your constituents. What are your thoughts on term limits? Term limits should be in place, this helps prevent the career politician allowing for fresh ideas to come out. I feel that representatives should serve no more than 3 terms. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? We are living in a time of deep division, where many people feel hesitant to speak openly about their beliefs, and this is true on both sides of the aisle. I believe real progress in policymaking comes when we move away from the extremes and meet in the middle, engaging in honest, respectful conversations about the issues. Compromise is not about giving up our values—it’s about finding practical solutions that serve everyone and create meaningful, lasting impact for our communities. What is an accomplishment that you are proud of? Completing a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]