Marialana Kinter

[{"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>Marialana Kinter 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 Kinter'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-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading-bio-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-353484-2025-05-25\" 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-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-353484-2025-05-25\" 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 Marialana Kinter, a U.S. Navy veteran, and I'm running for Congress to represent our community here in Central Florida. My understanding of the challenges facing working families isn't academic – it's etched into my life story. Growing up as one of four kids raised by a single mom, I learned early on what it means to stretch every dollar, relying on programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and free school lunches. I know the insecurity that comes with housing instability and the vulnerability of navigating the foster care system. These experiences taught me resilience and showed me the quiet dignity of hard work, even when it felt like the system wasn't giving everyone a fair shot.\r\nFor me, breaking that cycle meant joining the Navy. It was a path forward, a chance to serve my country and build a different future. In the Navy, I served as a Nuclear Machinist Mate and rose to become a qualified Nuclear Reactor Plant Supervisor, a role demanding discipline, technical expertise, and leadership in high-stakes environments. The military taught me how to execute a mission effectively and forged an unbreakable bond with my fellow service members, instilling a deep, personal understanding that we must honor our promises to veterans. Now, I'm running for Congress because those early lessons, combined with the discipline and commitment learned in service, drive me to fight for the people of Central Florida.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading-key-message-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-353484-2025-05-25\" 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-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Restoring Trust through Accountability and Integrity: Our government should work for the people, not special interests. I'm committed to fighting corruption, demanding transparency, and bringing ethical leadership back to Washington. Voters can trust me to be a representative who listens, understands, and always puts their interests first, because I know what it's like to feel like the system is rigged.</li><li>Rebuilding Our Future by Championing Working Families: I'll fight for economic policies that actually help working people get ahead – making housing and childcare affordable, lowering healthcare costs, and ensuring fair wages. Having experienced economic hardship firsthand, I'm dedicated to creating an economy where hard work leads to security and opportunity for everyone in Central Florida, not just those at the top.</li><li>Honoring Our Commitment to Veterans: As a Navy veteran, I will be an unwavering voice for those who served. This means fighting for the timely, comprehensive benefits our veterans have earned, expanding access to quality healthcare (especially mental health services), and supporting their transition to civilian life. We must do more than just thank our veterans; we must act to ensure their sacrifices are honored with concrete support.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading1-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-353484-2025-05-25\" 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=\"heading1-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-353484-2025-05-25\" 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\tVeterans' Affairs: Ensuring our nation honors its promises to veterans with comprehensive support, timely benefits, and quality healthcare.<br/><br/>\n<p>Economic Justice &amp; Cost of Living: Making life affordable for working families by tackling housing and childcare costs, ensuring fair wages, and creating economic opportunity.<br/><br/>\r\nAccessible Healthcare: Fighting for healthcare as a human right, focusing on lower drug costs, expanded coverage, and protecting care for all.<br/><br/>\r\nGovernment Reform &amp; Anti-Corruption: Restoring trust through campaign finance reform, strong ethics laws, and ensuring government accountability to the people.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nEnvironmental Protection: Advocating for urgent climate action and a transition to clean energy.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading2-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-353484-2025-05-25\" 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=\"heading2-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-353484-2025-05-25\" 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 deeply look up to my mother. There were a lot of things in life that repeatedly knocked her down - and she kept getting back up. Her resilience in raising four children as a single parent, often facing incredible hardship, taught me the meaning of strength, perseverance, and unconditional love. Despite all of the challenges she faced, she constantly tried her best for us. Losing her when I was 24 was completely devastating and changed my outlook a lot. It made me reflect often on the values she taught me growing up, and I carry her with me every day. Her example of putting her family first, no matter the personal sacrifice, is something I strive to emulate in my commitment to public service.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading3-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-353484-2025-05-25\" 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\tAs an avid reader, it's hard to pinpoint just one work, as I believe our opinions are formed over years through the volume of content we consume, including military history and social commentary. However, my spark for reading social commentaries and history truly ignited in middle school when I read The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris, which is a long biography on Theodore Roosevelt. It covered the good, the bad, and the downright ugly of our nation's early politics and social climate, teaching me the importance of critical analysis and understanding diverse perspectives.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading4-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-353484-2025-05-25\" 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\tIntegrity, empathy, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to service are paramount. It is crucial to remember that an elected official is first and foremost a public servant. They must be honest, truly listen to and understand the diverse experiences of their constituents, take responsibility for their actions, and always prioritize the public good over personal gain or partisan politics. As Theodore Roosevelt wisely noted, there can be no compromise on morality. Courage to make tough decisions, even when unpopular, is also vital.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading5-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-353484-2025-05-25\" 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\tMy experience as a Nuclear Reactor Plant Supervisor in the Navy instilled a deep respect for continuous learning and the rigorous application of knowledge; challenging yourself intellectually was a daily requirement. I am committed to bringing that same dedication to thorough research and due diligence to my work in Congress. I also possess strong leadership skills and empathy, from my own experiences with economic hardship allowing me to genuinely connect with the struggles of working families. Finally, my unwavering integrity and commitment to service ensure I will always prioritize the people I represent.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading6-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-353484-2025-05-25\" 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=\"heading6-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-353484-2025-05-25\" 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 core responsibilities are to faithfully represent ALL constituents, not just those who voted for you or high-level donors, but every member of the community. This means being deeply involved and accessible. It includes creating legislation thoughtfully to address community needs, providing diligent oversight of government functions, and being a responsive resource. It's about being a voice for your district in Washington and a clear communicator of Washington's actions back to your district.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading7-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-353484-2025-05-25\" 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'd like to leave a legacy of having made a tangible, positive difference in the lives of the people in my community and for working families across the country. I want to be remembered as someone who restored faith in the idea that government can be a force for good, who fought tirelessly for fairness and opportunity, who always led with integrity and compassion, and who believed deeply in the possibility and prosperity of our nation.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading8-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-353484-2025-05-25\" 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=\"heading8-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-353484-2025-05-25\" 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 first major historical event I clearly remember is Hurricane Katrina in 2005. I was almost 8 years old at the time. My school organized a food drive, and representatives from the Red Cross came to talk to us. They explained what had happened and even showed us some footage of the devastation. It was the first time I really had the opportunity to engage with a nationwide event and understand that we are all part of a larger community of people, united in helping each other during times of crisis. Seeing the response and the desire to help from all over the country left a lasting impression on me about our capacity for compassion and collective action\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading9-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-353484-2025-05-25\" 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=\"heading9-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-353484-2025-05-25\" 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\tMy very first job was lifeguarding, which I started at 14 and a half. Shortly after that, I got my second job working as a hostess in a bakery. I loved both because I've always been a morning person, and these roles gave me an opportunity to enjoy the peace and quiet of the opening shifts and the morning rituals before things got busy. It was also pretty easy to get those early schedules – turns out, not a lot of other teenagers were eager to volunteer for them! I held those jobs through high school, stopping both just two weeks before I shipped off to boot camp, ten days after my high school graduation.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading10-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-353484-2025-05-25\" 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=\"heading10-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-353484-2025-05-25\" 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\tIt's so hard to choose just one favorite book, as my tastes are pretty broad! I have to break it down by genre. For military non-fiction, I love \"Blind Man's Bluff\" and \"The Terrible Hours\" – it's extraordinarily difficult to make historical accounts read like nail-biting stories, but they absolutely nailed it. In military fiction, \"The Women\" and \"A Calamity of Souls\" are hands-down favorites. For science fiction, it has to be \"Redshirts\" by John Scalzi; he's hilarious, and it's the best satirical book I've read. When it comes to other fiction and fantasy, there's such a wide variety that it's hard to choose; I really appreciate creativity and strong world-building – if a book has that, I'll love it. I also have a real passion for autobiographies and memoirs like \"Educated\" and \"Radium Girls.\" I can't pick a single favorite in that category either; I just find it incredibly compelling to read about people's diverse experiences and can't really pin them against each other.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading11-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-353484-2025-05-25\" 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'd probably go with Spider-Man (Peter Parker), because he always tries to do the right thing and protect everyday people, even when facing his own serious struggles – that \"great power, great responsibility\" really resonates. Plus, he manages to keep a sense of humor and wit even in the toughest situations, which I think is a pretty valuable trait! He's also universally known and, at his core, just a regular person trying to make a difference, which I admire.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading12-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-353484-2025-05-25\" 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 the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-353484-2025-05-25\" 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 a big fan of Tyler Childers. His music was one of the things my brother and I really bonded over after we lost our mom. We play his songs a lot, and most recently, \"Coal\" and \"Follow You to Virgie\" have been stuck in my head.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading13-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-353484-2025-05-25\" 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=\"heading13-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-353484-2025-05-25\" 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\tNavigating the foster care system and the instability of my early years was a significant struggle. It taught me hard lessons about vulnerability and the importance of stable support systems, but it also instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a fierce determination to fight for those who feel overlooked or left behind.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading14-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-353484-2025-05-25\" 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\tIts direct connection to the people is the most unique aspect. With two-year terms and smaller district sizes (compared to the Senate), the House is designed to be the chamber most immediately responsive to the public will and the diverse needs of communities across the nation. It's often called \"The People's House\" for this reason.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading15-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-353484-2025-05-25\" 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=\"heading15-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-353484-2025-05-25\" 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\tWhile prior political experience can be beneficial, it's certainly not the most important qualification. Government experience as a whole is equally, if not more, crucial. My years of service in the U.S. Navy, particularly as a Nuclear Reactor Plant Supervisor, provided me with extensive experience within a large, complex governmental organization. This involved navigating intricate regulations, managing diverse teams, ensuring strict adherence to protocols, and operating effectively within established governmental structures. This type of direct, hands-on government experience, focused on execution and accountability, has prepared me well to serve effectively in Congress, alongside qualities like integrity, lived experience, and a genuine commitment to the community.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading16-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-353484-2025-05-25\" 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=\"heading16-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-353484-2025-05-25\" 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\tBridging deep political divisions and fostering a sense of shared national purpose; we must be united for a better future, and working together with common-sense solutions is the only way to achieve it.<br/><br/>\n<p>Addressing profound economic inequality, combating the near-constant gouging of our working class to benefit corporations, and ensuring the cost of living is manageable for working families.<br/><br/>\r\nCombating the climate crisis with urgent and comprehensive action.<br/><br/>\r\nRestoring faith in our democratic institutions, which includes reinstating and strengthening the proper boundaries between the branches of government and restoring full respect for due process and our judiciary.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nEnsuring accessible and affordable healthcare for all Americans.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading17-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-353484-2025-05-25\" 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=\"heading17-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-353484-2025-05-25\" 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 two-year term ensures representatives stay closely attuned to their constituents' needs and remain accountable. While it means near-constant campaigning, it also fosters a strong connection to the district.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading18-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-353484-2025-05-25\" 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=\"heading18-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-353484-2025-05-25\" 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 am open to a serious discussion on term limits for members of Congress. While experience can be valuable, the concentration of power over extended periods can sometimes lead to entrenchment, a disconnect from constituents, and an increased susceptibility to special interests. The primary goal should be a government that remains responsive, dynamic, and truly representative of the people it serves. We need to weigh the benefits of experience against the risks of stagnation and ensure fresh perspectives are regularly incorporated. As the current state of our country and the makeup of our specific community evolves, our political representatives should reflect that ongoing change.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading19-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-353484-2025-05-25\" 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\tJohn Lewis inspires me; his moral courage, his unwavering commitment to justice, and his call to \"get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America\" are principles I strive to embody.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading20-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-353484-2025-05-25\" 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\tRecently, at a peaceful public demonstration, I met a gentleman who was a social studies and history teacher. He had brought his young daughter with him, not to push his specific views, but, as he explained, to show her firsthand the importance of civic engagement and the power of Americans expressing their beliefs. He wanted her to witness democracy in action and understand the value of independent thought. That really struck me. It wasn't just about the issue at hand, but about a father teaching his child the foundational principles of our country – the freedom to think for herself and the responsibility to participate. It was a powerful reminder that our work isn't just about policy; it's about fostering the next generation of informed and engaged citizens.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading21-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tTell us your favorite joke.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-353484-2025-05-25\" 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\tWhy don’t sailors want to get new hats? They are afraid of cap-sizing!\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading22-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-353484-2025-05-25\" 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=\"heading22-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-353484-2025-05-25\" 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\tCompromise is often necessary and can be desirable in a diverse democracy like ours to achieve progress. However, I will not compromise on my core values or on policies that would harm working families, veterans, or our environment. Principled compromise that moves us forward is good; abandoning core beliefs is not.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading23-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse23-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading23-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse23-353484-2025-05-25\" 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\tThis \"power of the purse\" is fundamental and must be wielded with responsibility and a commitment to comprehensive fiscal stewardship. This power should be used to advocate for a fairer tax system where corporations and the wealthiest pay their share, and to ensure federal spending prioritizes the needs of working families, invests in our communities, and responsibly manages our national resources, rather than simply giving tax breaks to those who don't need them. <br/>\r\nTo improve our current system, thorough and transparent reviews of where taxpayer money is going are a must. I would pursue a system that prevents the arbitrary gutting of important services without a well-researched and publicly vetted plan in place first. Public panic and disruption due to sudden budget cuts can be avoided if we commit to identifying and providing proof of supposed waste, fraud, and abuse, and then developing a clear, comprehensive plan for any adjustments\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading24-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse24-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading24-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse24-353484-2025-05-25\" 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 House's investigative powers should be used responsibly and judiciously to ensure government accountability, expose waste, fraud, and abuse, and protect the public interest. Investigations should be fact-based and aimed at uncovering truth and informing legislative solutions, not pursued for purely partisan political gain. A failure by any official to comply with legitimate investigations or a failure to properly support such investigative efforts is, in itself, a failure to perform the duties they were elected to uphold.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading25-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse25-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading25-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse25-353484-2025-05-25\" 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\tAs a first-time candidate who is just launching my campaign, I am actively building support and pursuing endorsements from a range of local and national organizations, as well as community leaders who share my vision for Central Florida. We will be announcing endorsements as they are confirmed.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse26-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading26-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse26-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse26-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading26-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse26-353484-2025-05-25\" 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\tGiven my background and priorities, I would be particularly interested in serving on:<br/>\n<p>The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.<br/>\r\nThe House Armed Services Committee.<br/>\r\nThe House Committee on Oversight and Accountability (formerly Oversight and Reform), to focus on government integrity.<br/>\n</p>\nThe House Committee on Energy and Commerce, particularly its subcommittees on Energy or Health.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse27-353484-2025-05-25\" id=\"heading27-353484-2025-05-25\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse27-353484-2025-05-25\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse27-353484-2025-05-25\" 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 views on financial transparency and government accountability?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading27-353484-2025-05-25\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse27-353484-2025-05-25\" 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\tThey are non-negotiable foundations of a healthy democracy and central to my \"Restoring Trust\" message. I support robust financial disclosure requirements for elected officials, stronger ethics enforcement, and measures to increase transparency in government spending and decision-making. Accountability means being answerable to the people for every action and every dollar.\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\nMarialana Kinter completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kinter's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I'm Marialana Kinter, a U.S. Navy veteran, and I'm running for Congress to represent our community here in Central Florida. My understanding of the challenges facing working families isn't academic – it's etched into my life story. Growing up as one of four kids raised by a single mom, I learned early on what it means to stretch every dollar, relying on programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and free school lunches. I know the insecurity that comes with housing instability and the vulnerability of navigating the foster care system. These experiences taught me resilience and showed me the quiet dignity of hard work, even when it felt like the system wasn't giving everyone a fair shot.\r\nFor me, breaking that cycle meant joining the Navy. It was a path forward, a chance to serve my country and build a different future. In the Navy, I served as a Nuclear Machinist Mate and rose to become a qualified Nuclear Reactor Plant Supervisor, a role demanding discipline, technical expertise, and leadership in high-stakes environments. The military taught me how to execute a mission effectively and forged an unbreakable bond with my fellow service members, instilling a deep, personal understanding that we must honor our promises to veterans. Now, I'm running for Congress because those early lessons, combined with the discipline and commitment learned in service, drive me to fight for the people of Central Florida. 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? Restoring Trust through Accountability and Integrity: Our government should work for the people, not special interests. I'm committed to fighting corruption, demanding transparency, and bringing ethical leadership back to Washington. Voters can trust me to be a representative who listens, understands, and always puts their interests first, because I know what it's like to feel like the system is rigged. Rebuilding Our Future by Championing Working Families: I'll fight for economic policies that actually help working people get ahead – making housing and childcare affordable, lowering healthcare costs, and ensuring fair wages. Having experienced economic hardship firsthand, I'm dedicated to creating an economy where hard work leads to security and opportunity for everyone in Central Florida, not just those at the top. Honoring Our Commitment to Veterans: As a Navy veteran, I will be an unwavering voice for those who served. This means fighting for the timely, comprehensive benefits our veterans have earned, expanding access to quality healthcare (especially mental health services), and supporting their transition to civilian life. We must do more than just thank our veterans; we must act to ensure their sacrifices are honored with concrete support. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Veterans' Affairs: Ensuring our nation honors its promises to veterans with comprehensive support, timely benefits, and quality healthcare. Economic Justice & Cost of Living: Making life affordable for working families by tackling housing and childcare costs, ensuring fair wages, and creating economic opportunity. Accessible Healthcare: Fighting for healthcare as a human right, focusing on lower drug costs, expanded coverage, and protecting care for all. Government Reform & Anti-Corruption: Restoring trust through campaign finance reform, strong ethics laws, and ensuring government accountability to the people. Environmental Protection: Advocating for urgent climate action and a transition to clean energy. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? I deeply look up to my mother. There were a lot of things in life that repeatedly knocked her down - and she kept getting back up. Her resilience in raising four children as a single parent, often facing incredible hardship, taught me the meaning of strength, perseverance, and unconditional love. Despite all of the challenges she faced, she constantly tried her best for us. Losing her when I was 24 was completely devastating and changed my outlook a lot. It made me reflect often on the values she taught me growing up, and I carry her with me every day. Her example of putting her family first, no matter the personal sacrifice, is something I strive to emulate in my commitment to public service. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? As an avid reader, it's hard to pinpoint just one work, as I believe our opinions are formed over years through the volume of content we consume, including military history and social commentary. However, my spark for reading social commentaries and history truly ignited in middle school when I read The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris, which is a long biography on Theodore Roosevelt. It covered the good, the bad, and the downright ugly of our nation's early politics and social climate, teaching me the importance of critical analysis and understanding diverse perspectives. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Integrity, empathy, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to service are paramount. It is crucial to remember that an elected official is first and foremost a public servant. They must be honest, truly listen to and understand the diverse experiences of their constituents, take responsibility for their actions, and always prioritize the public good over personal gain or partisan politics. As Theodore Roosevelt wisely noted, there can be no compromise on morality. Courage to make tough decisions, even when unpopular, is also vital. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? My experience as a Nuclear Reactor Plant Supervisor in the Navy instilled a deep respect for continuous learning and the rigorous application of knowledge; challenging yourself intellectually was a daily requirement. I am committed to bringing that same dedication to thorough research and due diligence to my work in Congress. I also possess strong leadership skills and empathy, from my own experiences with economic hardship allowing me to genuinely connect with the struggles of working families. Finally, my unwavering integrity and commitment to service ensure I will always prioritize the people I represent. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? The core responsibilities are to faithfully represent ALL constituents, not just those who voted for you or high-level donors, but every member of the community. This means being deeply involved and accessible. It includes creating legislation thoughtfully to address community needs, providing diligent oversight of government functions, and being a responsive resource. It's about being a voice for your district in Washington and a clear communicator of Washington's actions back to your district. What legacy would you like to leave? I'd like to leave a legacy of having made a tangible, positive difference in the lives of the people in my community and for working families across the country. I want to be remembered as someone who restored faith in the idea that government can be a force for good, who fought tirelessly for fairness and opportunity, who always led with integrity and compassion, and who believed deeply in the possibility and prosperity of our nation. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? The first major historical event I clearly remember is Hurricane Katrina in 2005. I was almost 8 years old at the time. My school organized a food drive, and representatives from the Red Cross came to talk to us. They explained what had happened and even showed us some footage of the devastation. It was the first time I really had the opportunity to engage with a nationwide event and understand that we are all part of a larger community of people, united in helping each other during times of crisis. Seeing the response and the desire to help from all over the country left a lasting impression on me about our capacity for compassion and collective action What was your very first job? How long did you have it? My very first job was lifeguarding, which I started at 14 and a half. Shortly after that, I got my second job working as a hostess in a bakery. I loved both because I've always been a morning person, and these roles gave me an opportunity to enjoy the peace and quiet of the opening shifts and the morning rituals before things got busy. It was also pretty easy to get those early schedules – turns out, not a lot of other teenagers were eager to volunteer for them! I held those jobs through high school, stopping both just two weeks before I shipped off to boot camp, ten days after my high school graduation. What is your favorite book? Why? It's so hard to choose just one favorite book, as my tastes are pretty broad! I have to break it down by genre. For military non-fiction, I love \"Blind Man's Bluff\" and \"The Terrible Hours\" – it's extraordinarily difficult to make historical accounts read like nail-biting stories, but they absolutely nailed it. In military fiction, \"The Women\" and \"A Calamity of Souls\" are hands-down favorites. For science fiction, it has to be \"Redshirts\" by John Scalzi; he's hilarious, and it's the best satirical book I've read. When it comes to other fiction and fantasy, there's such a wide variety that it's hard to choose; I really appreciate creativity and strong world-building – if a book has that, I'll love it. I also have a real passion for autobiographies and memoirs like \"Educated\" and \"Radium Girls.\" I can't pick a single favorite in that category either; I just find it incredibly compelling to read about people's diverse experiences and can't really pin them against each other. If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? I'd probably go with Spider-Man (Peter Parker), because he always tries to do the right thing and protect everyday people, even when facing his own serious struggles – that \"great power, great responsibility\" really resonates. Plus, he manages to keep a sense of humor and wit even in the toughest situations, which I think is a pretty valuable trait! He's also universally known and, at his core, just a regular person trying to make a difference, which I admire. What was the last song that got stuck in your head? I'm a big fan of Tyler Childers. His music was one of the things my brother and I really bonded over after we lost our mom. We play his songs a lot, and most recently, \"Coal\" and \"Follow You to Virgie\" have been stuck in my head. What is something that has been a struggle in your life? Navigating the foster care system and the instability of my early years was a significant struggle. It taught me hard lessons about vulnerability and the importance of stable support systems, but it also instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a fierce determination to fight for those who feel overlooked or left behind. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? Its direct connection to the people is the most unique aspect. With two-year terms and smaller district sizes (compared to the Senate), the House is designed to be the chamber most immediately responsive to the public will and the diverse needs of communities across the nation. It's often called \"The People's House\" for this reason. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? While prior political experience can be beneficial, it's certainly not the most important qualification. Government experience as a whole is equally, if not more, crucial. My years of service in the U.S. Navy, particularly as a Nuclear Reactor Plant Supervisor, provided me with extensive experience within a large, complex governmental organization. This involved navigating intricate regulations, managing diverse teams, ensuring strict adherence to protocols, and operating effectively within established governmental structures. This type of direct, hands-on government experience, focused on execution and accountability, has prepared me well to serve effectively in Congress, alongside qualities like integrity, lived experience, and a genuine commitment to the community. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Bridging deep political divisions and fostering a sense of shared national purpose; we must be united for a better future, and working together with common-sense solutions is the only way to achieve it. Addressing profound economic inequality, combating the near-constant gouging of our working class to benefit corporations, and ensuring the cost of living is manageable for working families. Combating the climate crisis with urgent and comprehensive action. Restoring faith in our democratic institutions, which includes reinstating and strengthening the proper boundaries between the branches of government and restoring full respect for due process and our judiciary. Ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare for all Americans. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? The two-year term ensures representatives stay closely attuned to their constituents' needs and remain accountable. While it means near-constant campaigning, it also fosters a strong connection to the district. What are your thoughts on term limits? I am open to a serious discussion on term limits for members of Congress. While experience can be valuable, the concentration of power over extended periods can sometimes lead to entrenchment, a disconnect from constituents, and an increased susceptibility to special interests. The primary goal should be a government that remains responsive, dynamic, and truly representative of the people it serves. We need to weigh the benefits of experience against the risks of stagnation and ensure fresh perspectives are regularly incorporated. As the current state of our country and the makeup of our specific community evolves, our political representatives should reflect that ongoing change. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? John Lewis inspires me; his moral courage, his unwavering commitment to justice, and his call to \"get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America\" are principles I strive to embody. Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? Recently, at a peaceful public demonstration, I met a gentleman who was a social studies and history teacher. He had brought his young daughter with him, not to push his specific views, but, as he explained, to show her firsthand the importance of civic engagement and the power of Americans expressing their beliefs. He wanted her to witness democracy in action and understand the value of independent thought. That really struck me. It wasn't just about the issue at hand, but about a father teaching his child the foundational principles of our country – the freedom to think for herself and the responsibility to participate. It was a powerful reminder that our work isn't just about policy; it's about fostering the next generation of informed and engaged citizens. Tell us your favorite joke. Why don’t sailors want to get new hats? They are afraid of cap-sizing! Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Compromise is often necessary and can be desirable in a diverse democracy like ours to achieve progress. However, I will not compromise on my core values or on policies that would harm working families, veterans, or our environment. Principled compromise that moves us forward is good; abandoning core beliefs is not. The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? This \"power of the purse\" is fundamental and must be wielded with responsibility and a commitment to comprehensive fiscal stewardship. This power should be used to advocate for a fairer tax system where corporations and the wealthiest pay their share, and to ensure federal spending prioritizes the needs of working families, invests in our communities, and responsibly manages our national resources, rather than simply giving tax breaks to those who don't need them. To improve our current system, thorough and transparent reviews of where taxpayer money is going are a must. I would pursue a system that prevents the arbitrary gutting of important services without a well-researched and publicly vetted plan in place first. Public panic and disruption due to sudden budget cuts can be avoided if we commit to identifying and providing proof of supposed waste, fraud, and abuse, and then developing a clear, comprehensive plan for any adjustments How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? The House's investigative powers should be used responsibly and judiciously to ensure government accountability, expose waste, fraud, and abuse, and protect the public interest. Investigations should be fact-based and aimed at uncovering truth and informing legislative solutions, not pursued for purely partisan political gain. A failure by any official to comply with legitimate investigations or a failure to properly support such investigative efforts is, in itself, a failure to perform the duties they were elected to uphold. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? As a first-time candidate who is just launching my campaign, I am actively building support and pursuing endorsements from a range of local and national organizations, as well as community leaders who share my vision for Central Florida. We will be announcing endorsements as they are confirmed. What committees interest you? Given my background and priorities, I would be particularly interested in serving on: The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. The House Armed Services Committee. The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability (formerly Oversight and Reform), to focus on government integrity. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce, particularly its subcommittees on Energy or Health. What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability? They are non-negotiable foundations of a healthy democracy and central to my \"Restoring Trust\" message. I support robust financial disclosure requirements for elected officials, stronger ethics enforcement, and measures to increase transparency in government spending and decision-making. Accountability means being answerable to the people for every action and every dollar.\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."}]