85% of Republican primary voters want U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack to return to Congress, while 68% of Democratic voters advanced Danielle Hawk to challenge the incumbent from winning a second term in Congress. (See primary results)
November. NPA candidate Linda Brooks is also running in Florida’s 3rd Congressional District, which now covers all of North Central Florida, including Alachua, Bradford, Columbia and Union counties and all or part of seven other counties stretching all the way to the Gulf Coast.
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News4Jax sent each questionnaire asking about their background and views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.
Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically by party and are published exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff
| DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE |
Danielle Hawk
Occupation: Manager at Furniture Company and Former University Administrator
Age: 28
Your Family: Mother, Father, Brother, and Sister
Education: B.A. in Ministry from Palm Beach Atlantic University; M.A. in Intercultural Studies from Biola University
Political Experience: I have been organizing in my community to ensure safe working conditions, secure reproductive justice, and end the epidemic of gun violence.
We asked our most-loyal viewers (News4Jax Insiders) what three issues they would most like candidates to address:
Viewers’ No. 1 issue: The economy
- As the next Congresswoman from Florida’s Third District, I will work every day to advance the interests of working families. In Congress, I will support renewing the expanded child tax credit, increasing Social Security benefits, and providing federal resources for affordable housing. These common-sense policies will strengthen our families, lift millions of older Americans out of poverty, and ensure everyone can afford a roof over their head. In the wealthiest nation in the history of the world, we cannot accept an economy that abuses the many for the benefit of the few.
Viewers’ No. 2 issue: Voter rights/election integrity
- Our democracy is being attacked by those who perpetuate the Big Lie that the 2020 Election was stolen from former President Donald Trump. Instead of undermining our democracy, we should be strengthening it by banning partisan and racial gerrymandering, providing voters with more opportunities to vote, and defending the integrity of our elections. In Congress, I will support all efforts to protect our democracy against those who believe that we the people should not govern ourselves.
Viewers’ No. 3 issue: Gun rights/gun safety
- Gun violence is a profoundly American problem. While traffic fatalities had long been the leading cause of death among children in the United States, gun violence now takes the lives of more of our nation’s children. Every day, 110 Americans are killed by firearms in incidents of gun violence. We are no longer safe going to school, shopping for groceries, enjoying a movie or even visiting a house of worship. These daily incidents of gun violence and mass shootings are largely preventable through policy intervention. This dark reality compels us to act against the epidemic of gun violence - every moment we wait, another life is stolen from us. The American people support enacting common-sense gun-safety legislation to save lives.
News4Jax asked each candidate additional questions to help voters determine which most agrees with their views:
What do you see as the top three issues facing the state and nation over the next two years?
- While there are numerous critical issues confronting our nation, I will focus upon expanding access to affordable healthcare, securing our democracy for future generations, and restoring reproductive freedom. To improve healthcare coverage, we must expand Medicare to cover more Americans, extend Medicaid to millions of uninsured working families, and protect reproductive freedom from assault. To defend our democracy, we must crack down on fraudulent electoral slates, ensure voters of color have equitable representation in Congress, and expand Americans’ access to the ballot. To advance reproductive justice, we must enact the Women’s Health Protection Act, restore Roe v. Wade, and guarantee that all Americans receive age-appropriate, science-based reproductive education.
Do you believe Joe Biden is the legitimately elected president of the United States?
- Yes, I recognize that President Joe Biden was legitimately elected and is serving as president of the United States.
In light of the Supreme Court ruling striking down Roe v. Wade, would you propose or support additional laws either banning abortion entirely or guaranteeing reproductive rights?
- Yes, I strongly favor restoring Roe v. Wade by enacting the Women’s Health Protection Act which will ensure that all Americans can exercise bodily autonomy. The reactionary Supreme Court’s decision to limit our right to privacy and weaken our personal liberties demands an immediate and vigorous response from Congress.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
- During my campaign, I have prioritized being present in our communities, listening to voters’ concerns, and engaging in honest dialogue with the public. As the next Congresswoman from Florida’s 3rd District, I will continue doing so by being accessible to and supportive of my constituents. While we will always have political disagreements, I will always remember that my first duty is serving the public. My opponent denies this truth by regularly and unnecessarily inflaming political divisions with their hateful, reactionary, and undemocratic rhetoric. The people of Florida’s 3rd District can trust that I will consistently serve their interests rather than those of an angry minority.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
- I hope to be remembered for delivering on the common-sense progressive agenda that the American people are demanding from our government. In particular, I wish my legacy to reflect that I fought to combat climate change, reduce wealth inequality, protect our reproductive freedom, end the gun violence epidemic, and preserve our democracy. In this moment of crisis, the American people deserve leaders willing to speak truth to power, advance the cause of justice, and preserve our national union. As the next Congresswoman from Florida’s 3rd District, I aspire to be such a leader.
Campaign website: daniellehawk.com
Campaign’s social media site(s): twitter.com/HawkforCongress | facebook.com/hawkforcongress | instagram.com/hawkforcongress
Kat Cammack
Occupation: Congresswoman for Florida’s Third Congressional District
Age: 34
Family: Matt - Husband
Education: Bachelor’s, Metro State University Denver; Master’s, U.S. Naval War College
Political experience: Current representative for Florida’s Third Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives; former deputy chief of staff to Rep. Ted Yoho
We asked our most-loyal viewers (News4Jax Insiders) what three issues they would most like candidates to address:
Viewers’ No. 1 issue: The economy
The U.S. economy is weak under Joe Biden and one-party rule by congressional Democrats. Over the last eighteen months, we’ve seen skyrocketing inflation, labor shortages, supply chain challenges, rising gas prices, and higher interest rates as the results of poor economic policies that prioritize government spending, selling the American taxpayer and future generations down the river. Bloated government spending packages passed in Washington, D.C. have spurred on current economic conditions and have created the perfect storm to decimate Americans’ wallets.
We have to get back to the basics and restore common sense to Washington, D.C. The government has to stop spending taxpayer dollars on unnecessary programs and resources and needs to reinvigorate our American producers. Whether it’s domestic energy produced on American soil or American manufacturing that supports American jobs, it’s time to put our country back to work and right our worsening economy once and for all. In Congress, I’ve fought for North Central Florida and will continue to do so, championing policies that ensure the American economy is strongest in the world.
Viewers’ No. 2 issue: Voter rights/election integrity
Election integrity has been one of my top priorities during my first term in Congress. I’ve heard from constituents about their concerns and have worked hard as a member of the House Election Integrity Caucus to make sure our elections are secure and fair, supporting legislation that tightens security, increases transparency, and ensures state and local election authorities follow the laws on the books. In Florida, we’re fortunate to lead the nation in election security after the presidential election in 2000 taught us some very valuable lessons.
In 2021, I fought against, H.R. 1, Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats’ efforts to federalize elections. The bill I called the “For the Politicians Act,” would have granted 16 year-olds the right to vote and put taxpayer dollars toward political campaigns in a six-to-one match—an outrageous proposal that should never have been considered in the first place. The American people have a right to know that their votes are counted fairly and accurately, and I look forward to continuing this important work.
Viewers’ No. 3 issue: Gun rights/gun safety
The Constitution is clear about the Second Amendment: it shall not be infringed. Over the last several months, my colleagues in Congress have passed legislation that limits lawful gun owners’ rights, and each time these bills came up for a vote, I emphatically voted against them.
The American people have a right to keep and bear arms and will not have the federal government limit their constitutional rights. I will always stand up to defend the Second Amendment and look forward to defending this liberty in the 118th Congress.
News4Jax asked each candidate three additional questions to help voters determine which most agrees with their views:
What do you see as the top three issues facing the state and nation over the next two years?
- Over the next two years, inflation will remain a top concern until we can get it under control. Under a Republican House in 2023, we will be committed to delivering relief to consumers, whether it’s at the grocery store, gas pump, or beyond. It’s clear that Floridians are hurting with soaring prices, forcing them to make the difficult choice between essential goods for their families. Our focus will remain on lowering inflation, reining in unnecessary government spending, restarting domestic energy production, and delivering relief to the American people.
- The crisis at our southern border remains another top concern. Since Biden took office in 2021, over two million illegal immigrants have crossed the southern border. These figures are staggering and have put our national security at risk. We’ve encountered criminals, drug traffickers, human smuggling operations, and known terrorists on the terror watchlist, all because our southern border is wide open. Joe Biden and congressional Democrats’ policies have spurred this crisis on and we must get it under control. Until we can enforce the laws on the books and take a serious look at the crisis on our southern border, the consequences of the open border policies will be felt for many years to come.
Do you believe Joe Biden is the legitimately elected president of the United States?
- Sadly, on any given day, Joe Biden does not even seem to know who is president.
In light of the Supreme Court ruling striking down Roe v. Wade, would you propose or support additional laws either banning abortion entirely or guaranteeing reproductive rights?
- When my mother was pregnant with my sister, she suffered a devastating stroke that made all future pregnancies risky. Years later when pregnant with me, doctors and family members advised my mother to have an abortion, but she courageously said no and gave birth to a happy, healthy baby girl who now serves as the youngest Republican woman in the 117th Congress. My pro-life story has encouraged me to advocate for the most vulnerable among us, ensuring our most basic right—the right to life—is afforded to all. I always support life and advocate that abortion be permitted only in extreme cases, such as for the woman’s health, reported rape, and reported incest. I always hope a mother chooses adoption over abortion.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
- For the last year and a half, I have served Florida’s Third Congressional District in Congress, getting to know the people and places that make up this incredible district. Prior to my role in Congress, I worked for almost a decade serving this area and working on several important projects across North Central and Northeast Florida. My dedication to our area is the most important role I’ll have and my experience serving our region has equipped me to continue serving the constituents of Florida’s Third in Congress.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
- It has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime serving as the representative from Florida’s Third Congressional District and hope that I will be remembered for being an America-First conservative, prioritizing the American people and our exceptional country.
Campaign website: Katforcongress.com
Campaign’s social media site(s): Twitter - @Kat_Cammack | Instagram - @katforcongress | Facebook: facebook.com/KatCammack
Linda S. Brooks
This candidate has not responded to multiple invitations to submit the News4Jax candidate questionnaire.
Campaign website: linda-brooks.com