Florida House District 18, which covers the northern half of St. Johns County, including Ponte Vedra Beach, Fruit Cove, World Golf Village, Vilano Beach, and neighborhoods in between, is an open seat in the 2024 elections. Republican Cyndi Stevenson, first elected to the House in 2015, can’t run again due to term limits.
In the Republican primary, Kim Kendall defeated Nick Primrose. Kendall will now face Democrat Keith Matthews, who had no primary opponent, in the general election in November.
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News4Jax sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their 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 presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff.
| DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE |
Keith Matthews
Occupation: I am a hospice nurse and have practiced in the emergency room and critical care, and have both bedside and management experience.
Age: 60
Family: Two sons, one a musician and entrepreneur in St. Augustine, one on active duty in the U.S. Air Force. One daughter, a nursing student at University of North Florida and a graduate of Florida State University. Two dogs and a fiancé. My mother is a retired public school teacher.
Education: I graduated from Gloucester County College with an associate degree in nursing.
I attended Rutgers University for three years as a math major before I went to nursing school.
Political experience: I’ve been a voter in every election since I was 18. This is my first run for office. I’m a life-long Democrat.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Reproductive Rights: The right for any patient to have options regarding care should never be taken away by the government. Women should never be limited in their rights to choose what happens to their bodies or have limits on choice or contraception.
Affordability: Homeowners insurance costs in this state, as we all know, are too high. Regulators and the current majority in Tallahassee have not done nearly enough to get this under control.
Home rule: The state legislature shouldn’t be telling cities and counties what they can and can’t do when it comes to our quality of life. What is good for Orlando may not be what’s right for St. Johns County. I would vote against preemptive legislation from the state, such as what was used to bar local governments from deciding what short-term rental policies worked best for their community, or whether to ban plastic shopping bags.
Development: I believe in controlled, smart development. More people are going to move here, and we need to preserve the beauty that has brought people here since the 1500s. We also need to ensure we fund the infrastructure to support that growth.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
Reproductive Rights: The right for any patient to have options regarding care should never be taken away by the government. Women should never be limited in their rights to choose what happens to their bodies or have limits on choice or contraception.
Affordability: Homeowners insurance costs in this state, as we all know, are too high. Regulators and the current majority in Tallahassee have not done nearly enough to get this under control.
Home rule: The state legislature shouldn’t be telling cities and counties what they can and can’t do when it comes to our quality of life. What is good for Orlando may not be what’s right for St. Johns County. I would vote against preemptive legislation from the state, such as what was used to bar local governments from deciding what short-term rental policies worked best for their community, or whether to ban plastic shopping bags.
Development: I believe in controlled, smart development. More people are going to move here, and we need to preserve the beauty that has brought people here since the 1500s. We also need to ensure we fund the infrastructure to support that growth.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I hope to be remembered for working hard to help the people in this district have better lives, for preserving our freedoms and rights, for helping to put an end to the culture wars, and for serving with honor.
Campaign website: https://votematthewsrn.com/
Campaign social media: X | Instagram | Threads | Facebook
Kim Kendall
Occupation: Former FAA Air Traffic Controller & owner of 2 dry cleaners
Age: 57
Family: Husband of 30 years, Kelly Kendall and two adult children
Education: Florida State University, Bachelor’s Degree Public Relations
Political experience: Over 20 years of political experience at the state and local levels – a few highlights which include:
• Chaired a statewide literacy initiative with 150 elementary schools and Lt. Governor Toni Jennings as my State Literacy Ambassador
• Authored legislation and worked the entire process from start to finish
• State Education Chair Florida Federation Republican Women
• Appointed by the Florida Commissioner of Education to serve on two State Education Task Forces: Florida Digital Learning Group and the Florida Digital Instructional Materials Work Group
• Florida Senator John Thrasher Senate Campaign Special Operations Manager
Too many to list all – but to see my complete resume visit: votekimkendall.com/resume
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Top 3 issues in this race – and I have already begun addressing them:
1. Infrastructure needs. I have been working with the FDOT, state and local officials, as well as private industry engineers. My top focus is the World Golf Village exit – due to the FDOT prioritizing funding to interstate dollars and with the expansion of the I-95 prompted by the building of the First Coast Expressway. To view my diagrams and plans on bringing in state dollars and solutions to ease our traffic issues – you can view the video here: votekimkendall.com
2. Workforce development needs. We need to address our need for workforce development and vo-tech expansion. I have been working with local and state officials on both. I have a 5-step plan that addresses the need for legislation, awareness of funding, exposure, partnerships and affordable housing.
3. Manufacturing/Aerospace industry needs. As a former FAA Air Traffic Controller, I worked the rocket launch packages. The incoming Speaker of the House said I would be the only legislator (current or candidate) with any type of aerospace background. I have been working with Space industry companies, area chambers, aviation companies and our local Northeast Florida Regional Airport Authority on their expansion of 300-acres. I have been working with them on the workforce development piece as well as the opportunities to manufacture small satellites and expand our aerospace footprint.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I moved into the district in 2001, and I have over 20 years of experience locally and statewide addressing our issues. A local example of this would be in 2009, our county was only one of three that did not have traditional middle school sports for over 20 years. Our County’s Park and Rec back in 2009 said, “If we can’t bring it, no one can, it’s impossible.” I co-founded St. Johns Middle School Athletic Association. And with private funding and volunteerism, brought back middle school sports into all of our middle schools. No matter how long something takes or how “impossible” something is, I will continue until we reach the goal line.
Also, there is a reason you must “live” in the district you represent. Not just own a home in a zip code – but “live” in the district – be part of that community. I have the time and experience to continue to lead us. I am retired, my kids are grown, I am a policy wonk, this is my passion and my calling.
This is the type of heart and work ethic I will continue to bring to our district. Because for me, my Day One in leading and serving our district isn’t going to wait until after an election – because my Day One started over 20 years ago!
To view my 90-second closing statement at the recent Ponte Vedra Community Association Candidate Forum on this: youtu.be/H5IqlkokI1k
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Legislatively: my top three priorities of addressing our infrastructure needs, workforce development needs, and our manufacturing/aerospace industry needs.
Personally: that I was the voice and heart of our district. That the constituents know they had a true voice of the people representing them and showing up. Working on keeping St. Johns County our “big, small town.” We have the benefits of a big city – but that small town neighbor-helping-neighbor community. And working hard to keep that in our townships while our district grows is a top personal priority.
Campaign website: www.VoteKimKendall.com