There is no incumbent on the ballot this year in Florida House District 20, which covers Putnam County and parts of Clay, St. Johns, and Marion counties. Republican Bobby Payne can’t seek re-election, due to term limits.
Judson Sapp defeated Jamie Watts in the Republican primary. Sapp will face Democrat Anthony Conolly in the general election.
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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 |
Anthony Connolly
Occupation: Mobile detail business owner
Age: 56
Family: Married with 5 kids at home.
Education: Valdosta State University-Legal administration 91-95
Arizona State University-Psychology currently enrolled
Political experience: Current Chair of the Putnam County Democratic Executive Committee
SGA Senator at Valdosta State University
Phi Alpha Delta Co-founder
Mock trial team Co-founder
Nominated to the Judicial Review Board
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Insurance rates
Transportation reform
Bills out of committee
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I’m not a career politician. I’m only running to get money back to our district and bills out of committee that benefit our District.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
That I required all railroad crossings to be protected by crossing arms. My mother died after being hit by a CSX train crossing or driveway that didn’t have even a stop sign because it was broken and laying in the ground and the trees were way too high so the train was hidden until yo eyes on the tracks. CSX threatened our family with the damage to the train of wet came after them for the accident. I later learned that the cost of crossing arms is not that much and no one mother had to die. The companies using these rails to make money have a responsibility to protect the public and instead use intimidation and threats to keep from being held responsible. I want to change that and save our citizens from having to attend a family members funeral and get the threats we received from them.
Campaign website: (None listed)
Campaign social media: Facebook
Judson Sapp
Occupation: CEO, WJ Sapp Railroad Contractor
Age: 47
Family: Wife Kelly and two sons, Willard and Ryder
Education: Bachelor’s Degree from Florida State University
Political experience: Businessman and former Florida Finance Co-Chair for President Trump. Never held elected office before.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Lower Taxes, Reduced Regulation, Improved Transportation Infrastructure
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I have experience as a CEO on how to manage large organizations, employees, and projects. I’m a proven conservative who has dedicated time and treasure to helping conservative candidates such as President Trump and causes such as the NRA Foundation and law enforcement charities.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I hope to be remember for standing firm for conservative values and being accessible to my constituents.
Campaign website: www.JudsonSapp.com