Democratic Candidates
These candidates have announced their intention to run for office in Pasco County or the State of Florida. They may or may not have qualified to be on the ballot. The Heritage Pines Democratic Club in no way endorses any candidate for any office. This is not to be considered a complete list of all candidates running for all offices.
David Jolly
David became nationally known for his independent streak, leading The Tampa Bay Times to write, “It’s refreshing to hear someone take on the system.” One Washington Post columnist famously penned, “Jolly speaks the truth.” And upon leaving Congress, another columnist wrote, “Farewell to the one Congressman willing to compromise.”
David has spent the last eight years as a political analyst on MSNBC. His work has been featured in Time, USA Today, Roll Call, The Washington Post, The New York Times, CNN, NBC, and The Tampa Bay Times. David received a Bachelor’s degree from Emory University and a Juris Doctor Cum Laude from George Mason.
Candidate for Florida Governor
Chris Irizarry
Born and raised in South Florida, Chris graduated from Florida Atlantic University and would go on to enlist in the Army the following year. Chris served as a UH-60 Blackhawk mechanic and technical inspector with tours in South Korea, Germany, North Carolina, and Colorado. Chris also deployed for a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo.
Following his time in the Army, Chris joined CIA. Chris worked supporting operations in counterproliferation and counterintelligence, and served in area of operations such as Central Asia, North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
Chris retired from CIA in 2024 and is a candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, Florida’s 12th Congressional District.
Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives
12th District
Darren McAuley
Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives
15th District
Colonel Darren McAuley is a physician and third-generation combat veteran with more than 25 years of service in the Air Force. Darren learned at a young age how hard work and a good education can change your life: his mother — a first-generation college graduate — worked her way from paralegal to attorney while raising Darren and his siblings with their stepfather. Darren’s father, the son of an immigrant, spent his career working for the state, setting an early example of public service for Darren.
Darren is a physician and veteran who has spent his life helping others. In Congress, he’ll bring a new perspective — grounded in service, not politics — and fight to put hardworking families ahead of political elites and partisan games.
FLORIDA VOTERS: If you would like to have a vote-by-mail ballot mailed to you for elections taking place between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2026, you must submit a vote-by-mail request. Voters wishing to vote by mail must submit a new request to receive a mail ballot—this applies to all voters, even if you voted by mail in the 2024 General Election.
Visit the Pasco County’s Supervisor of Elections website. Scroll down to Vote By Mail. Choose your county to look up the status of an existing VBM Ballot Request or Sign up to Vote-by-Mail!
Candidate for Pasco County Commission
District 2Stephanie Vazquez
Stephanie Vazquez fights for those too often left behind: survivors, veterans, working families, and everyday people who deserve more from their government.
Raised in poverty and shaped by service in the United States Air Force, Stephanie turned adversity into action, leading national efforts to combat human trafficking and championing real solutions, not just quick fixes.
From opening the nation’s first boys’ safe home for survivors of trafficking to helping veterans access healthcare, housing, and jobs, Stephanie has always worked to challenge broken systems and build stronger communities.
Stephanie’s priorities reflect what families like hers need every day: better roads, strong schools, safer neighborhoods, and leadership that listens.
