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
Kimberly Overman
Raised in a working-class family that faced housing insecurity, Kimberly learned early what it means to struggle—and to persevere. Her mother juggled multiple jobs to keep the family afloat, and those early experiences shaped Kimberly’s lifelong commitment to fairness, opportunity, and economic justice.
As a Hillsborough County Commissioner from 2018 to 2022, Kimberly delivered during some of the region’s most challenging moments. She led during the COVID-19 pandemic, championing emergency support for small businesses, childcare providers, and vulnerable residents. She pushed for expanded public health programs, affordable housing initiatives, and more equitable infrastructure investment.
Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives
12th District
Alex Vindman
Candidate for U.S. SenateAlex Vindman is a 21-year combat veteran who served his country in the military and as a national security expert working for presidents of both parties. He and his family left the Soviet Union as refugees when he was three years old in search of freedom and opportunity in America. After a military career that moved him all over the world, Alex and his wife, Rachel, chose Florida as the place to settle with their family.
Tony Claude
Candidate for Florida House of Representatives
District 53Air Force Veteran
Will fight reckless tariffs and failed policies that pushed Tampa Bay grocery prices to #2 in the nation
Will fight to expand Medicaid
Will fight for incentives for native ground covers that use 60% less water and cut nitrogen runoff by 85%
My mission is to deliver real, measurable results for the people of District 53 — lower costs, protected health care, clean springs, and restored freedom for every family.
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 - www.pascovotes.gov. 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.
Angie Dixon
Angie Nixon is a Florida State Representative, union organizer, and mother born and raised in Jacksonville who has spent her career fighting for hardworking Floridians. In the State House, she expanded childcare, took on corporate price-gouging, and led the fight against DeSantis’s unfair voting maps.
Angie is running to lower costs, raise wages, and build a people-powered government that puts families first—not greedy billionaires.
Candidate for U.S. SenateDarren McAuley
Darren’s military roots and desire to serve led him to join the Air National Guard as a third-year medical student. First deployed to Baghdad in 2008, Darren treated wounded American service members, going on to complete six total deployments and lead medical teams.
At home, Darren served as a physician at the Veterans Health Administration, where he was honored to provide world-class healthcare to folks who served our country. Darren later became the State Air Surgeon for Florida, where he approved the coverage of service members’ care and oversaw hospital evacuation plans for hurricanes.
Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives
12th DistrictChris King
Candidate for Pasco County School Board - District 1Candidate for Pasco County School Board - District 1Dr. Kimberly D. Coward is a dedicated educator, attorney, veteran, and advocate for students, families, and strong communities. As a proud product of Pasco County schools, Dr. Coward understands firsthand the importance of a strong public education system and the lasting impact schools have on shaping futures.
A lifelong learner and passionate advocate for education, Dr. Coward earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education Management from Hampton University and her Juris Doctor, Master of Education, Education Specialist, and Bachelor of Science in Psychology degrees from the University of Florida.
For Dr. Coward, strong schools begin with listening, accountability, and meaningful partnerships that ensure every student feels safe, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Christopher King is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with four combat tours and a lifelong advocate for youth and human rights. Based in Pasco County, he serves on school and community advisory boards, works alongside law enforcement partners to improve community safety, and mentors students across the region.
Chris believes every student in Pasco deserves the opportunity to thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. His vision is rooted in the values of mentorship, equity, and safety, ensuring that every child walks into a classroom prepared for success and walks out prepared for life.
Dr. Kimberly Coward