Every two years, all the seats in the Florida House of Representatives are up for election. The House, in which Republicans currently hold a 73-47 member majority, has the power to make laws governing the whole state, covering issues from education to the environment to taxes. The seat for District 60, which encompasses South Tampa and some of the surrounding areas, is currently held by Jackie Toledo, who is now running against Julie Jenkins in the 2020 election.  

Jackie Toledo (Republican) 

Jackie Toledo is the current District 60 representative in the Florida House and a graduate of Gaither High School and USF.  Prior to serving in the Florida House, Toledo developed transportation plans for the Tampa area as a licensed professional engineer.  

Toledo’s website lists business, transportation and education as her policy priorities. Toledo supports maintaining low taxes and possibly eliminating some taxes in order to make Florida’s economy more competitive. She wants to use “strategic investments” and partnerships to address transportation issues. Toledo also supports investing in schools and teachers and allowing parents options in where they send their children to school.

For more information about Jackie Toledo, look here  

For information about Toledo’s legislative record, check here
 

Julie Jenkins (Democrat) 

Prior to running for office, Jenkins worked in marketing for the tourist industry and with the charities Claver Catholic School and The Children’s Home. Jenkins has also worked with a variety of community organizations, including the PTSA’s of Dale Mabry Elementary, Coleman Middle School and Plant High School.  

According to her website, Jenkins priorities include the environment, education, healthcare and gun laws. Jenkins plans to work with climate activists and business leaders to find solutions to environmental problems and to invest in building resilient coastlines and sustainable infrastructure. She also wants to expand Medicaid and lower prescription drug prices. In regards to firearms, Jenkins supports a ban on military style assault weapons and stronger background checks and red flag laws.  

To learn more about Julie Jenkins, click here