TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - As the Florida primary and November elections barrel toward Sunshine State voters, WCTV is helping you prepare.
We reached out to candidates across the region to hear why they are running for office and what distinguishes them from their competitors.
Click here to see our full Election Guide. Continue reading to see Rhonda Woodward’s responses to our questions.
What inspired you to run for this seat?
I am running for U.S. House of Representatives District 2 Florida to facilitate change! My opponent is running for a 5th term. He has failed to stop the D.C. spending spree! Instead voting time and time again to pass the budget that funds this enormous national debt and growing inflation! In addition, this forfeited all the power of the purse that could have been used to close the southern border. Moreover, he continues sending our hard-earned tax monies to Ukraine. He also voted in favor of FISA allowing for warrantless spying on Americans.
What past experiences have prepared you for this role? Why are you qualified?
I am a three-generation native Floridian. I have lived in Bay County most of my life. I have a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree in mathematics education, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from Florida State University. I served my community as a teacher and school principal for over two decades. I owned and operated a construction company for years after leaving education. I know well, how to manage a budget! Our founding fathers intended everyday Americans to go to Washington D.C. to represent their neighbors and then come home. They never intended for it to be a lifetime career. I am deeply rooted in my community. Having worked with people from all walks of life daily for decades, I am ready willing, and able to fight for what they want and believe!
What are the five most important issues for you to tackle in this role, if elected?
· Close the southern border
· Stop the unchecked spending in D.C.
· Reduce inflation by minimizing the size of the federal government.
· Regain energy independence
· Rebuild U.S. manufacturing and industry
What would you do differently from your opponent(s) in this role?
I would put America first! I would have done whatever it took to shut down the southern border invasion including shutting down funding for the federal budget! I would push legislation to stop the overreach of the federal government. We currently spend extraordinary money to fund a bloated federal government! I would push legislation to shut down agencies such as the Department of Education, this can be done cheaper and better at the state level. I would vote against sending money to Ukraine we have done more than our fair share already! No other country will send money here to help U.S. citizens. We must put our people first. I will respond to my constituents when they reach out to my office with questions and concerns. Additionally, I will continue to hold town hall meetings to stay in touch with the people I work for!
What makes you the best candidate for this seat over your opponent(s)?
I am energetic. I am beholding to only my God and my constituents. I have not received any funds from special interest groups. My background gave me a great deal of experience with people from all walks of life and I am very rooted and grounded here in District 2. I have run my own business, managing large budgets, contracts and handling all human resources functions, and tackling the issues that arise.
What’s the important message you have for voters?
I am doing this to give my constituents a choice! I voted for my opponent these past years as the Republican on the ticket and I have been sorely let down! We can not afford a fifth term of someone who time and again has voted with the Democrats allowing the border to stay open. I want to leave a legacy of hope for my five grandchildren. I want them to have the same opportunities I had.
Why should people vote in the August primary election?
If you believe like I do that despite a majority in the House, we are not better off these past four years then you should vote for change! I plan on being that change. We can not continue to vote for these same career politicians who are part of the problem and believe that we will see change. The choice is clear!
What are three things you hope to accomplish by the end of your term?
1. Close the southern border
2. Stop the out-of-control spending
3. Bring down inflation
Why are you a member of your political party?
I am a Republican because my core values and beliefs closely align. I am a constitutionalist. We need to protect the constitutional rights provided to us by the founders.
What values from your political party will influence your decisions, if elected?
I value the Constitution as the law of the land. I am pro-life and believe that life begins at conception. The founding fathers gave this power to the States it is not a federal matter. I am for smaller government and less federal overreach in our lives. I am against administrative rulings of unelected political appointees being misused as if they were laws.
Do you plan to vote along party lines for this election cycle?
Yes.
Do you align yourself with a national candidate in this election cycle? If so, who and why?
I like Thomas Massie and Matt Gaetz. They both vote the majority of the time in alignment with the constitution and they are unapologetically bold!
Why should people who don’t identify with your political party vote for you?
I have no negative voting record like my opponent and therefore stand a stronger chance of winning the general election against the Democratic candidate!
To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook and X (Twitter).
Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Write us here. Please include the article’s headline in your message.
Keep up with all the biggest headlines on the WCTV News app. Click here to download it now.
Copyright 2024 WCTV. All rights reserved.
