Doug Bankson is officially running for the Florida Legislature.
Bankson, the Seat #3 Apopka City Commissioner, has prequalified to run for the newly reapportioned State House District 39, according to a news release by his campaign.
"It has been a pleasure serving the citizens of Apopka, and I look forward to taking the same passion in representing all the people of district 39," Bankson said. "I believe that my record of conservative accomplishments in Apopka speaks for itself. I have worked hard for our community, and I have the experience to represent us in the Florida House."
In the release, Bankson also previewed part of his campaign platform.
"We need conservative values and strong leadership to navigate significant challenges from health care and education," he said. "With a focus on economic stability and growth, I'll make sure we keep government out of the way so that the economy can come back stronger than ever. We will continue to invest in our education system and empower parents to make decisions for their children. I will always stand for the rule of law and support our first responders and military."
Bankson is the founder and Senior Pastor of Victory Church World Outreach Center based in Apopka.
According to the release, "Bankson has overseen many ministry and business initiatives. Under his leadership and guidance, Victory Church expanded into the education field, offering a school that provides services from K-12, with future expansion to include collegiate and vocational opportunities. As his ministry began to reach more Apopka residents and community organizations, Bankson became more involved in city planning boards, first responder programs, and the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce, where he has served as Chairman."
Bankson also announced a campaign kickoff at Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson's home on Tuesday, March 29th from 5 pm-8 pm.
According to the release, The invitation is open to "ALL CITIZENS OF APOPKA". It also listed the campaign's host committee for the event:
Diane and Ed Velazquez • Fred Brummer• Rod Love • Bill and Janine Arrowsmith • Robert and Susan Manley • Pat and Sheila McGuffin • Andy Anderson • Mike and Cate Manley • Pam and Jeff Dionne • Lou and Diann Haubner • Paul and Gail Seago • Bob and Charlotte White • David and Gini Rankin • Shren Yeager • Rod Quick • Natalie and Mark Arrowsmith • Dean and Wendy Kurtz • Christopher Dawson • Bob Cortes • Ralo Florez • Wayne and Terry Levesque • Adam and Robyn Valencic • Cory and Melody Miller • JP and Dona Withrow • Tim and Robin Hudspeth • Sean and Yvonne Flanagan • Linda Laurendeau • Loretta Forlaw • Jose Contero • Ty Strode • Marvin Barrett • Mike and Chelsey Bankson.
The newly formed District 39 of the Florida House includes Apopka, parts of northwestern Orange County, western Seminole County, and parts of Winter Garden, Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Zellwood, and Wekiva Springs. It's projected as a battleground district that does not heavily favor a Democrat or Republican.
Bankson has held Seat #3 on the City Council for six years - beginning with a victory over incumbent Commissioner Sam Ruth in 2016 with 56% of the vote (in the runoff) and a successful reelection campaign in 2020 with 60% of the vote.
The primary for District 39 is on August 23rd. The general election is on November 8th.
Bankson is the first Republican to announce a run for the new district. Orange County NAACP President Tiffany Hughes was the first Democrat to file on March 1st.
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