Dr. Jarod Fox.
Halls on 5th.
From Staff Reports
In Summary:
Democratic candidate Dr. Jarod Fox will officially launch his campaign for Florida House District 39 with a public kickoff event on June 4 in Apopka. Fox, an infectious disease specialist with Orlando Health, is challenging incumbent Republican Rep. Doug Bankson and has centered his campaign on healthcare affordability, public education, and economic opportunity. The race is expected to draw significant attention as Democrats target a district that has become increasingly competitive in recent election cycles.
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Democratic candidate Dr. Jarod Fox will formally launch his campaign for Florida House District 39 this week with a kickoff event in downtown Apopka as he seeks to unseat incumbent Republican Rep. Doug Bankson in the 2026 election.
Related: Orlando Health physician Jarod Fox announces challenge to Rep. Doug Bankson in Florida House District 39.
The event is scheduled for 6 pm. Thursday, June 4, at Hall's on 5th, located at 15 E. Fifth St. in Apopka. Campaign materials describe the gathering as an opportunity for supporters to meet the candidate and learn more about his vision for the district.
Fox, an infectious disease specialist with Orlando Health, announced his candidacy earlier this year, positioning himself as a candidate focused on affordability, healthcare access, and public education. He has argued that rising healthcare costs are placing increasing pressure on working families and said lawmakers should focus on policies that improve access to care while reducing financial burdens on residents.
In addition to healthcare issues, Fox has identified support for public schools and economic opportunity as major themes of his campaign. He has also emphasized the importance of helping small businesses succeed and ensuring families can afford to live and work in Central Florida.
Fox and his wife, who is a primary care physician, live in Winter Garden with their three children, all of whom attend Orange County Public Schools. The family is active in community organizations, church activities, and youth sports programs throughout the region.
House District 39 includes portions of northwest Orange County and west Seminole County, including Apopka, Winter Garden, and surrounding communities. The district is currently represented by Bankson, an Apopka pastor and former city commissioner who was first elected to the Florida House in 2022.
The race is expected to be closely watched by both political parties.
While Bankson won the district comfortably in 2022 during his first campaign, Democratic candidate Marsha Summersill narrowed the gap in 2024.
The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. Fox's campaign kickoff marks the beginning of what could become one of Central Florida's more competitive legislative contests.
Key Points:
• Dr. Jarod Fox will hold a campaign kickoff event at 6 pm on June 4 at Hall's on 5th in downtown Apopka.
• Fox is an infectious disease specialist with Orlando Health and resides in Winter Garden with his family.
• His campaign priorities include lowering healthcare costs, supporting public education, and encouraging economic growth.
• Fox is challenging Republican Rep. Doug Bankson, who has represented House District 39 since 2022.
• House District 39, which includes portions of Apopka, Winter Garden, and west Seminole County, has become increasingly competitive in recent election cycles.
