SPACE COAST, FLORIDA.The Space Coast Rocket invited candidates to answer a questionnaire in their own words. Below are the responses from Jennifer Jenkins, candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, Florida’s 8th Congressional District. Her answers are published verbatim.
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About the Candidate
Name on ballot
Jennifer Jenkins
Office
U.S. House of Representatives, Florida’s 8th Congressional District
Party
Democrat
Incumbent
No
Residence
Satellite Beach
Occupation
Speech-language pathologist; former Brevard County School Board member
1. Why are you running?
I’m running because this community deserves more than a distant politician. We deserve someone who understands what people are going through, who shows up, listens, and isn’t afraid to fight for us. I’ve felt the pressure of rising costs just like everyone else, and I’ve heard it in every conversation across our community. I’ve worked two jobs ever since graduating from college, even delivered groceries through Instacart to make ends meet. The cost of living is hitting families hard, and it’s time we had a representative who feels that urgency and is willing to take it on.
2. What are your top three priorities if elected?
My priorities are shaped by what I hear from families every day, bringing down the cost of living, protecting Medicare and Social Security, and supporting strong public schools.
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3. What is the single biggest problem facing the people this office serves, and how would you address it?
The biggest challenge I hear from families across our community is that life is becoming harder to afford. Families are working hard, but they’re being squeezed by the rising costs of housing, groceries, insurance, and healthcare. I’ve sat at kitchen tables and listened to people worry about rising premiums, medical bills, and whether they’ll be able to stay in the communities they love.
Here in Florida, the homeowners insurance crisis has become a major part of that affordability challenge. Homeowners are facing skyrocketing premiums and uncertainty, but the impact doesn’t stop there, renters are feeling it too as rising insurance costs are passed along through higher rents and fewer affordable housing options. Whether you own your home or rent, Florida’s insurance crisis is making it harder for families to make ends meet.
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We need a serious, bipartisan approach that recognizes Florida’s unique challenges, including a multi-state catastrophe pool and federal reinsurance program to help spread the risk of major disasters, stabilize the insurance market, and keep coverage affordable for families.
4. How will you keep constituents informed and involved in your decisions?
I will hold regular in person town halls and listening sessions, be out in the community, and making sure people have a chance to share what they’re experiencing, what’s working, and what needs to change.
I will always be honest about the work being done, explain the choices I make, and make sure people know they have a representative who will answer their questions and listen to their concerns.
The people who send me to Washington should never feel like their voice disappears after Election Day. I will continue to show up, listen, and carry the stories and priorities of our community with me every day.
5. Why are you a better choice than your opponents?
My opponent has spent decades working in politics and lobbying, helping powerful interests navigate Washington and Tallahassee. As a speech language pathologist and former School Board member, I’ve spent my career sitting across from families, listening to what they’re going through, and fighting for people who don’t always have a seat at the table. I know what it means to work for people when they’re facing real challenges and to fight for solutions that make a difference in their lives.
At a time when too many people feel like Washington is disconnected from their reality, we need a representative who is focused on the people they serve, not political insiders, special interests, or corporate donors. We need someone willing to put people over party, acknowledge when the system isn’t working, and fight for real solutions instead of simply defending the status quo.
Most importantly, we deserve transparency from our representative. Mike Haridopolos was formally reprimanded by the Florida Senate for violating Florida’s ethics laws by failing to disclose his financial interests for multiple years while serving in the Florida legislature. If voters couldn’t trust his transparency then, why should they trust him now?
6. Is there anything in your record you’d like to address up front?
The only lawsuit I have ever filed was against the Brevard County School Board and School Board Member Matthew Susin for failing to comply with Florida’s public records laws. I took that step because transparency and accountability in government matter, and the public has a right to know how decisions are being made, especially when those decisions involve taxpayer money and direct impacts the children and families of our community.
Anything else you’d like voters to know?
I want voters to know that I am running for this office because I believe people deserve a representative who truly understands their lives, listens to their concerns, and is willing to fight for them, regardless of party.
I believe government should work for the people, not just those with the loudest voices, the most connections, or the most influence. This campaign is about bringing people together, showing up, and fighting for a future where families can afford to live, work, and thrive in this community we call home.
My family and I have been through a lot to get to this moment. There have been difficult seasons, personal sacrifices, and moments when walking away would have been easier. But I continue to serve because I know the challenges families are facing are real, and I believe our community deserves someone who will show up, listen, and fight for them every single day.
I would be honored to have the opportunity to continue serving this community and to bring your voices with me to Washington.
