One thing that has been a privilege for Jejune over this election season has been highlighting young candidates who are the future leaders of America. These people will bring this country fully into the 21st Century, by advocating for civil and health rights for people of all races, genders, and sexual orientations; by advocating for clean, responsible, environmentally-sound projects that protect America’s wildlife, ecosystems, and natural wonders; and by proposing policies that help the working and middle classes reclaim their spots at the top of political representation, instead of only the wealthy having their interests take precedence.

This week we are profiling our youngest candidate of the season, Nate Douglas (he/him). At 23 years of age, Nate is no stranger to politics, having won his first elected office at age 19 to be the supervisor of the Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District. This gay Gen-Z coder decided to enter politics to protect working-class families like his own from corporate greed, advocating for homeowners and renters against exploitative practices, championing bodily autonomy under a regressive state government, and fighting to protect the environment from the influence of big developers and fossil fuel industries. The top three issues he is most passionate about are climate change, economic justice, and healthcare.

Where are you based?
I am based in unincorporated Winter Park.

What is your position/what position are you running for?
I am running for State Representative for Florida's 37th District.

How would you briefly summarize your platform?
My campaign is focused on holding large insurance companies accountable and lowering housing costs, restoring the rights to safe abortion access, and fully funding and improving our public education system.

What inspired you to run?
In 2022, when Roe v. Wade was overturned and folks around the country rallied for reproductive justice, it inspired me to take action against something I see as a large threat: the extreme right's takeover of American politics.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
Some changes I'm hoping to bring are more affordable housing options and well-funded public transit.

How long have you been in office? What do you consider to be your major accomplishments so far?
I was Vice Chair of the Orange Soil and Water Conservation District for two years where I fought against overdevelopment, worked with water management officials to prevent the flooding of numerous properties, and successfully proposed resolutions to protect our wildlife.

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
The most important issues right now is the lack of affordable housing and the devastating impacts of climate change. Some solutions I see involve expanding the use of tourism development taxes, scrapping the preemption on rent stabilization, investing in public transit, and creating bold carbon emissions targets.

America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
As cliche as it sounds, there is far more that unites us than divides us. My main goal is to focus on the issues that matter most to working families in my district, protecting everyone and ensuring that they can live a dignified lifestyle with access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities. I also won't feed into the culture wars, which demonize groups of people for simply existing.

How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
We rarely have folks like us in office. My district is one of the youngest in Florida with a median age of under 29 years old, we deserve proper representation. Like 99% of us, I don't come from wealth, I'm not the CEO of a large company, and I'm not bought out. My unique experiences will bring a new perspective to Tallahassee that is currently lacking.

What is your motto in life?
Never give up on fighting for what you believe in.

Where can we find out more about you?
Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok at NateForFlorida, Facebook is Nate Douglas for Florida House, and campaign website is NateForFlorida.com

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Nate Douglas, Florida House of Representatives, District 37