Candidate
Kayser Enneking
Nov 2018 FL SD-8 Gainesville
Dr. Kayser Enneking has been a leader at the national and local level advocating for improving quality and efficiency of our healthcare systems. Her work at UF Health as a practicing physician and healthcare leader have strengthened the quality of care provided to patients in this district. She has a prescription for prosperity that will make life better for Florida families with expanded Medicaid, fully-funded public schools, and small business support.
How Close is this Race?
Clinton lost Senate district 8 by 548 votes (0.24%) in 2016. Republican Keith Perry won 52.9% to 47.4% (5.2% margin).
November 2016 Presidential Race
|
Clinton (D) |
Trump (R) |
| 111,550 | 112,098 |
| 47.97% | 48.2% |
2016 Florida Senate Race
|
Rod Smith (D) |
Keith Perry (R) |
| 107,990 | 119,895 |
| 47.4% | 52.6% |
Why this Race Matters most:
Dr. Kayser Enneking will work on behalf of the citizens of District 8. With this district containing nearly 30,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans and having voted for Obama twice, this race has a strong chance of having a Democrat elected, if Democrats show up to the polls.
Democrat Issues
Healthcare for All
Expand Medicaid and lower health care premiums for our families.
A Great Education
Invest in Public Schools and Bright Futures.
Create Jobs Worth Working
Increase minimum wage and access to childcare.
More Information
DISTRICT FL-SD8 DEMOGRAPHICS
Geography and Environment: Redistricted in 2016, SD8 now contains portions of the old SD5, 6, 7, and 8. Senate District 8 is located in north central Florida and composed of Alachua and Putnam Counties and the northern third of Marion county. The major cities are Gainesville-124,354 (April 2017) and Ocala-56,315 (2018).
Citizenry: The total district population is 472,149 with 379,903 of voting age. The housing units of Alachua County grew by more than 5% in the past 10 years (2007-2017). The population of SD8 is 67% white, 19% black and 8% Hispanic. The district has 27% married households without young children, 27% families with young children, and 26% senior households. 62% live in owner-occupied housing while 38% are renters. The median age is 36.
Opposition Report
OPPOSITION REPORT
Incumbent Republican Keith Perry
Keith Perry is the incumbent. He is married with two children. He won the district by four points in 2016 and Donald Trump won the district by less than a point. He endorses the voucher program for charter schools, allowing medical insurance across state lines and is for more nuclear energy.
WHY NOT REPUBLICAN
Incumbent Keith Perry has voted consistently with the right-wing conservative Republican bloc that has destroyed Florida schools, decimated the environment, and given million in corporate welfare to big business at the expense of workers. He voted against expanding Medicaid to the poor. It's time to get rid of him and elect Kayser Enneking to represent the people of SD8.
Side by Side on Key Policy Issues:
| Democrat Position | Republican Position | |
|
Healthcare |
Provide Quality Health Care for All and expand Medicaid to the poor. | Voted repeatedly against expanding Medicaid. |
| Education | Public education makes for stronger communities, I want to invest more in our public schools so every child has a chance to succeed. And I will work to expand Bright Future Scholarships so more families can afford to send their children to college. | Voted for school choice and siphoning money off to for-profit education companies at the expense of public education students and teachers. |
| Economy and Jobs | More Jobs Worth Working: help small businesses grow and incentivize businesses to give workers much deserved raises. Expand solar energy jobs. | Less regulation and lower taxes. |
