2018 Florida Governor Voters Guide

Ron DeSantis (R) vs Andrew Gillum (D)

Governor | Election | Nov 6, 2018

The Candidates

Ron DeSantis

Ron DeSantis

Republican

Andrew Gillum

Andrew Gillum

Democrat

The Issues

Abortion

Mostly ban or mostly legal?

DeSantis

Ban. Pledges to sign legislation banning abortions after fetal heartbeat detected (roughly 6 weeks) & to appoint constitutionalist justices to FL Supreme Court who will “protect & defend life.”

Gillum

Legal. Abortion is a woman’s unrestricted right and decision should be made by women & their doctors – not by politicians. Opposes making healthcare harder for women to access.

Climate Change

Consider climate change a serious threat?

Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases?

DeSantis

No. Voted against any potential carbon tax as negatively impacting economy, voted against greenhouse gas emission standards, & to cut EPA funding.

Gilllum

Yes. Sees Trump withdrawal from Paris Climate accord as “disturbingly reckless.” Join Climate Alliance of states committed to fighting climate change.

Contraception

Allow employers to withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if disagree with it morally?

Criminal Justice

Support Amendment #4 – a Florida initiative to restore voting rights to 1.6 million former felons, excluding murderers & sex offenders?

Courts

Support President Trump’s Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh? Position on 3 pending openings for FL Supreme Court Justices?

Economy

Support Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Chinese steel and other products?

Education

Increase funding for K-12 education?

DeSantis

No statements found on funding, but prefers setting policy at local level.

Gillum

Yes. Proposes a $1 billion “Fair Share” investment in public schools covered by increasing state’s corporate tax rate & legalizing & taxing marijuana.

Support expansion of charter schools or help parents send their children to private schools with public money?

Increase state funding for higher education?

Environment

How would you address Florida’s red tide crisis, caused by nutrient-laden, polluted freshwater released from Lake Okeechobee & linked to Florida’s sugar industry?

Health Care

Support or Repeal ACA, aka Obamacare? Accept ACA’s Medicaid expansion to subsidize low-income participants?

Let Planned Parenthood receive public funds for non-abortion healthcare?

Immigration

Support path to citizenship for America’s 11 million illegal immigrants, including “DACA” recipients or “Dreamers,” who grew up in the US after being brought here as children?

Marijuana

Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?

DeSantis

No. Opposes recreational use. Will implement will of the voters on medical.

Minimum Wage

Increase from $8.25/hour?

DeSantis

No public statements found.

Gillum

Yes. Supports state $15 minimum wage.

Net Neutrality

Require internet providers to provide equal access to all users?

DeSantis

No. Obama-era FCC requirement for net neutrality was a “massive power grab.”

Gillum

Yes. FCC decision to dismantle was attack on FL communities & residents.

President Trump

Support for policies of President Trump?

DeSantis

Endorsed by Trump in primary. Voted 94% for his Congressional initiatives.

Gillum

Outspoken opponent of Trump.

Renewable Energy

Government support for renewable energy?

Other candidates for governor include Phil Anderson (L), Arnie Enz (Wisconsin Party), Maggie Turnbull (I), & Michael White (G). Due to limited space, we can only include responses of candidates polling 15%, but encourage you to check out their websites.

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