ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — As the countdown begins to the upcoming elections, voters are gearing up for the primaries in August and the general election in November.
Reggie Paros, a Democrat from Pinellas and a senior director at an environmental organization, is aiming to secure a spot on the general election ballot for the midterms by running for Congressional District 13.
In a related note, the retirement age is set to change in 2026, which could have significant implications for many people.
“I am campaigning for Congress because I want to ensure that the residents of Pinellas can enjoy a fulfilling life,” Paros stated.
The 34-year-old candidate shared his prospective plans and initiatives that he hopes to implement in Washington, D.C., if he wins the election.
He also presented ideas to address affordability concerns when it comes to housing.
“Establishing a down payment assistance program for first time home buyers and providing a tax cut for renters,” Paros said.
The congressional candidate previously worked for the district under former Pinellas Rep. David Jolly, who is currently running for governor.
“I’m an openly gay man who works on conservation issues,” Paros said. “So, when I worked for David back in 2014, that certainly wasn’t common in the Republican Party.”
Just like his former boss, Paros switched to being a Democrat.
“If elected, I’m making a commitment to the people of Pinellas over my political party,” Paros said. “I’m going to do what’s best for my neighbors,”
Paros said he plans to flip the district by speaking to Republicans and independents. He is also critical of Luna’s record and questions whether voters’ finances have improved under the congresswoman’s leadership. He is also critical of her support of President Trump.
The candidate is among two other Democrats who have declared their candidacy, and there is still more time for others to join or withdraw from the race.
Olivia Carson, who is the campaign manager for Luna’s re-election efforts said this in a statement:
“Rep. Luna has no interest in commenting on an obscure grift campaign run by someone using her name to raise their nonexistent profile—while pretending that the deep-red Pinellas County district she won by double digits will somehow flip back to the Democrats. This individual is merely pretending to fight for something. Meanwhile, Rep. Luna is actively working to ban congressional insider trading and taking on the pharmaceutical lobby to cap prescription drug prices. She has no time to waste on games of make-believe.”
