District 1 Dispatch
Bi-Weekly Highlights | August 12, 2026
From Tyler
This week reinforced why I chose to run as an independent voice for Florida's 1st Congressional District. I joined fellow candidates at the Gulf Breeze News Congressional Candidate Forum in Santa Rosa County, where residents had the opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to represent them in Washington.
All five candidates were invited to participate. Four candidates attended and answered questions from the community. Congressman Jimmy Patronis did not attend the forum.
These forums are an important part of our democracy because they give voters the opportunity to compare ideas, ask difficult questions, and evaluate candidates side by side. I believe showing up, listening, and answering questions is part of earning the privilege to represent our district.
If you’d like to watch the forum, please visit Gulf Breeze News’ Facebook page for the full records. The D1 candidates’ forum took place in the first 31 minutes of the recording.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HVL8kEk16/
From the District
This week's conversations highlighted many of the issues that continue to surface across Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties.
Residents are concerned about:
The future of Social Security
Protecting Florida's environment
Public safety and immigration enforcement
America's role in overseas conflicts
Protecting our nation's critical infrastructure from cyber threats
These aren't abstract policy debates—they affect our families, our economy, and our future here in the Panhandle.
Moments That Matter
One of the most meaningful parts of this campaign is hearing directly from people in every corner of District 1.
Whether the conversation takes place at a candidate forum, a local coffee shop, a cleanup, or a community event, every perspective adds to the bigger picture of what our district needs.
Leadership isn't just about having answers—it's about being willing to listen before making decisions.
Policy Spotlight
Why Community Forums Matter
Candidate forums are one of the few opportunities where voters can hear multiple perspectives on the same questions.
This week's forum covered several important topics:
Social Security and the long-term stability of the program.
Environmental stewardship and protecting Florida's natural resources.
Training standards and accountability for immigration enforcement.
America's involvement in foreign conflicts and the cost of war.
Preparing our nation's utilities and infrastructure against cyber attacks.
These conversations are valuable because they help voters compare ideas while reminding candidates that we're accountable to the people we hope to represent.
Issue in Focus
Protecting Social Security for Future Generations
One question asked whether Congress should remove the current earnings cap on wages subject to Social Security payroll taxes as one way to strengthen the program's finances.
This is one of several proposals being discussed nationally. Supporters argue it could increase funding for Social Security, while opponents raise concerns about higher payroll taxes and broader economic effects.
Regardless of where someone stands on a particular proposal, nearly everyone agrees on one point: Americans deserve confidence that Social Security will remain available for current retirees while remaining sustainable for future generations.
As these discussions continue, I believe it's important that Congress evaluates solutions based on long-term sustainability, fairness, and their impact on workers, retirees, and small businesses.
Government Made Simple
What Does Congress Control?
Several questions at the forum involved issues where Congress plays an important—but not exclusive—role.
Congress can:
Pass federal laws.
Fund national defense.
Establish immigration laws and oversight.
Appropriate funding for federal agencies.
Support national cybersecurity initiatives.
Many other issues, such as local law enforcement operations, school policies, zoning, and county services, remain the responsibility of state and local governments. Understanding these roles helps us know where solutions should come from and who should be held accountable.
Community Calendar
Community ConversationsI'll continue meeting with residents, attending local events, and visiting communities across District 1 to hear directly from you. Our first event will take place at Black Cafe & Bookstore on MLK Dr in Downtown Pensacola, FL - be on the lookout for dates!
Volunteer OpportunitiesInterested in helping with community events, cleanups, or future family initiatives? Follow our social media pages for upcoming volunteer opportunities and event announcements.
Your Voice
This week's question:
If you had five minutes to ask your representative in Congress one question, what would it be?
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Your questions help shape the conversations we should be having—not only during campaign season, but throughout the year.
Thank you to everyone who attended the Gulf Breeze News forum, asked thoughtful questions, and took the time to engage in the democratic process. Thanks to Gulf Breeze News and Lisa Newell for setting up this event.
Whether we agree on every issue or not, respectful dialogue is how we move our communities forward.
Our Passion. Our Pride. Our Panhandle.
