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Party:
J.J. Grow
Mark Leland Baker
Candidates listed as they appear on the ballot.
J.J. Grow
Mark Leland Baker
Position on major issues
Mark Leland Baker is running for the Florida House of Representatives in District 23. His entry into civic leadership includes serving as a Chamber of Commerce Legacy Member and as past President of the Club of Citrus County. He is also prominently known as the founder and former president of the Citrus County Coffee Coalition, a local grassroots civic and political advocacy organization.
Campaigning as a nonpartisan civic leader and neighborhood advocate, Baker focuses on practical pocketbook relief, public infrastructure, and checking special-interest influence.
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Party:
Candidates listed as they appear on the ballot.
We share more ground than you might expect
Common Ground
Thinking for yourself matters
Position on major issues
Position on major issues
Abortion and reproductive policy
Official record
Repeal Florida's extreme abortion ban that puts women's lives at risk Protect access to reproductive healthcare including contraception Support IVF access for families trying to start or grow their family Trust women and their doctors to make personal medical decisions
Sources
https://marklbaker.com/platform
No public positions found.
Agriculture and rural policy
Agriculture is the backbone of Florida’s heritage and economy. Read full quote
Official record
Voted Yes on OGSR/Aquaculture Records
Voted Yes on Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Sources
https://www.votejjgrow.com/platform/Archived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260930004132/https://www.votejjgrow.com/platform/
No public position found.
No public positions found.
Artificial intelligence
Official record
Voted Yes on Data Centers
No public position found.
No public positions found.
Civil rights and freedoms
Official record
Voted Yes on Commencement of Civil Actions
No public position found.
No public positions found.
Criminal justice and policing
Backing the blue isn’t just a slogan, it is a commitment that I pride myself on. Read full quote
Strong Borders JJ Grow voted to secure Florida’s borders, join the fight with our federal partners to stop illegal immigration, and strengthened our laws against violent predators. Read full quote
Official record
Sources
https://www.votejjgrow.com/platform/Archived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260930004132/https://www.votejjgrow.com/platform/https://www.votejjgrow.com/issues/Archived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260930004206/https://www.votejjgrow.com/issues/
+83 more
Fund and support local law enforcement with proper training and resources Invest in mental health crisis response to reduce unnecessary use of force Strengthen community policing programs that build trust between officers and residents Address the root causes of crime through economic opportunity and education
Oppose state preemption laws that strip cities and counties of local decision-making power Fight to restore local control over zoning, wages, and public safety policies Protect Citrus County's ability to govern itself without Tallahassee interference Stand up for the principle that government closest to the people governs best
Sources
https://marklbaker.com/platform
No public positions found.
Economy, jobs and wages
Families across Florida are feeling the pressure of rising costs from groceries to gasoline. Read full quote
Official record
Voted Yes on Public Employees Relations Commission
Sources
https://www.votejjgrow.com/platform/Archived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260930004132/https://www.votejjgrow.com/platform/
+6 more
Expand access to affordable housing for working families, seniors, and first-time homebuyers Oppose policies that drive up the cost of living without raising wages Support property insurance reform to bring relief to homeowners across Citrus County Fight for utility rate fairness so families can keep the lights on without going into debt
Cut red tape and reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses Support a living wage so working families can afford to live in the communities they serve Attract good-paying jobs to Citrus County through targeted economic development Protect Social Security and Medicare for seniors who earned those benefits
Affordability Florida families are being priced out of their own communities. Read full quote
Sources
https://marklbaker.com/platformhttps://marklbaker.com
+1 more
No public positions found.
Education
Every child in Florida deserves access to a high-quality education tailored to their needs. Read full quote
JJ is a strong supporter of school choice and empowering parents to have more control of their child’s future and education. Read full quote
There is nothing more important than making sure our children receive a world-class education. JJ is a strong supporter of school choice and empowering parents to have more control of their child’s future and education.
Sources
https://www.votejjgrow.com/platform/Archived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260930004132/https://www.votejjgrow.com/platform/https://www.votejjgrow.com/issues/Archived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260930004206/https://www.votejjgrow.com/issues/
+94 more
Fully fund public schools and give teachers the pay and respect they deserve Oppose voucher programs that divert resources from public education Expand access to vocational training and workforce development programs Support early childhood education and pre-K programs for working families
Expand affordable access to preventative and rural care Property Tax Voodoo Florida's property tax system is rigged against working families. Read full quote
Sources
https://marklbaker.com/platformhttps://marklbaker.com
No public positions found.
Elections and voting
Oppose voter suppression laws that make it harder for working families to cast a ballot Protect early voting and vote-by-mail access for all Floridians Fight gerrymandering that dilutes the voice of District 23 voters Ensure election integrity through transparent, nonpartisan oversight
Sources
https://marklbaker.com/platform
No public positions found.
Energy
Affordability Florida families are being priced out of their own communities. Read full quote
Sources
https://marklbaker.com
No public positions found.
Environment and climate
JJ Grow voted to cut taxes, balance our budget and provide billions in tax relief while also funding billions in Florida’s road and transportation projects to fight congestion and billion in Everglades Restoration efforts and nearly $300 million to cover over 200,000 Florida children every year with free healthcare to make sure our children are taken care of.
Official record
Voted Yes on Petroleum Cleanup Programs
Voted Yes on Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System Permits
Sources
https://www.votejjgrow.com/issues/Archived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260930004206/https://www.votejjgrow.com/issues/
+32 more
Mark Baker unveiled his detailed platform on protecting Florida's natural springs and waterways, calling for stronger enforcement of environmental regulations and investment in clean water infrastructure across Citrus County.
Protect the Crystal River and Kings Bay from pollution and overdevelopment Invest in clean water infrastructure across Citrus County Support responsible land use policies that preserve Florida's natural springs Hold polluters accountable and enforce environmental regulations
Protect the springs, rivers, and coastline that define Citrus County Oppose industrial development that threatens our waterways and wildlife Invest in water quality monitoring and restoration programs Support sustainable tourism that preserves the Nature Coast for future generations
Sources
https://marklbaker.com/newshttps://marklbaker.com/platform
No public positions found.
Families and social services
Official record
Voted Yes on Children’s Initiatives
No public position found.
No public positions found.
Firearms policy
JJ extended the ban on mask mandates and mRNA vaccines. JJ stopped woke DEI in higher education by requiring class instructional materials be posted publicly and penalties for universities who promote DEI. And JJ stood with Florida gun owners by voting for open carry and protecting Second Amendment rights.
Official record
Voted Yes on Minimum Age for Firearm Purchase or Transfer
Cosponsored Minimum Age for Firearm Purchase or Transfer
Sources
https://www.votejjgrow.com/issues/Archived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260930004206/https://www.votejjgrow.com/issues/
+5 more
No public position found.
No public positions found.
Government reform
Expand affordable access to preventative and rural care Property Tax Voodoo Florida's property tax system is rigged against working families. Read full quote
Sources
https://marklbaker.com
No public positions found.
Healthcare
JJ Grow voted to cut taxes, balance our budget and provide billions in tax relief while also funding billions in Florida’s road and transportation projects to fight congestion and billion in Everglades Restoration efforts and nearly $300 million to cover over 200,000 Florida children every year with free healthcare to make sure our children are taken care of.
JJ extended the ban on mask mandates and mRNA vaccines. JJ stopped woke DEI in higher education by requiring class instructional materials be posted publicly and penalties for universities who promote DEI. And JJ stood with Florida gun owners by voting for open carry and protecting Second Amendment rights.
Official record
Voted Yes on Health Care
Sources
https://www.votejjgrow.com/issues/Archived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260930004206/https://www.votejjgrow.com/issues/
+101 more
Expand Medicaid to cover the hundreds of thousands of Floridians who fall in the coverage gap Protect coverage for pre-existing conditions Lower prescription drug costs for seniors and working families Support rural healthcare access for underserved communities in Citrus County
Fund and support local law enforcement with proper training and resources Invest in mental health crisis response to reduce unnecessary use of force Strengthen community policing programs that build trust between officers and residents Address the root causes of crime through economic opportunity and education
Affordable Healthcare Healthcare costs are squeezing Florida families. Read full quote
Sources
https://marklbaker.com/platformhttps://marklbaker.com
No public positions found.
Housing
As a coastal district, skyrocketing property insurance rates are one of the biggest threats to homeownership. Read full quote
Insurance Florida’s insurance market needs continued reforms to make sure we have a thriving, stable, and AFFORDABLE marketplace. Read full quote
Official record
Voted Yes on Local Housing Assistance Plans
Sources
https://www.votejjgrow.com/platform/Archived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260930004132/https://www.votejjgrow.com/platform/https://www.votejjgrow.com/issues/Archived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260930004206/https://www.votejjgrow.com/issues/
+13 more
Expand access to affordable housing for working families, seniors, and first-time homebuyers Oppose policies that drive up the cost of living without raising wages Support property insurance reform to bring relief to homeowners across Citrus County Fight for utility rate fairness so families can keep the lights on without going into debt
Oppose state preemption laws that strip cities and counties of local decision-making power Fight to restore local control over zoning, wages, and public safety policies Protect Citrus County's ability to govern itself without Tallahassee interference Stand up for the principle that government closest to the people governs best
Affordability Florida families are being priced out of their own communities. Read full quote
Sources
https://marklbaker.com/platformhttps://marklbaker.com
No public positions found.
Immigration
Backing the blue isn’t just a slogan, it is a commitment that I pride myself on. Read full quote
Strong Borders JJ Grow voted to secure Florida’s borders, join the fight with our federal partners to stop illegal immigration, and strengthened our laws against violent predators. Read full quote
Official record
Voted No on Employment Eligibility
Sources
https://www.votejjgrow.com/platform/Archived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260930004132/https://www.votejjgrow.com/platform/https://www.votejjgrow.com/issues/Archived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260930004206/https://www.votejjgrow.com/issues/
+4 more
No public position found.
No public positions found.
Infrastructure and transportation
JJ Grow voted to cut taxes, balance our budget and provide billions in tax relief while also funding billions in Florida’s road and transportation projects to fight congestion and billion in Everglades Restoration efforts and nearly $300 million to cover over 200,000 Florida children every year with free healthcare to make sure our children are taken care of.
Official record
Voted Yes on Department of Management Services
Voted Yes on Documentary Stamp Tax Distributions
Sources
https://www.votejjgrow.com/issues/Archived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260930004206/https://www.votejjgrow.com/issues/
+39 more
Affordability Florida families are being priced out of their own communities. Read full quote
Sources
https://marklbaker.com
No public positions found.
Local control
Official record
Voted Yes on Assessments Levied on Recreational Vehicle Parks
Voted Yes on Official Actions of Local Governments
No public position found.
No public positions found.
National security and foreign policy
Official record
No public position found.
No public positions found.
Social Security and retirement
Protect and expand services for seniors living on fixed incomes Ensure veterans have access to healthcare, mental health services, and housing assistance Fight against elder financial abuse and exploitation Support caregiver programs that allow seniors to age with dignity at home
Cut red tape and reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses Support a living wage so working families can afford to live in the communities they serve Attract good-paying jobs to Citrus County through targeted economic development Protect Social Security and Medicare for seniors who earned those benefits
Affordable Healthcare Healthcare costs are squeezing Florida families. Read full quote
Sources
https://marklbaker.com/platformhttps://marklbaker.com
No public positions found.
Taxes and government spending
Homeowners deserve relief from rising property taxes. I will fight to preserve and expand property tax exemptions for seniors, veterans, and working families. We must also ensure local governments are using tax dollars efficiently and any increases in revenue should come with increased transparency and accountability.
JJ Grow voted to cut BILLIONS in taxes, including sales taxes holidays for school supplies, tools, and hurricane preparedness items and voted to place historic property tax relief on the ballot this November, potentially saving homeowners thousands of dollars a year in property taxes. Read full quote
JJ Grow believes in making government leaner but more efficient by focusing on the things we all believe need to be tackling on the state level.
Sources
https://www.votejjgrow.com/platform/Archived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260930004132/https://www.votejjgrow.com/platform/https://www.votejjgrow.com/issues/Archived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260930004206/https://www.votejjgrow.com/issues/
+51 more
Expand affordable access to preventative and rural care Property Tax Voodoo Florida's property tax system is rigged against working families. Read full quote
Sources
https://marklbaker.com
No public positions found.
Technology and privacy
Official record
Voted Yes on Local Government Cyber Security
Voted Yes on Data Centers
Voted Yes on Local Government Cyber Security
No public position found.
No public positions found.
Veterans
Official record
Voted Yes on Veterans Dental Care Grant Program
Voted Yes on Veterans
Voted Yes on Veterans
Protect and expand services for seniors living on fixed incomes Ensure veterans have access to healthcare, mental health services, and housing assistance Fight against elder financial abuse and exploitation Support caregiver programs that allow seniors to age with dignity at home
Sources
https://marklbaker.com/platform
No public positions found.
Animals and wildlife
No public position found.
No public positions found.
Emergency management
Official record
Voted Yes on OGSR/Persons Provided Public Emergency Shelter
No public position found.
No public positions found.
Coverage differs between candidates because it depends on what each candidate has published. A short list does not mean a candidate has no views.
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J.J. Grow
Mark Leland Baker
J.J. Grow
Visit the campaign site
Connect with J.J. Grow:
Mark Leland Baker
Mark Leland Baker is running for the Florida House of Representatives in District 23. His entry into civic leadership includes serving as a Chamber of Commerce Legacy Member and as past President of the Club of Citrus County. He is also prominently known as the founder and former president of the Citrus County Coffee Coalition, a local grassroots civic and political advocacy organization.
Campaigning as a nonpartisan civic leader and neighborhood advocate, Baker focuses on practical pocketbook relief, public infrastructure, and checking special-interest influence.
Party is hidden. Tap a black bar to reveal.
Visit the campaign site
Connect with Mark Leland Baker:
Running for
State Representative, District 23
Thinking for yourself matters
Position on major issues
Common Ground
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