State Representative, District 39 candidates

Doug Bankson

Jarod Fox

Candidates listed as they appear on the ballot.

Doug Bankson

Jarod Fox

Doug Bankson

Jarod Fox

Position on major issues

Doug Bankson

Doug Bankson is the founder and senior pastor of Victory Church in Apopka, Florida, and serves as the state representative for Florida House District 39. With more than three decades of leadership experience, he has overseen ministries, educational programs, businesses, construction projects, community outreach, and substantial budgets.

Before entering public office, Bankson served on local boards and committees, chaired the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce, and supported economic development and job creation. He was elected to the Apopka City Council in 2015 before advancing to the Florida House.
Bankson holds a master’s degree from Life Christian University and an honorary doctorate. He is also an author, singer-songwriter, instrument-rated pilot, husband, father, and grandfather.

Campaign website

Party:

Jarod Fox

Dr. Jarod Fox is an infectious disease physician and healthcare leader who has served Central Florida patients since 2017. A husband, father of three, and active Mosaic Church member, he brings a lifelong commitment to public service, stronger communities, and practical solutions for Florida families.

Campaign website

Party:

Candidates listed as they appear on the ballot.

We share more ground than you might expect

Thinking for yourself matters

Position on major issues

Abortion and reproductive policy

Life and Liberty I believe life is a precious gift from God, and that we must protect all life from its inception to natural conclusion. Read full quote

Official record

Voted Yes on OGSR/Parental Consent Requirements Before Terminating a Pregnancy

Apr 29, 2025 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Agriculture and rural policy

Official record

Voted Yes on OGSR/Aquaculture Records

Feb 4, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Apr 29, 2025 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Artificial intelligence

Official record

Voted Yes on Data Centers

Mar 11, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Use of Artificial Intelligence by Governmental Agencies to Detect Concealed Firearms

Apr 24, 2025 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Civil rights and freedoms

Attempts to bring radical gender ideology into the classrooms of kindergarteners

Life and Liberty I believe life is a precious gift from God, and that we must protect all life from its inception to natural conclusion. Read full quote

Official record

Voted Yes on Commencement of Civil Actions

Feb 17, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

+1 more

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Criminal justice and policing

We must support the first responders who stand on the front lines for us to keep all of our families safe. While we look inward to address the issues that have divided communities, we must not abandon the need for safety, law, and order.

A movement to defund our police — putting the safety of our families at risk

Official record

Voted Yes on Correctional Facilities Financing and Capital Improvements

May 12, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

+89 more

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Economy, jobs and wages

BUILDING FLORIDA’S ECONOMY with better job opportunities

Our economic development must attract the best and brightest and must opt for such regulation that protects the consumer without penalizing the merchant.

I see opportunity in our businesses, ready to come roaring back after the challenges of Covid, based upon the dreams and determination of every entrepreneur as we keep government out of the way.

+9 more

Investing in workers and small businesses builds an economy that works for everyone across Central Florida.

Jarod knows that Florida must do more to attract and retain talented workers. Read full quote

He will fight to lower healthcare costs, protect public education funding, and invest in small businesses to bring good-paying jobs to our community.

No public positions found.

Education

SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOLS and giving parents a voice in education

I see opportunity in our schools to support our teachers and bring the best education to our children. Read full quote

We must secure the opportunities of education for all our children equally regardless of their background, and we must ensure that parents always have a voice in education.

+101 more

A parent of three public-school kids, Jarod will strengthen public school funding and support teachers and students.

Jarod believes every child deserves access to a high-quality public education, regardless of their ZIP code. Read full quote

He will fight to lower healthcare costs, protect public education funding, and invest in small businesses to bring good-paying jobs to our community.

No public positions found.

Elections and voting

I see our cities and towns best able to make decisions for their people.

Official record

Voted Yes on Elections

Mar 12, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Candidate Qualification

Feb 25, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

+10 more

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Energy

Official record

Voted Yes on Rural Electric Cooperatives

Mar 11, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Advanced Nuclear Reactors

Mar 5, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Cosponsored Advanced Nuclear Reactors

Jan 9, 2026 · Did not pass · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

+4 more

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Environment and climate

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT and fighting for our springs

We can all work together to guard the precious gifts from our Wekiva State Springs and Park to our waterways to our beloved Lake Apopka.

I see our lake Apopka through stewardship being restored to her once pristine beauty and vivid wildlife. I see our Wekiva springs and forest, a hidden treasure worth protecting.

+33 more

He will protect Florida’s water resources, invest in resilient infrastructure, and support policies that preserve the natural spaces that make Florida a great place to work and play.

No public positions found.

Firearms policy

Official record

Voted Yes on Minimum Age for Firearm Purchase or Transfer

Jan 15, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Use of Artificial Intelligence by Governmental Agencies to Detect Concealed Firearms

Apr 24, 2025 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Carrying of Handguns or Weapons by Law Enforcement Officers Attending Athletic Events

Apr 23, 2025 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

+3 more

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Government reform

Fight government corruption and overreach Fight for fiscal responsibility Fight against radical ideology in our schools Fight for parental rights and for school choice

Official record

Voted Yes on Judges

May 12, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Justice Administrative Commission

Mar 12, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

+18 more

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Healthcare

Official record

Voted Yes on Health Care

May 12, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Uterine Fibroid Research Database

Mar 12, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System Permits

Mar 12, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

+101 more

As a physician, Jarod sees how Florida’s system fails working families — and he’ll fight to make care affordable and accessible.

Florida must move to expand Medicaid and serve the more than one million Floridians who fall into the coverage gap. Jarod will fight for practical solutions that improve access to care, strengthen Florida’s healthcare workforce, and make healthcare more affordable for working families.

He will fight to lower healthcare costs, protect public education funding, and invest in small businesses to bring good-paying jobs to our community.

No public positions found.

Housing

ENSURING ATTAINABLE HOUSING and lowering insurance costs

Housing becoming less and less affordable for everyday Floridians

Out of control inflation is making it hard for Florida families to make ends meet. I have a plan to address the rising costs of living and keep more money in your pockets: lower taxes, maintain a balanced budget, and find solutions for the housing crisis.

+14 more

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Immigration

Official record

Voted Yes on Employment Eligibility

Jan 15, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Advertisements for Representation Services

Apr 24, 2025 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Employment Eligibility

Apr 23, 2025 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

+2 more

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Infrastructure and transportation

Official record

Voted Yes on Department of Management Services

May 12, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Documentary Stamp Tax Distributions

May 12, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on State Agency Law Enforcement Radio System

May 12, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

+38 more

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Local control

Official record

Voted Yes on Assessments Levied on Recreational Vehicle Parks

Mar 10, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Official Actions of Local Governments

Mar 10, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Prohibited Governmental Policies Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Mar 5, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

+5 more

Over 35 years of Republican control, Tallahassee has taken power away from local governments and imposed one-size-fits-all solutions on issues ranging from education to growth management. Read full quote

No public positions found.

National security and foreign policy

Official record

Voted Yes on Concurrent Legislative Jurisdiction over United States Military Installations

Feb 17, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Taxes and government spending

COMBATING INFLATION with lower taxes & a balanced budget

I see the opportunity to affect laws that keep us from runaway spending and limit the taxation on the works of people’s hands to that which is purposeful and beneficial for all.

+54 more

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Technology and privacy

Official record

Voted Yes on Local Government Cyber Security

Mar 12, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Data Centers

Mar 11, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Local Government Cyber Security

Mar 4, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

+5 more

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Veterans

Official record

Voted Yes on Veterans Dental Care Grant Program

Feb 25, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Veterans

May 2, 2025 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Veterans

Apr 30, 2025 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

+1 more

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Animals and wildlife

Official record

Voted Yes on Dangerous Dogs

Apr 30, 2025 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Dangerous Dogs

Apr 23, 2025 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Emergency management

Official record

Voted Yes on Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund/Executive Office of the Governor

Mar 13, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on OGSR/Persons Provided Public Emergency Shelter

Mar 9, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund/Executive Office of the Governor

Mar 9, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

+5 more

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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State Representative, District 39

Meet the candidates

Doug Bankson

Jarod Fox

Common Ground

Position on major issues

Position on major issues

Abortion and reproductive policy

Agriculture and rural policy

Artificial intelligence

Civil rights and freedoms

Criminal justice and policing

Economy, jobs and wages

Education

Elections and voting

Energy

Environment and climate

Firearms policy

Government reform

Healthcare

Housing

Immigration

Infrastructure and transportation

Local control

National security and foreign policy

Taxes and government spending

Technology and privacy

Veterans

Animals and wildlife

Emergency management

Position on major issues

Common Ground

What is unbiased view?

What is unbiased view?

Your saved picks

State Representative, District 39

Meet the candidates

Doug Bankson

Jarod Fox

Common Ground

Position on major issues

Position on major issues

Abortion and reproductive policy

Agriculture and rural policy

Artificial intelligence

Civil rights and freedoms

Criminal justice and policing

Economy, jobs and wages

Education

Elections and voting

Energy

Environment and climate

Families and social services

Firearms policy

Government reform

Healthcare

Housing

Immigration

Infrastructure and transportation

Local control

National security and foreign policy

Social Security and retirement

Taxes and government spending

Technology and privacy

Veterans

Animals and wildlife

Emergency management