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State Representative, District 15

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Meet the candidates

Unbiased view on

Dean Black

Chadd Charland

3 candidates. Listed as they appear on the ballot.

Dean Black

Chadd Charland

Dean Black

Chadd Charland

Lloyd Caulker

Position on major issues

Photo of Dean Black

Dean Black

Dean Black is a Jacksonville native, business owner, cattle rancher, and Air Force veteran who served in the Florida Air National Guard. A longtime leader and Trump supporter, he chaired the Duval County , serves in state party leadership, and participated in multiple National Conventions. Elected to the Florida House in 2022 and re-elected in 2024, Black has held leadership and committee roles focused on property taxes, education, health, agriculture, justice, and natural resources.

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Party:
Photo of Chadd Charland

Chadd Charland

Chadd Charland, a non-party-affiliated candidate for Florida House District 15, has deep personal and professional ties to North Florida. A longtime media professional and co-host of the “Welcome to Florida” podcast, he has developed extensive experience in communication, public engagement, and state issues.

His campaign focuses on protecting natural resources, supporting working families, investing in public schools, and ensuring government serves North Florida’s communities.

Party:
Photo of Lloyd Caulker

Lloyd Caulker

Professionally, Caulker has worked in business consulting, customer success management, and green technology advocacy. He is the founder and Senior Pastor of Gospeler Ministries based in Jacksonville. His political career includes a previous run in the 2024 primary for District 14. For the current election cycle, Caulker is running as a () write-in candidate in the general election on November 3, 2026, where he faces incumbent Dean Black.

He is campaigning on a platform of community empowerment, green innovation, and workers' rights, focusing on agricultural modernization, public education equity, and local government accountability.

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Party:

Write-in candidate

3 candidates. Listed as they appear on the ballot.

We share more ground than you might expect

Common Ground

Common Ground shows where candidates agree, no matter their party.

Thinking for yourself matters

Position on major issues

Position on major issues

Position on major issues

Abortion and reproductive policy

Second Amendment and Sanctity of Life: His platform includes an uncompromising defense of individual constitutional rights, maintaining a hardline pro-life stance on abortion, and supporting the absolute protection of gun rights.

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.

From a woman’s right to reproductive autonomy to every immigrant’s right to exist. From drag queens to trans kids. I will fight for the equal rights of all Florida residents.

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.

Sponsored Kratom

Jan 8, 2026 · Did not pass · 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.

+1 more

No public position found.

My campaign for the Florida House of Representatives is centered on enhancing education, pushing forward the biofuels industry through strategic cultivation of corn and sugarcane, and advocating for the adoption of renewable energy sources such as biodiesel and renewable natural gas. Read full quote

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.

I will oppose corporate efforts to bypass home rule by influencing state law regarding decisions that should be made locally, like construction of an ethanol plant or data center.

I was and am active in the effort to keep Rayonier’s ethanol plant out of Fernandina Beach I introduced the idea of a data center moratorium to Nassau County Commissioners in September of 2025.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Civil rights and freedoms

Second Amendment and Sanctity of Life: His platform includes an uncompromising defense of individual constitutional rights, maintaining a hardline pro-life stance on abortion, and supporting the absolute protection of gun rights.

Official record

Voted Yes on Commencement of Civil Actions

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

No public position found.

Jacksonville, Florida, key diversity issues include racial and ethnic disparities in socio-economic domains, ongoing residential and educational segregation, the necessity for broader cultural representation and effective immigrant integration, economic inequalities tied to demographic factors, and challenges in ensuring accessibility and full inclusion for people with disabilities, underscoring the importance of implementing comprehensive measures to promote inclusivity, equity, and open dialogue among all segments of the community.

No public positions found.

Criminal justice and policing

Official record

Voted Yes on Correctional Facilities Financing and Capital Improvements

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

Voted Yes on Child Pornography Terminology

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

Voted Yes on Systems of Law and Terrorist Organizations

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

+83 more

State law enforcement agencies spend millions annually on tools of mass surveillance including Flock cameras and drones. The state should not be spying on residents. I will oppose funding for unwarranted, nonconsensual mass surveillance.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Economy, jobs and wages

Official record

Voted Yes on Public Employees Relations Commission

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

Voted Yes on OGSR/Administration of Small Business Loan Programs Held by an Economic Development Agency

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

Voted Yes on Department of Commerce

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

+7 more

“Union labor, collective bargaining contracts, and pensions have allowed both of my parents to enjoy long retirements of travel and visiting grandkids and financial security,” Charland said. “That’s one of the many advantages to union membership that I want more Floridians to enjoy.”

“We live in a state where the legislature has made child labor easier for employers to take advantage of,” Charland explained. Read full quote

“I want to join state government to support working people, to communicate how unions raise wages and improve working conditions for all employees,” Charland said. Read full quote

+2 more

Jacksonville, Florida, businesses navigate challenges including workforce development gaps, the need for economic diversification, limited support for small enterprises, outdated infrastructure and transportation systems, a complex regulatory landscape, constrained access to capital, rising real estate costs, intense external competition, the imperative for tech adoption and innovation, and the integration of environmental sustainability practices, all of which demand collaborative strategies for fostering a robust and adaptive economic environment.

No public positions found.

Education

School Choice: Leveraging his position on education committees, Black supports the continuous expansion of state voucher programs and school choice options, advocating for parental empowerment in deciding their children's learning pathways.

Official record

Voted Yes on Higher Education

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

Voted Yes on Pre-K-12 Education

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

+92 more

My mom was a public school teacher. I support public schools. I oppose state money – subsidies, government handouts – going to private schools. Public money should support public schools and public schools only.

This campaign is about building a stronger North Florida, one that protects its natural resources, supports working families, invests in public schools, respects individual freedom and ensures that government serves the people.

Jacksonville, Duval County schools face critical challenges including disparities in resource allocation, teacher shortages and retention issues, significant achievement gaps among students, safety and disciplinary concerns, a growing need for mental health services, aging infrastructure and technological deficits, along with the need for increased parental and community engagement to ensure equitable and quality education for all students.

My campaign for the Florida House of Representatives is centered on enhancing education, pushing forward the biofuels industry through strategic cultivation of corn and sugarcane, and advocating for the adoption of renewable energy sources such as biodiesel and renewable natural gas. Read full quote

No public positions found.

Elections and voting

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.

Voted Yes on Security for Nominees and Officers-elect to the Offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor

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

+10 more

No public position found.

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.

Voted Yes on Permits for Drilling, Exploration, and Extraction of Oil and Gas Resources

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

+3 more

I will oppose corporate efforts to bypass home rule by influencing state law regarding decisions that should be made locally, like construction of an ethanol plant or data center.

I was and am active in the effort to keep Rayonier’s ethanol plant out of Fernandina Beach I introduced the idea of a data center moratorium to Nassau County Commissioners in September of 2025.

My campaign for the Florida House of Representatives is centered on enhancing education, pushing forward the biofuels industry through strategic cultivation of corn and sugarcane, and advocating for the adoption of renewable energy sources such as biodiesel and renewable natural gas. Read full quote

No public positions found.

Environment and climate

Official record

Voted Yes on Petroleum Cleanup Programs

May 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.

Voted Yes on Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

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

+31 more

“I speak for the trees.” And the manatee and gopher tortoise and wood stork. And the dunes and saltmarshes. I vow to work every day to protect what’s left of northeast Florida’s remarkable natural habitat. I support full funding of Florida Forever, Florida’s State Parks, and springs restoration.

I am the Conservation Chair for the local chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and sit on the organization’s statewide Policy Committee which closely monitors the state legislature from a conservation perspective.

This campaign is about building a stronger North Florida, one that protects its natural resources, supports working families, invests in public schools, respects individual freedom and ensures that government serves the people.

+2 more

Jacksonville, Florida, grapples with environmental challenges including the impacts of climate change and sea level rise, water and air pollution, urban sprawl leading to loss of biodiversity, waste management issues, the need for sustainable energy consumption, and environmental justice concerns, particularly affecting low-income and minority communities, all of which necessitate comprehensive, collaborative efforts towards sustainable development and resilience.

My campaign for the Florida House of Representatives is centered on enhancing education, pushing forward the biofuels industry through strategic cultivation of corn and sugarcane, and advocating for the adoption of renewable energy sources such as biodiesel and renewable natural gas. Read full quote

No public positions found.

Families and social services

Official record

Voted Yes on Children’s Initiatives

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

Voted Yes on Out-of-home Placement Providers and Treatment Facilities

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

Voted Yes on Specific Medical Diagnoses in Child Protective Investigations

Mar 3, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

+6 more

No public position found.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Firearms policy

Second Amendment and Sanctity of Life: His platform includes an uncompromising defense of individual constitutional rights, maintaining a hardline pro-life stance on abortion, and supporting the absolute protection of gun rights.

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.

Cosponsored Minimum Age for Firearm Purchase or Transfer

Oct 8, 2025 · Did not pass · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

+7 more

No public position found.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Government reform

Historical Memorial Protection: Driven by local debates surrounding public monuments, Black sponsored a strict monument protection bill. The legislation aimed to penalize local governments or officials who vote to remove, alter, or destroy historical memorials and statues.

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 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.

+104 more

No public position found.

Jacksonville, Florida, the healthcare landscape is challenged by limited access to care, pronounced health disparities, affordability issues, a shortage of mental health services, the impact of the opioid crisis, chronic disease management difficulties, the demands of an aging population, healthcare workforce shortages, and the need for improved infrastructure and capacity, all of which collectively underscore the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare reform and targeted interventions to ensure equitable, quality care for all residents.

No public positions found.

Housing

Official record

Voted Yes on Local Housing Assistance Plans

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

Voted Yes on Housing for Veterans

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

Voted Yes on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation

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

+10 more

No public position found.

Jacksonville's housing challenges encompass a growing affordability crisis, limited inventory of affordable homes, gentrification leading to displacement, rising homelessness, aging infrastructure, the threat of natural disasters, restrictive zoning and regulatory barriers, and increased investor activity, all of which collectively strain the ability of residents to secure stable, affordable housing in a market that is rapidly evolving.

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

From a woman’s right to reproductive autonomy to every immigrant’s right to exist. From drag queens to trans kids. I will fight for the equal rights of all Florida residents.

Jacksonville, Florida, key diversity issues include racial and ethnic disparities in socio-economic domains, ongoing residential and educational segregation, the necessity for broader cultural representation and effective immigrant integration, economic inequalities tied to demographic factors, and challenges in ensuring accessibility and full inclusion for people with disabilities, underscoring the importance of implementing comprehensive measures to promote inclusivity, equity, and open dialogue among all segments of the community.

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.

Did not vote on State Agency Law Enforcement Radio System

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

+34 more

No public position found.

Jacksonville, Florida, businesses navigate challenges including workforce development gaps, the need for economic diversification, limited support for small enterprises, outdated infrastructure and transportation systems, a complex regulatory landscape, constrained access to capital, rising real estate costs, intense external competition, the imperative for tech adoption and innovation, and the integration of environmental sustainability practices, all of which demand collaborative strategies for fostering a robust and adaptive economic environment.

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.

+10 more

No public position found.

No public position found.

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 position found.

No public positions found.

Social Security and retirement

Official record

Voted Yes on Retirement

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

Voted Yes on Retirement

Feb 19, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Retirement

Jun 16, 2025 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

+1 more

No public position found.

No public position found.

No public positions found.

Taxes and government spending

Public Sector Union Restrictions: In 2023, Black successfully sponsored a signature piece of conservative legislation that banned automatic paycheck deductions for public-sector union dues, requiring union members to pay their dues directly instead.

Official record

Voted Yes on Property Tax Administration

Jun 2, 2026 · Passed · Source: Open States, linked to official Florida Senate records.

Voted Yes on Department of Management Services

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

+49 more

No public position found.

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

State law enforcement agencies spend millions annually on tools of mass surveillance including Flock cameras and drones. The state should not be spying on residents. I will oppose funding for unwarranted, nonconsensual mass surveillance.

I will oppose corporate efforts to bypass home rule by influencing state law regarding decisions that should be made locally, like construction of an ethanol plant or data center.

I was and am active in the effort to keep Rayonier’s ethanol plant out of Fernandina Beach I introduced the idea of a data center moratorium to Nassau County Commissioners in September of 2025.

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 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 position found.

No public positions found.

Drug policy

No public position found.

No public position found.

Jacksonville, Florida, the healthcare landscape is challenged by limited access to care, pronounced health disparities, affordability issues, a shortage of mental health services, the impact of the opioid crisis, chronic disease management difficulties, the demands of an aging population, healthcare workforce shortages, and the need for improved infrastructure and capacity, all of which collectively underscore the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare reform and targeted interventions to ensure equitable, quality care for all residents.

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 position found.

No public positions found.

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