Banks Helfrich

Banks Helfrich (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Florida House of Representatives to represent District 25. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. The Democratic primary for this office on August 18, 2026, was canceled.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a native Floridian, I love this state. As a resident of South Lake County, I love teaching farming and sustainability to the community I represent.

As a candidate for State House, I love working together to find solutions to the issues of our time. Regardless of political slant, I will work with and for all citizens.

Your issues, our solutions.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I have a plan to make Florida affordable for everyone.Preservation and Conservation of Florida’s Natural BeautyI have a plan to lower grocery costs.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Property Insurance, Property Tax Reform, First-Time Home Buyers/Affordable Housing, Special Needs Populations, Agriculture and Preservation of Florida’s Natural Beauty

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Martin Luther King, Jr, Mahatma Gandhi, the teachings of Jesus Christ, Neil Degrasse Tyson

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I defend all freedoms.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Kindness and compassion

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

In college, I experienced the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was as a Publix bagger for nine months and then I worked for S&H Green Stamps for four years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My most recent favorite book is Project Hail Mary.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Attachment

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

To serve all Floridians, justly, fairly and with compassion.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Water!

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Indeed! It is beneficial to have previous experience in government.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

It is always beneficial to build relationships, period, especially with legislators and even better with legislators from all parties. If we do not work together, we lose our American spirit. Our forefathers knew the importance of coming together. Therefore, when we work for the common good, it benefits every Floridian.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Lawton Chiles

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Possibly.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

No. That granting goes to the governor.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

Yes, I do have a plan to better equip FIRST RESPONDERS with the challenges of interacting with our SPECIAL NEEDS CITIZENS.

Florida’s First Responders are ill equipped with the challenges of interacting with Special Needs Citizens. They are largely unfamiliar with the human neuro-divergent spectrum.

Solution

Equip first responders with the knowledge and tools needed to deal with Special Needs Floridians. This four-hour Continuing Education course including awareness and de-escalation will prepare First Responders with the humanity and grace needed to make sure every Special Needs Floridian is treated with respect and dignity.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Learning how to listen

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in your state?

Choice rank voting and open primaries

Banks Helfrich did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Small farmer, native Floridian, father, comedian, Auburn alumni, independent filmmaker, “The Greatest Show on Earth" performer, “The Late Show with David Letterman" guest, Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District Chairperson, champion for political CIVILITY – the act of attacking issues rather than people - I build consensus, because the current vitriolic partisan divisiveness is unsustainable for the preservation of our Democracy. A supporter of all rights especially Woman’s reproductive sovereignty; supporter of Home Rule – legislating local solutions for local issues; supporter of economic development balanced with environmental preservation specific to water availability; supporter of mental health accessibility and affordability; supporter of less laws which brings more freedoms. Regardless of ideology, I am solution oriented. I am not Left. I am not Right. I am FORWARD.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Mental/Emotional Health Accessibility & AffordabilityPro-Liberties, Pro-Rights, Pro-ChoiceEnvironmental Preservation balanced with Economic Growth

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I support the right of women to have sovereignty over their bodies; I support access to contraception and medical procedures; I support a 24-week ban on unwanted pregnancy procedures with the only exception being a threat to a woman’s life.

I support having all Firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics take a two-hour Autism Awareness and Interactive class.

civility: the act of attacking the issue rather than the person.

The current vitriolic partisan division is unsustainable for the preservation of our democracy. Therefore, I support political civility in all forms of government.

I believe government closest to the people is the most impactful.

I support the Florida and Federal gun safety laws.

I support mental health accessibility in schools.

I am not Left. I am not Right. I am FORWARD.