Deva Simmons

Deva Simmons earned a high school diploma from Erasmus Hall High School, a bachelor's degree from Columbia College in 1990, and a graduate degree from Adelphi University in 1995. As of 2026, Simmons was retired.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

In 1995, I made Florida my home, and since 2002, Polk County has been where I’ve built my life, career, and community connections. For more than two decades, I’ve dedicated myself to education—serving, teaching, mentoring, and advocating for students and families. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, I learned the value of hard work, community, and standing up for what is right. My parents instilled in me a deep responsibility to serve others and never forget where I came from. From the classroom to community leadership, I’ve served on the Boys & Girls Club of Lakeland Board, supported the AGB Museum of Art, and volunteered with kidsPACK, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, and Polk County Schools.

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?

Education: Education is personal to me—it is my profession and my passion. We must invest in quality K–12 public education, competitive teacher pay, classroom resources, and the support staff students and educators need to succeed. Supporting teachers is not just about retention—it is about respect. Teachers educate and shape the future of every profession, yet we too often treat their work as if it doesn’t matter. When we invest in teachers, we invest in students, families, and our communities. I will oppose efforts to defund public schools and support legislation to increase teacher compensation and provide schools with the resources they need.Affordable Healthcare: Healthcare should not be a luxury. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act included significant reductions in federal health spending, with Medicaid provisions alone estimated at nearly $1 trillion over 10 years. My family knows firsthand how difficult healthcare costs can be—my mother’s prescription eye drops cost $600 a month. I will work to protect and restore ACA subsidies while addressing the root causes of rising healthcare costs, including insurance practices that can leave families paying more for inadequate care. Every Floridian deserves affordable, accessible, quality healthcare—not the choice between paying a medical bill and paying for basic necessities.Economic Stability & Equality: We need an economy that works for all. It starts with the basics—making housing, groceries, utilities, and healthcare more affordable. The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 since 2009, while families continue to face rising costs. I support raising the federal minimum wage while helping small and local businesses adapt. I also support worker protections and the right to organize and collectively bargain. When workers earn fair wages and small businesses have the support they need to succeed, communities thrive. Economic stability means dignity, opportunity, and the ability to build a future—not simply survive.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Voting and Voter Rights: The public policy issue I am most passionate about is voting and protecting every citizen’s ability to participate in our democracy. As a former Outreach Specialist with the Polk County Supervisor of Elections, I saw firsthand the importance of voter education, access, and civic engagement. I believe we should make it easier for eligible citizens to participate, not create unnecessary barriers. Democracy works best when people use their voices. At a time when trust in government is a concern for many Americans, we need to empower citizens to understand their rights, participate in elections, and recognize the power they have to create change.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Forward Party

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