Gay Valimont

Gay Valimont was born in Thomaston, Georgia. She earned a bachelor's degree from Georgia Southern University in 1996 and a graduate degree from Troy State University in 2000. Her career experience includes working as an athletic trainer and healthcare professional.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born and raised in Thomaston, Georgia, Valimont, 51, obtained a bachelor's degree in health and exercise science from Georgia Southern University and a master's in education from Troy State University before entering a career in sports medicine in Atlanta, working with predominantly Black high schools in the area and with the Atlanta Falcons.

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?

Affordable living and healthcareTaking care of our Veterans.Voting rights

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare, Education, Veterans Affairs, Foreign policy, term limits.

Gay Valimont did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2025 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Gay Valimont is a mother and gun violence prevention activist in Pensacola, Florida who has devoted her life to improving public safety. Gay earned a bachelor’s degree in Health and Exercise Science from Georgia Southern University, her National Athletic Trainers Association accreditation, and her M.A. in Education from Troy State University before pursuing her career in sports medicine in Atlanta.

There she worked for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and, later, Emory Sports Medicine as an athletic trainer.

During her time in Atlanta, she met her husband Brian Valimont and started a family, giving birth to their son Eli in 2012. Together the family made the move to Pensacola for the incredible beaches and good public schools for Eli. While Gay couldn’t have been happier as a stay-at-home mother to Eli, she felt a pull to serve after the Sandy Hook School shooting unfolded and got involved. She joined Moms Demand Action for Gunsense in America locally and stayed engaged, even when Brian’s job moved them to Naples. By 2016, Gay was a full-time grassroots activist and had worked her way up to Florida State Lead.

In 2020, Gay faced the unimaginable when her husband Brian was diagnosed with ALS and a few months later their 8-year-old son Eli was diagnosed with DIPG, a rare and terminal brain tumor. Gay served as the primary caretaker for both until they passed away, within months of each other. She then returned to Pensacola – where her family was happiest.

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?

While navigating the terminal illnesses of both her husband and son at the same time, Gay got a real-world education on the importance of accessibility and affordability of healthcare. Every person should have access to the care they need without wondering if they can afford to save their own life or the life of a loved one. Universal, affordable, quality health care must be a priority.

Gay will fight to:

Expand Medicaid, Protect Medicare, Defend the Affordable Care Act, Reduce prescription costs, Ensure that all Americans have access to quality doctors and preventative health care, and treatment for their physical and mental health.All Americans deserve to live full, free, healthy lives. We must ensure that all people, including women, minorities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ Americans, and Indigenous persons have equal access to housing and healthcare, educational opportunities, access to credit, and safe working conditions. All aspects of our government must be committed to the rule of law and equal protection for all.

Gay will fight for:

Access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare and the right to choose. Equal pay for equal work and closing the gender pay gap. Policies that address racial and ethnic disparities in education, criminal justice, and economic opportunities. Ensuring LGBTQ+ rights through anti-discrimination measures. Disability Rights.Gun violence is a deadly public health crisis that demands action. More than 120 gun fatalities occurring every day and the #1 killer of children. To address this crisis, we must take immediate and comprehensive steps at the national level. At the core of our strategy is legislation to strengthen background checks for all gun purchases, a critical measure to keep firearms out of the hands of terrorists, domestic abusers, and violent criminals.

Gay will fight for:

Universal Background Checks on ALL gun sales to close existing loopholes and ensure every sale includes a thorough background check.

Strengthening and expanding Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), or Red Flag Laws, t

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Gay is passionate about bridging the divide and taking the HATE out our politics. She believes there are bipartisan solutions to many problems that face Americans, like border security, that the current Congress is incapable of doing. The most urgent needs are making sure all Americans have accessible and affordable healthcare, including abortion/ reproductive healthcare. Gun Violence is an epidemic that has plagued every community but has sensible bipartisan solutions that have not been addressed because of lawmakers inaction. I believe if we want to change our gun laws to include strong background checks on all gun sales, we must change Congress. Voting rights are paramount, because access to the ballot is the cornerstone to democracy.

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

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

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

I believe our elected officials should be honest and set the tone for American politics that does not include hate and division. I believe Congress should enact term limits for US House and Senate, so that our our lawmaking body moves forward with the American people and makes the most of their time in Congress.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Listening and caring about what your constituents say and need to improve THEIR lives.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I believe the core responsibilities of our elected officials is to listen to all of their constituents and act on their behalf. I also believe it is the duty of electees to be honest, even if it does not benefit them politically.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like my legacy to be that I worked harder than everyone else and made our world better.

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

The inauguration of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States.

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

I waited tables for 9 years through college.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Llama Llama Red Pajama- Because it was my son's favorite book as a child.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Just the way you are- Bruno Mars

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

in 2021 my 9yo son Eli died from a terminal brain tumor and six months later years my husband Brian died of ALS. I was their caregiver, simultaneously.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Congress should have term limits: 4 for House, 2 for Senate

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

Susie Lee

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

YES!!

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Everytown for Gun Safety, Ban Assault Weapons Now.

What committees interest you?

Veterans Affairs, Armed Services, Education, Oversight, Ethics

Campaign website

Valimont’s campaign website stated the following:

Healthcare Access

While navigating the terminal illnesses of both her husband and son at the same time, Gay got a real-world education on the importance of accessibility and affordability of healthcare. Every person should have access to the care they need without wondering if they can afford to save their own life or the life of a loved one. Universal, affordable, quality health care must be a priority.

Gay will fight to:

Expand Medicaid

Protect Medicare

Defend the Affordable Care Act

Reduce prescription costs

Ensure that all Americans have access to quality doctors, preventative health care, and treatment for their physical and mental health

Our Military and Veterans

Gay has an unwavering commitment to the largest military population in Florida who proudly call District 1 home. Her step-father was a disabled Navy veteran and knows first hand the struggle VA care can be. Gay also recognizes our military bases as vital components of our community with value that extends well beyond their military functions as they bolster local economies across the district, generating jobs and fostering growth. We must and will protect our military and veterans.

Gay will fight for:

Comprehensive mental health care for past, current, and future veterans

Legislation that guarantees veterans have easily accessible and cost-effective healthcare choices

Initiatives that facilitate veterans’ transition to civilian careers and bring improvements to the G.I Bill

Strategies to prevent and address veteran homelessness, including providing access to transitional housing and supportive services

Environmental measures to safeguard our bases against natural disasters.

Obtain Federal funding for a full VA hospital for District 1

Education

We must ensure that all American children have access to the best education possible, no matter their socioeconomic status. This begins with providing high-quality, affordable pre-kindergarten education for all children nationwide, offering a strong start to their academic journey. Gay is committed to ensuring fair and equal access to accurate educational materials. She believes in creating safe environments in our schools, where all children can learn without fear of discrimination.

Gay will fight to:

Increase funding for public schools, with a focus on schools in low-income areas to reduce disparities in educational resources

Provide educators with competitive salaries and professional development resources

Ensure students have ample opportunities to pursue higher education without the burden of a lifetime of debt

Affordable Housing

Florida is currently experiencing a housing crisis. Soaring housing and insurance costs have caused homelessness to skyrocket, particularly among our most vulnerable citizens like seniors and veterans. Despite laws prohibiting renting and lending discrimination, people of color continue to face barriers to home ownership and rentals. All Americans must have access to safe and stable housing.

Gay will fight to:

Incentivize the construction of affordable housing

Expand rental assistance for low-income families

Close the racial homeownership gap

Support legislation like the Place to Prosper Act – which would reduce rent increases, make evictions more difficult, and ban source of income discrimination

Our Environment

The preservation of our coastlines through proven environmental protection measures is essential to safeguard Florida’s natural beauty and diverse ecosystems that attract tourists, support our local businesses, and make up our homes. Florida is especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise and more frequent hurricanes.

Gay will fight to:

Invest in clean energy infrastructures

Conserve public lands and natural habitats

Prioritize clean water initiatives and enforce regulations to prevent pollution in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas

Address climate resilience through infrastructure investments, flood control measures, and coastal protections

Voting Right

A thriving democracy is built on the principle that every eligible citizen’s voice should be heard. Gay will strive to create a more inclusive, equitable, and robust democracy where every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote, participate fully in our political process, and have confidence in the integrity of our elections. Together, we will build a stronger, more representative democracy that reflects the will of the people.

Gay will fight to:

Defend and strengthen the Voting Rights Act to prevent discriminatory voting practices and protect vulnerable communities from voter disenfranchisement

Invest in election security measures to protect our democracy from foreign interference and misinformation

Reform campaign finance regulations to reduce the influence of big money in politics and amplify the voices of everyday citizens

Institute automatic universal voter registration for all eligible citizens upon turning 18, as well as same-day voter registration and online registration to eliminate barriers to participation

Equity & Justice for All

All Americans deserve to live full, free, healthy lives. We must ensure that all people, including women, minorities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ Americans, and Indigenous persons have equal access to housing and healthcare, educational opportunities, access to credit, and safe working conditions. All aspects of our government must be committed to the rule of law and equal protection for all Americans.

Gay will fight for:

Access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare and the right to choose

Equal pay for equal work and closing the gender pay gap

Policies that address racial and ethnic disparities in education, criminal justice, and economic opportunities

Ensuring LGBTQ+ rights through anti-discrimination measures

Upholding disability rights through accessible infrastructure and inclusive policies

Supporting labor unions to protect workers' rights, ensure fair wages, and secure safe working conditions

Gun Violen Prevention

Gun violence is a deadly public health crisis that demands action. With more than 120 gun fatalities occurring every day, we cannot rely on thoughts and prayers alone. To address this crisis, we must take immediate and comprehensive steps at the national level. At the core of our strategy is legislation to strengthen background checks for all gun purchases, a critical measure to keep firearms out of the hands of terrorists, domestic abusers, and violent criminals.

Gay will fight for:

Universal Background Checks on ALL gun sales to close existing loopholes and ensure every sale includes a thorough background check

Strengthening and expanding Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), commonly known as Red Flag Laws, to empower concerned family members and law enforcement

Making sure provisions from President Biden’s Safer Communities Act are enforced. Including closing the dangerous “boyfriend loophole” that allows individuals convicted of abusing their dating partners to legally retain registered firearms

Investing in evidence-based Community-Based Violence Prevention programs and initiatives.

[3]

—Gay Valimont’s campaign website (2024)[4]