Jake Johansson

Jake Johansson served in the U.S. Navy from 1980 to 2015. Jogansson earned a high school diploma from Williamson Senior High School, a bachelor's degree from Troy University in 1989, and a graduate degree from Old Dominion University in 2015.

His career experience includes working as a business consultant.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have spent most of my adult life in service to our country and our community. I joined the U.S. Navy as a young enlisted sailor and, over a 35-year career, had the extraordinary opportunity to rise through the ranks to retire as a Navy Captain. Along the way, I earned my college degree at night, became a Naval Flight Officer, flew combat missions over Iraq, served as Naval Aide to the Vice President, and commanded a maritime patrol squadron as well as a Naval Base in Norfolk, VA.

After retiring from the Navy, I continued serving at the local level, including five years as City Manager of Port Orange and as a Volusia County Councilmember At-Large. Those experiences gave me a firsthand understanding of how decisions made by government affect families, businesses and communities.

My leadership philosophy is grounded in servant leadership: listen first, put people ahead of position, accept responsibility, and leave an organization or community better than you found it. I believe public service should be about solving problems and producing results, not seeking attention or credit.

We are proud to call Florida home. I am running for the Florida Senate because I believe the experience of a lifetime of service can help keep Florida a place of freedom, opportunity and prosperity for the generations that follow us.

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?

Leadership: I spent 35 years serving our country in the Navy, rising from the enlisted ranks to Captain. I received a Bronze Star, Air Medal and awards of valor for combat missions Iraq and the Pacific. Ashore my knowledge of Continuity of Operations and Continuity of Government resulted in tours working in the Pentagon as well as a tour at the White House as the Naval Aide to the Vice President of the Unites States. I followed my military career with service in executive local government and on the Volusia County Council as the Councilmember At Large. My career has been defined by making difficult decisions, bringing people together and being accountable for results. I will bring that same servant leadership to the Florida Senate.Action not Rhetoric: I believe government should protect our freedoms, keep our communities safe, spend responsibly, provide essential infrastructure and then get out of the way so families and businesses can succeed. I have built my public service record around solving problems, not just talking about them and playing the victim. I am not the politician who runs to the media outlets to get press time. As a humble servant of the people I prefer to do the work and let the results stand by themselves. I will continue collaborate with key stakeholders to solve complex problems that benefit the constituents of Florida Senate District 8.Protect Florida's Quality of Life and Expand Opportunity: Florida's success should mean our children and grandchildren can afford to live here, find good careers and raise their families here. I will continue my focus on workforce development, education, public safety, healthcare access, affordability, infrastructure and responsible growth while protecting the natural resources and freedoms that make Florida special. From K-12 CTE programs to state college trade programs we will ensure the next generation has opportunities here in the district. We will protect our wetlands and ensure we develop responsibly, conserving more than the 40% of the district already conserved. Lastly, we will work to fund flood prone areas.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about policies that create safe, prosperous and resilient communities while protecting our freedom. Public safety is government's first responsibility. I also believe strongly in workforce development and education that prepare Floridians for high-wage careers and keep our talent in Florida. I am committed to infrastructure and responsible growth, including flooding and coastal resilience, while protecting our natural resources and property rights. Healthcare access and strengthening our healthcare workforce are increasingly important challenges. of course supporting veterans and military families will always be a personal priority. Underlying each is my belief in limited, effective, fiscally responsible government.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Florida Chamber of Commerce

Business Voice of Brevard PAC

Associated Industries of Florida

Police Benevolent Association

Sheriff Mike Chitwood

Sheriff Wayne Ivey

Florida Senate Leadership

Volusia County Legislative Delegation

Senator Tom Wright

Space Coast Builders Association

Associated Builders and Contractors of Central Florida

Florida Physicians Assistant Association

Florida Nurses Association

Florida Medical Association PAC

Florida Realtors PAC