John Lowndes

John Lowndes earned a high school diploma from Edgewater High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Florida State University, a graduate degree from the University of Florida, and a law degree from American University. His career experience includes working as an attorney.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Maitland Mayor John Lowndes is a native Central Floridian with a long career of serving his community. John graduated from Edgewater High School, earned degrees from both Florida State University and the University of Florida, and went on to become an attorney specializing in commercial, local government, and healthcare law. He and his wife, Julie, raised their three children in Maitland after having lived and worked in both Alaska and Washington, D.C.

John was elected to the Maitland City Council in 2013 and, after two terms, was elected Mayor in 2021. His calm and practical approach to leadership has allowed him to build consensus on even polarizing issues without drama or politics. That approach guided major community investments, including a new public library, downtown revitalization, and long-term planning to manage growth responsibly.

John approaches public service with a simple philosophy: listen carefully, understand the problem, and work collaboratively to find practical solutions. He is known for being accessible, responsive, and deeply committed to the community he serves.

John is running for State Senate to bring that same practical, solutions-oriented leadership to Tallahassee, focusing on lowering costs, supporting public education, fighting for local authority to preserve rural and agricultural lands, and restoring a more balanced, respectful approach to government.

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?

Lowering Costs. Families are being squeezed by rising costs for housing, insurance, healthcare, and utilities. I will fight to lower everyday costs by increasing accountability in the insurance market, promoting more affordable housing options, opposing unnecessary utility rate increases, and making government work more efficiently and responsibly with taxpayer dollars.Protecting Seminole County’s Rural Boundary. I support responsible growth that strengthens communities without sacrificing what makes them special. I will fight to protect Seminole County’s rural boundary, preserving natural and rural lands, water resources, and the quality of life that defines Central Florida. Tallahassee politicians have put the development bullseye on this area. I will fight to keep the eastern part of the County rural.Strengthening Public Education. Every child deserves a great public school. I will work to ensure our public schools have the resources they need, support raises for teachers, and make sure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly in ways that directly improve student outcomes.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about home rule, every community’s right to govern itself, especially with regard to wise land-use policy and responsible growth. Seminole County’s rural area plays an important role in protecting our water resources, wildlife, and community character, and residents have made clear they want it preserved. At the same time, the rights of property owners must be respected; they deserve fair and predictable rules. I believe growth should be directed to areas where roads, utilities, and other infrastructure can support it, preventing sprawl from placing additional costs on taxpayers and established neighborhoods.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Florida AFL-CIO

Florida Education Association

Congressman Maxwell Frost

Florida State Senator Tracie Davis

Florida State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith

Florida State Senator LaVon Bracy Davis

Florida State Senator Tina Polsky

Florida State Senator Lori Berman

Florida State Representative Anna Eskamani

Orange County Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad

Orange County School Board Member Stephanie Vanos

Maitland City Councilmember Stephen B. Schoene

Maitland City Councilmember Scot French

Sanford City Commissioner Claudia Thomas

Casselberry City Commissioner Thomas E. Kirk

Former State Senate Candidate Patricia Sigman

Former State Senate Candidate Joy Goff-Marcil