Lauren Donahoo

Lauren Donahoo graduated from Pace High School. Donahoo earned a graduate degree from the University of West Florida in 2021. Donahoo's career experience includes working as a nurse.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a nurse of 15 years with a bachelor's and master's in public health. I want to ensure every person has access to affordable quality healthcare. I have lived in the Gulf Coast most of my life and care deeply about my community, our education, and the equality of everyone.

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?

Healthcare is a human right and Floridians need better access to affordable quality healthcare. Our country spends the most on healthcare and gets the least in return. We can change this. I plan to support legislation that improves the quality of life here in Florida.Florida is ranked last in the nation for it's support of K-12 public schools. It's ranked last in the nation for quality of public schools. I want to give more funding to public schools and raise teacher salaries. Our children deserve the best we can give them.Florida's environment is particularly special to people around the world and especially Floridians. Restoring America's Everglades project is the world's largest ecosystem restoration effort to restore natural water flow and water quality. I want to support efforts like these to protect and restore our natural resources, parks, and beaches.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about providing quality affordable healthcare to all residents of Florida.

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

Integrity and honesty. What you do when nobody is looking.

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

Seasonal giftwrapping at the mall. I worked through the Holiday season. Now I'm an expert gift wrapper.

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

Being a single Mom and making ends meet. Trying to give my child a better future and better opportunities than I had.

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

Healthcare, housing and insurance, education, and environment. FEMA has been essential to our disaster recovery efforts and without strong Federal assistance Florida is left to clean up the mess on our own. With hurricanes getting stronger, and insurance becoming less affordable Florida has some big issues to deal with over the next decade.

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

Yes, you can't get everything you want all the time. Compromising is necessary for progress.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. I was 10 years old.