Lloyd Caulker

Lloyd Caulker earned a high school diploma from Seabreeze Senior High School, a bachelor's degree from the University of North Florida in 2002, and a D.O. from Saint Thomas Christian University in 2024. His career experience includes working as a business consultant.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Lloyd Caulker, an entrepreneur, community advocate, and proud father based in Jacksonville, Florida. I’m passionate about business development, creating jobs, and strengthening our local economy. I’m especially focused on developing the shrimp industry in Jacksonville and Florida and expanding opportunities in the ethanol and renewable-fuels industry.

I’m passionate about innovation, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and creating economic opportunities that strengthen communities. I enjoy meaningful conversations, exploring new ideas, traveling, and connecting with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

I believe in lower taxes, small government, affordable housing, accessible healthcare, quality education, and stronger support for our elderly. My goal is to help create communities where families, seniors, students, entrepreneurs, and small businesses have the opportunity to thrive.

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?

The name Caulker carries a long maritime and commercial tradition. My family name traces back to Thomas Corker, an English agent of the Royal African Company who arrived in the Sherbro region of Sierra Leone in 1684 and married Seniora Doll, a woman of the Sherbro royal house. Their descendants became the Caulker dynasty.

That history connects the Caulker name with maritime commerce, entrepreneurship, trade, and leadership. Today, I want to carry that tradition forward by championing Florida’s maritime economy, including our shrimping, commercial fishing, boating, and marine industries, while creating new opportunities for business and economic development.Economic Growth & Small Business

I believe Florida’s economic future depends on empowering entrepreneurs, supporting small businesses, creating good-paying jobs, and encouraging innovation rather than placing unnecessary burdens on those who want to build businesses.

My own experience as an entrepreneur has shaped this commitment. Through Gospeler LLC, I have worked in business development and consulting, with a particular passion for agriculture, biofuels, ethanol, renewable energy, and economic development. I want to see Florida become a leader in producing and utilizing homegrown renewable fuels while creating new markets for Florida farmers and businesses.

I am also developing Bagsaver+, an innovative revolutionary product.I believe every Floridian should have the opportunity to live, work, raise a family, and retire with dignity. That means addressing the rising cost of housing, making healthcare more accessible and affordable, improving educational opportunities, and ensuring our elderly are not forgotten.

I support practical solutions that help working families keep more of what they earn while expanding access to affordable housing and encouraging responsible development. Education should prepare our children for college, skilled trades, entrepreneurship, and the workforce, giving every student a pathway to success.

Our seniors deserve dignity, respect, and support after spending their lives building our communities. I want to promote policies that help

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education and Workforce Development

I believe Florida’s education system should prepare students for real opportunities after graduation—whether that means college, skilled trades, entrepreneurship, technology, or entering the workforce. We should strengthen career and technical education, apprenticeships, vocational training, and partnerships between schools, businesses, and local industries.

I also support expanding opportunities for adults who want to learn new skills or change careers. By connecting education with the needs of Florida employers, we can develop a stronger workforce, create better-paying jobs, and help keep talented people working and building their futures here in Florida.

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

I look up to Saint Augustine of Hippo (354–430), a North African Christian theologian, philosopher, writer, and bishop, and one of the most influential thinkers in Christian history. I admire his pursuit of truth, commitment to education, intellectual discipline, and ability to turn his experiences into ideas that influenced generations.

From a business and leadership perspective, I respect his ability to think deeply, communicate effectively, build institutions, and influence society through knowledge and leadership. His example reminds me that success is not only about what we build, but also about the principles, wisdom, and service behind it.

I would like to follow his example by continuing to learn, think independently, create opportunities, serve others, and use leadership to make a lasting positive difference in my community.

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

Honesty, integrity, accountability, and common sense. An elected official should listen to the people, be transparent with taxpayers, spend public money wisely, and put the community before personal interests. Most importantly, they should serve the people—not themselves.

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

The core responsibility is to represent the people, listen to their concerns, and create opportunities for our communities to grow. An elected official should protect taxpayers, use public money wisely, support small businesses and job creation, improve education and workforce opportunities, and work to keep our communities safe and prosperous. Most importantly, they should be accountable to the people they serve.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy I want to leave is that I never gave up. I kept trying, kept learning, and kept moving forward—even when things were difficult. I want people to remember me as someone who believed in creating opportunities, helping others, and making a positive difference in my community.

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

My very first job was when I was about 14 or 15 years old, working in a warehouse. I wanted to buy my own school clothes, and my father, who was taking care of me at the time, told me, “Okay, you’ve got to go and work for it.” That experience taught me the value of hard work, earning what you have, and taking responsibility at a young age. I continued working there while I was in school.

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

One of the struggles in my life has been understanding why something as simple as hard work can be so difficult for people to embrace. Proverbs tells us to consider the ant, one of the smallest creatures, because it knows how to work, prepare, and provide for itself. Yet as human beings, with much greater intelligence and ability, we can still struggle to understand and apply that same principle.

That has challenged me throughout my life: understanding that success requires patience, discipline, perseverance, and a willingness to keep working even when the results don’t come quickly. It has taught me that you may struggle, but you should never stop trying.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Finding ways and creating legislation that will progress Florida and strengthen the U.S. economy.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

One of the greatest challenges facing the United States over the next decade is that we are losing our ability to identify basic biological reality. As Galen of Pergamon emphasized through the study of anatomy and the human body, knowledge begins with observing and understanding what is physically true. If a nation cannot identify itself according to biology, how can education be taken seriously? We must be willing to teach truth, respect science, and give our children an education grounded in reality, reason, and knowledge.

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

Yes, compromise is necessary for policymaking, but it should always be guided by integrity. I believe elected officials should be willing to listen, work with others, and find common ground without compromising their core principles or the interests of the people they represent. Compromise should help us find practical solutions—not abandon our values.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

At this time, my campaign has not received any formal endorsements from organizations or individuals. I am building this campaign around my own record of entrepreneurship, community service, and commitment to Jacksonville and Florida. I welcome the support of individuals, small businesses, community leaders, and organizations who share my vision for economic opportunity, education, affordable living, and stronger communities.

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

The first historical event I remember was the COVID-19 pandemic. It made me realize that if we do not have strong leaders and strong faith, this country can easily turn into a tyrannical police state. COVID-19 showed me how quickly government can expand its authority during a crisis, and how important it is to protect our freedoms, constitutional rights, and the principles that make this country free.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Lloyd Caulker, a candidate for House District 14 in Jacksonville, Florida, and the Founder and Senior Pastor of Gospeler Ministries. With a rich academic background in Business Administration and Information Technology, I also hold an honorary Doctorate Degree in Divinity. I bring an interdisciplinary approach to addressing the unique challenges of our community. My passion for community service, social justice, and fostering unity has been the cornerstone of my journey, guiding my commitment to improve educational opportunities, economic development, social equity, and healthcare access in our district. I believe in the power of our community to create a brighter future through shared values and collective action, and I am dedicated to being a voice for change and progress in Jacksonville.

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?

I'm dedicated to a greener future for District 14 and the State of Florida with a focus on biofuel, biodiesel, and renewable natural gas. Let's work together for environmental sustainability!"Lloyd Caulker: Uniting District 14 for a Prosperous Future"

My campaign is centered on uniting the diverse communities within District 14 to drive progress, economic growth, and social well-being, fostering a prosperous future for all residents."Lloyd Caulker: Championing Education, Economic Development, and Healthcare Access for Jacksonville's District 14"

I am dedicated to advocating for improved educational opportunities, sustainable economic development, and increased healthcare access within District 14 and Florida, to uplift the community and enhance the quality of life for all residents.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about public policy areas that promote biofuels, biodiesel, and renewable natural gas as key solutions to combat climate change and protect the environment. These innovative energy sources offer sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels and play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Here are some examples of each:

Biofuels are renewable fuels derived from organic materials such as plant matter, agricultural crops, or waste products. They can be used to power vehicles and machinery, offering a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline or diesel. Examples of biofuels include ethanol, which is commonly produced from corn or sugarcane, and biodiesel,

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

I admire the teachings and example of Jesus Christ for his message of love, compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness. His values of kindness, humility, and service to others are timeless and have inspired countless individuals to live with integrity and empathy. Jesus' teachings on love, compassion, and helping those in need serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, regardless of differences. Following his example can lead to a life filled with meaning, purpose, and a positive impact on the world.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Head of State

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

The most important characteristics for an elected official include integrity, accountability, leadership, empathy, commitment to public service, open-mindedness, strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and adaptability. These qualities are essential for fostering trust, making informed decisions, and effectively serving the needs of constituents and the community as a whole.

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

I am highly intelligent and a hard worker, and I have studied the needs of people…me myself have experienced abundance and poverty. These qualities, combined with my dedication to understanding and addressing the diverse challenges faced by different communities, would make me a successful officeholder.

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

The core responsibilities for someone elected to the office of House of Representatives District 14 include representing constituent interests, introducing and voting on relevant legislation, participating in committee work, and communicating effectively with constituents to address their needs and priorities.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy that shows I helped change the world for the better.

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

The first historical event that happened in my lifetime that I remember was when I graduated high school at the age of 16 and realized that I had to go to college and pay for it myself without financial aid or scholarships. I had to work at UPS and use their tuition loan program to pay for my school.

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

My very first job was working at City Provisions in Daytona Beach. It was a summer job that I had at the age of 13 so I could buy clothes for school.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is Shakespeare's "Henry IV." It contains my favorite quote about the value of good names that can be purchased.

“I would to God thou and I knew where a commodity of good names were to be bought.” William Shakespeare, “Henry IV, Part 1” (1597).

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I would like to be Black Vulcan. Black Vulcan is a fictional superhero character who appeared in the animated TV series "Super Friends." He was one of the characters associated with the Super Friends team and had the ability to generate and control electricity, enabling him to shoot lightning bolts and manipulate electrical currents. Black Vulcan is known for his distinctive costume with a lightning bolt emblem on his chest and a blue and yellow color scheme. He was one of the first African-American superheroes to appear in animated television series, representing diversity and inclusion in the superhero genre.

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

The last song that got stuck in my head was an African Afrobeat song about Mansa Musa.

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

One struggle in my life has been poverty after leaving the ministry, as I found it challenging to transition back into corporate America and had to take a warehouse position.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The U.S. House of Representatives is special because it represents all kinds of people from different places, starts money-related laws, and has elections more often to match what people want.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Having previous experience in government or politics can be beneficial for representatives, as it provides them with valuable knowledge, skills, and insights into how the legislative process works. Experienced representatives may have a better understanding of how to navigate the complex political landscape, build relationships with colleagues, and effectively advocate for their constituents. They may also have a deeper grasp of policy issues, legislative procedures, and the impact of decisions on the broader community. However, it is also important for representatives to bring diverse perspectives and fresh ideas to the table, so a balance of experience and new voices can contribute to effective governance.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The United States' greatest challenges over the next decade include addressing climate change, combating income inequality, ensuring healthcare access, rebuilding infrastructure, strengthening cybersecurity, and fostering unity amidst political polarization.

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

The two-year term length for representatives has both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, the shorter term allows for more frequent accountability to constituents through regular elections, ensuring that representatives stay connected to the needs and priorities of the people they serve. It also provides opportunities for new voices and ideas to enter the political arena. However, the short term length may also limit the time available for representatives to build expertise, develop long-term policy solutions, and effectively implement legislative agendas. Ultimately, the ideal term length for representatives may depend on the specific context and the balance between accountability and the ability to enact meaningful change.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term limits can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, they can bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and prevent the entrenchment of power. Term limits can also encourage a more diverse representation and prevent the accumulation of too much influence in the hands of a few individuals. However, on the other hand, term limits may also lead to a loss of experienced and effective leadership, disrupt continuity in governance, and limit the ability of elected officials to develop deep expertise in complex policy areas. Ultimately, the effectiveness of term limits depends on the specific context and the balance between the benefits of new leadership and the value of experience and institutional knowledge.

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

No

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Many elected officials and candidates have shared stories of constituents facing challenges such as healthcare struggles, economic hardships, or personal tragedies that have deeply impacted them. These stories often serve as a reminder of the importance of public service and the need for policies that address the real-life issues faced by individuals and families in their communities. While I don't have specific stories to share, these personal narratives can be powerful motivators for policymakers to work towards creating positive change and improving the lives of those they represent.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Here's my favorite joke by Don Rickles:

"Some people say funny things, but I say things funny."

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

Yes, compromise is not only necessary but also desirable for effective policymaking. In a diverse society with varying perspectives and interests, compromise is essential to finding common ground, reaching consensus, and moving forward with legislation that benefits the greater good. By engaging in compromise, policymakers can navigate differences, build coalitions, and achieve solutions that balance competing priorities. Compromise fosters collaboration, encourages bipartisan cooperation, and ensures that policies are reflective of the needs and values of a broad range of stakeholders.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

The constitutional provision that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House of Representatives underscores the importance of fiscal responsibility and accountability in the legislative process. If elected, I would prioritize this power by focusing on crafting and supporting bills related to revenue generation that align with the needs and priorities of my constituents in District 14. I would work to ensure that these revenue-raising measures are fair, transparent, and serve the best interests of the community, promoting economic growth and financial stability while upholding the principles of good governance and public trust.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The U.S. House should use its investigative powers responsibly and effectively to fulfill its oversight role and hold the government accountable. These powers can be utilized to investigate potential abuses of power, misconduct, or violations of laws and regulations by government officials or agencies. Conducting thorough and impartial investigations can help uncover the truth, shed light on important issues, and ensure transparency in government actions. It is essential for the House to use its investigative powers in a fair and non-partisan manner, upholding the principles of justice, integrity, and the rule of law to serve the interests of the American people.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Several inquiries, but none at this time

What committees interest you?

Key committees that hold significant importance in the legislative process include the House Committee on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, Appropriations, Foreign Affairs, and Homeland Security. These committees play crucial roles in shaping policy and legislation in areas such as taxation, healthcare, government spending, foreign relations, and national security, influencing key decisions that impact the well-being of the nation.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe that financial transparency and government accountability are essential pillars of a healthy democracy. It is crucial for government entities to operate with openness and accountability in financial matters to ensure that public funds are managed responsibly and ethically. Transparent financial practices help build trust with constituents, demonstrate good governance, and prevent corruption. Holding government officials accountable for their actions and decisions is vital to maintaining the public's confidence in the integrity of our democratic institutions. By promoting financial transparency and government accountability, we can strengthen democracy, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that elected officials are serving the best interests of the people they represent.