May Thach

May Thach earned a bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida and a graduate degree from the University of California, San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy. Her career experience includes working as a nonprofit professional.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My family immigrated to the United States in 1999, and we’ve called St. Petersburg home since then. My North Star has been, and always will be, my mom. As a child growing up, I watched this single mother raising five children while navigating a new country, a new language, and a new culture. She worked multiple jobs to ensure we had food on the table and a roof over our heads. The only requirement she had for us was to take the opportunities presented to us in our new home. It was her model of servant leadership that inspired me to work to give back to the community that welcomed us home.

The first opportunity that opened for me was when I received the Doorways Scholarship, a four-year college scholarship for students from low-income families in middle school. With this chance, the dream of going to college was now a possibility. At the University of South Florida, I took advantage of every opportunity that came my way. I led incoming first-year students on campus for Orientation, gave tours to prospective students and their families, and tutored high school students in Hillsborough County. One of the pivotal opportunities during this time was my involvement with Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity, where my fellow peers and I would volunteer weekly for various community projects. This gave me the opportunity to put my mom’s model of servant leadership into action through fulfilling the needs of those I served.

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 for working families and seniors and putting people before corporate interests.

I support higher wages, stronger tenant protections, and holding property insurance companies accountable. I'm running because I'm tired of watching elected officials put corporate donors ahead of working families like mine. I want it to be a place where people can afford to stay, raise a family, and build a future. Too many people are being priced out, wages are not keeping up, and seniors and working families are being asked to carry more. After losing so many residents last year, we need leaders who understand what is at stake and will fight for affordability and stability,Building an Inclusive Democracy for all

I'm a millennial running for office because I know what it feels like to work hard, care deeply about your community, and still feel like the people in power are not listening. Millennials and Gen Z are now the largest voting bloc, yet our generation is still underrepresented in Florida's Legislature. As an Asian American in one of Florida's fastest-growing communities, I want our community to see themselves in our politics and know that we belong in the political conversation and deserve representation. This race matters because the current incumbent should not run unopposed, and running now gives our movement the experience, support, and name recognition to build toward the future.My values are guided by the reproductive justice framework, which means access is the cornerstone of my campaign.

I am committed to expanding access for those who have been historically disenfranchised from the civic engagement process by ensuring they can connect with their state representative and make their voices heard. I also believe in expanding access to education and public information, so communities are empowered to make informed decisions. In office, I will advocate for policies that expand healthcare access, lower costs, and return power to local governance so communities can shape the decisions that affect their daily lives.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Lowering Costs for working families and seniors, prioritizing people over the interests of large corporations

Protecting our local environment here in District 61

Increasing access to healthcare.

Fully investing in our public education system

Protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community

Protection and access to reproductive services.

Building an inclusive democracy that includes younger generations of Americans, as well as Asian and other minority communities here in the US.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Run for Something.NET

Ruth's List Florida

Florida Now Pact

New American Leaders Action Fund

Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County

Engage Ya'll

Her Bold Move

Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida

Engage Action