Paul Dellinger

Paul Dellinger was born in Titusville, Florida. He graduated from Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School. He attended Eastern Florida State College. His career experience includes working as a community organizer, assistant manager at Pizza Hut, general manager at Bagel 13, and in comedic roles at the Cocoa Village Playhouse.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Paul Lyal Dellinger, a lifelong community advocate, content creator, acore/comedian and working-class Floridian running for Congress in Florida’s 8th District. I live in Rockledge with my partner, Joseph Cox, Professional Scenic Artist at the Cocoa Village Playhouse. My campaign is rooted in grassroots organizing — focused on affordable healthcare, affordability in general, supporting working families, and ensuring equality and dignity for every person. I believe change comes from the ground up, through compassion, accountability, and people power.

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?

People over politics — fighting for working families, the disabled, marginalized communities, and everyday Floridians rather than special interests or party agendas.Accountability and transparency — ensuring government officials deliver on promises and are fully responsible to their constituents.Grassroots empowerment — mobilizing communities to have a real voice in decisions that affect their lives, from local issues to federal policy.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Affordable access to healthcare and essential services — making sure everyone can get the care and support they need without financial hardship, while also advocating for civil rights, disability rights, and social justice.

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

I look up to Conan O’Brien because of his creativity, intelligence, and resilience. He has built a career that combines humor with insight, always thinking outside the box and connecting with people from all walks of life. I admire his ability to remain authentic and curious, to adapt through challenges, and to use his platform to engage, entertain, and inspire others. Conan’s dedication to his craft and his ability to bring joy while provoking thought are qualities I hope to bring to my own work in public service.

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

Integrity, courage, and accountability are essential. An elected official must be willing to fight for the people they represent, not special interests, and have the empathy to understand the struggles of working families, the disabled, and marginalized communities. Transparency and a willingness to listen are just as important as bold action.

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

A representative’s core responsibility is to serve their constituents — protecting access to affordable healthcare, advocating for working families, ensuring civil rights, and bringing attention to local issues, from environmental concerns to education and infrastructure. They must listen, amplify local voices, and work to create solutions that reflect the district’s values and needs.

What legacy would you like to leave?

want to leave a legacy of service, accountability, and tangible change. I hope to be remembered as someone who fought for working families, the disabled, marginalized communities, and everyday Floridians — someone who didn’t just talk about change but helped create it. I want to inspire others to get involved, to believe that government can work for the people, and to show that compassion, courage, and persistence can make a real difference in our communities.

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

Bill Clinton’s reelection campaign, I was 5.

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

My very first job was overnight clerk at 7-11, I held it for three years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I’m a big fan of manga and anime, and one of my favorite series is Dragon Ball. I love it not just for the action and adventure, but for the themes of perseverance, friendship, and personal growth. Manga has inspired me to think creatively, stay resilient in the face of challenges, and value teamwork — lessons I carry into both my personal life and public service.

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

If I could be any fictional character, I would choose Superman. I admire his commitment to justice, his courage in standing up for the vulnerable, and his dedication to using his abilities to help others. Like Superman, I want to use whatever skills and resources I have to make a positive difference in people’s lives and stand up for what is right, even when it’s difficult.

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

Mental health has been a real struggle in my life, especially in my 20s. Balancing a full-time job while raising toddlers with my ex-wife was incredibly challenging. It taught me firsthand how demanding life can be when support systems are limited and mental health is overlooked. Those experiences shaped my empathy and drive to advocate for better mental health resources, support for working parents, and policies that help families thrive without being stretched beyond their limits.

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

The House is uniquely close to the people, with representatives directly accountable every two years. Its size, diversity, and direct connection to districts allow for a real reflection of America’s communities and local needs.

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

Experience can help, but it is not required. Commitment, empathy, and the willingness to fight for constituents matter more than career politics. Sometimes, fresh voices bring the clarity and energy government needs.

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

Healthcare affordability, climate change, economic inequality, protecting civil rights, and ensuring our democracy functions fairly and transparently are the biggest challenges. We also need to address social support systems, accessibility for the disabled, and quality education for all children.

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

Yes. A two-year term keeps representatives accountable to their constituents and ensures they stay connected to the district’s current needs.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I support term limits because long-term incumbency can breed complacency and disconnect from the people. Fresh perspectives and new energy help keep government accountable and responsive.

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

I admire Bill Nelson’s work as a Florida Democrat. He focused on practical solutions for working families, supported space and tech industries in our district, and stayed grounded in the needs of everyday Floridians. I aim to model that balance of vision, advocacy, and responsiveness.

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?

One story that has stuck with me comes from working with people navigating healthcare and accessibility challenges in our community. I’ve seen parents struggling to get their children proper support, people with disabilities facing barriers in education and employment, and families burdened by medical costs. These experiences are personal to me because I see them in my neighbors and in the people I interact with every day. They’ve reinforced why I’m running — to fight for real solutions, accountability, and a government that actually listens and acts for its people.

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

Compromise can be necessary, but not at the expense of fundamental rights or the wellbeing of people. You don’t compromise on healthcare, civil rights, or safety. Principled compromise means finding solutions where it doesn’t harm the most vulnerable.

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?

This power gives the House a critical role in shaping fair and equitable taxation and funding priorities. I would use it to ensure that revenue supports working families, affordable healthcare, education, infrastructure, and essential social services — not giveaways to corporations or special interests. It’s an opportunity to invest in the people of Florida’s 8th District and the nation.

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

The House should use investigative powers to hold government and institutions accountable, uncover wrongdoing, and ensure transparency. Investigations should be thorough, nonpartisan, and focused on protecting the public, maintaining trust in government, and enforcing laws fairly.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Brevard Community Organizing, Jessica Travis of Defend Brevard, more to come.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

One story that has stayed with me is from a parent struggling to get proper support for their child with disabilities. They shared how difficult it was navigating schools, healthcare, and advocacy systems that often failed them. Hearing their frustration and resilience was deeply moving and reinforced why I’m running — to fight for systems that actually work for families, protect civil rights, and ensure no one is left behind.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

One of my proudest accomplishments is raising my children. They are incredibly intelligent, creative, and passionate, especially about music and band, which brings them so much joy. Watching them grow into thoughtful, capable, and kind individuals has been the most rewarding part of my life, and it inspires me every day to work for a better future for all families.

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

The U.S. should lead in ethical, responsible AI development, prioritizing safety, privacy, and fairness. AI should be used to improve healthcare, education, and public services, but strict regulations are needed to prevent misuse, bias, or harm to workers and vulnerable communities.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

I would push for legislation that strengthens access to voting, protects the integrity of elections, and modernizes systems to be secure and transparent. This includes expanded vote-by-mail options, equitable polling access, secure and auditable technology, and measures to prevent voter suppression while ensuring all eligible voters can participate freely.

Paul Dellinger did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.