Rock Aboujaoude Jr.

Rock Aboujaoude Jr. lives in Gainesville, Florida. Aboujaoude earned a bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Economics and a Master of Science in multi/interdisciplinary studies from the University Florida in 2019 and 2023 respectively. His career experience includes working as a senior environmental analyst with the Florida Senate, the director of Campus Climate Corps, and the national legislative director of the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students. [1] He has been affiliated with Boy Scouts of America, Rotary Club, and Alpha Epsilon Lambda.[2]

Rock Aboujaoude Jr. did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am 27 years old, and grew up on a farm in Southwest Florida. It was in SWFL I also got my Eagle Scout.

I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree (I graduated last month) from the University of Florida. My Master’s Degree is in Climate Science (specifically an emerging technology called Carbon Farming). In January, I intend to continue with my PhD. Between my degrees, I worked for the Florida State Senate as their Senior Environmental Analyst.

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?

My job, as I see it, is to highlight the climate crisis as much as I can in my district and across the state. In this effort, I wrote the Florida Green New Deal (https://floridadems.my.canva.site/flgnd)We must oppose the Extremist Politicians responsible for the assault on Women's Rights, from banning IVF and contraception to criminalizing abortion. I support LIMITING government interference with women's medical care and giving patients the FREEDOM to make their own healthcare decisions with doctors that took Hippocratic oaths to protect them, not politicians. I will fight to RESTORE women's rights!Project 2025 is a very real threat. Radical Right-Wing politicians are trying to gut pubic infrastructure and vital government agencies, like the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) & the Department of Education, and replace traditional government functions with for-profit private ownership. We must STOP the anti-science, anti-worker Project 2025, uphold the US Constitution, and PRESERVE our Democracy.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My background as a climate scientist allows for key insights into the development of climate policy in general, and agriculture specifically.

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

My personal role models are Socrates, Theodore Roosevelt, and Gandalf.

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

Don't Look Up.

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

Integrity.

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

I am an experienced climate scientist, with plenty of taught classes under my belt as a graduate assistant. I believe that those educative qualities are key to proper governance.

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

To safeguard the common good.

What legacy would you like to leave?

One in which future generations have a chance to live the American Dream, rather than a climate nightmare.

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

The 2008 Financial Crisis. I was 12 years old at that time.

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

I worked for my father in his grocery store when I was 11 years old. I had that job until I was 17.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Republic, by Plato.

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

Gandalf.

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

The climate crisis.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

The Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida.

Interview with Tampa Bay Times

Aboujaoude Jr. highlighted the following themes in an interview with Tampa Bay Times published on April 27, 2024. Text from the Tampa Bay Times article follows below.[3]

Rock Aboujaoude Jr. Dunlap, a self-described “regular guy,” says he is running because he doesn’t believe [Republican Rep. Gus] Bilirakis’ constituents are having their interests represented in Washington. Aboujaoude, a climate advocate, previously ran for a state House seat in 2020 but was defeated.[4]

Rock Aboujaoude Jr. did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.