Ronnie Murchinson-Rivera

Ronnie Murchison-Rivera earned an associate degree from Seminole State College and a bachelor's degree from Liberty University. His career experience includes working in law enforcement.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Ronnie Murchinson-Rivera. I’ve spent over 15 years serving our community in EMS and currently work in law enforcement, where I continue to assist EMS professionals, doctors, and nurses in saving lives and protecting families. I’m running for Congress in Florida’s 6th District because I believe our government should work for working people and not against them. I’ve seen firsthand the struggles our residents face in healthcare, public safety, and affordability. I understand the challenges of our seniors trying to access Medicare, working families crushed by inflation, and children growing up without access to adequate health services. I’m stepping up to make sure our voices are heard in Washington and to fight for what’s right. I bring real-life frontline experience, not politics and a passion for public service grounded in action. It’s time for leadership that protects families, invests in our communities, and restores trust in government.

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 must be affordable and accessible to everyone. I will work to reduce prescription drug costs, protect Medicare and Medicaid for our seniors, disabled, and children, and keep our hospitals and medical clinics open—especially in underserved communities.As a first responder and law enforcement officer, I understand public safety. I’ll fight for community-focused policing, funding for hospitals, police departments and EMS, and mental health support for officers, responders, and the people we serve. I will work to make healthcare better by working with doctors on needs to make the medical field better.Freedom means protecting your rights, your vote, and your voice. I will stand against government overreach and defend the rights of everyday Americans—especially working families, seniors, and veterans. I am pro second amendment as well as pro voting. But with all things come responsibility, that we must prioritize for our community-especially our children.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about healthcare, public safety, and civil rights. I believe in protecting Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security, expanding access to mental and all health care, and ensuring quality healthcare is never a luxury. I'm equally committed to criminal justice reform that builds trust between communities and law enforcement while supporting those who serve. I also care deeply about veterans' care, affordable housing, environmental preservation—especially along our coastal areas—and protecting democracy through fair elections and voter access.

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

FAMILY AND GOD

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

"The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin and "Profiles in Courage" by John F. Kennedy both shaped my thinking on leadership, accountability, and justice. They remind us that public service is a moral responsibility to protect the vulnerable and speak truth to power.

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

Integrity, accountability, empathy, and courage are essential. An elected official should serve the people and not special interests. They always put community needs over politics. Transparency, honesty, and a deep sense of justice are foundational to public trust

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

The core responsibilities include representing the people’s voice in Congress, drafting and voting on legislation that improves all lives, holding government agencies accountable, and being available and responsive to constituents. Advocacy, oversight, and leadership all matter to make our community better.

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

EMT, 2 YEARS

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

The House is the chamber closest to the people and where members are held accountable. If the people do not like the connecting, every two years they can change it. It’s where legislation begins and where citizens’ voices should be heard the loudest. It’s the people's house, first and foremost.

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

Experience can be helpful, but it shouldn’t be required. Real-world experience, especially from frontline workers, small business owners, or community leaders, often brings the common-sense perspective that Washington needs at times and can bring different views other than politics.

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

Healthcare access, climate resilience, income inequality, and threats to democracy are major challenges. We must also tackle rising housing costs, ensure fair elections, and invest in our infrastructure, healthcare and workforce to stay competitive globally.

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

It depends, two years keeps representatives closely tied to the people they serve. It encourages responsiveness and accountability but the mission can also be cut short so I will agree with a term no longer than 8-10 years depending on the age of the member.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I support term limits to help bring fresh perspectives into government and prevent career politicians from becoming disconnected from the people. It ensures that elected officials stay focused on service, not power.

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

Rep. John Lewis I loved his courage, humility, and moral clarity. He fought for justice no matter the cost and always kept the people at the center of his mission. Another is John McCain who stood up for the rights of the people knowing the cost of healthcare.

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?

A single mother working two jobs once told me how she couldn’t afford both rent and insulin for her teenage son and sometimes had to pass meals. That moment reminded me why affordable healthcare and economic fairness can’t wait. People are literally choosing to eat or medicine, both that are critically to live.

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

Yes, Not everyone will always agree with everything and to make it fair but reasonable, compromise is sometimes necessary.

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 gives the House tremendous responsibility to fund what matters most. I’d use that power to prioritize healthcare, education, and infrastructure improvement, especially in underserved communities.

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

To investigate any an all violations that they can to get the truth out to the people that elected them too. We must investigate corrupt politicians that are not there for good reasons and remove them.

What committees interest you?

I would be interested in the House Committees on Energy and Commerce (especially healthcare), Homeland Security, and Veterans' Affairs. I also care deeply about Public Safety and could contribute strongly on committees addressing law enforcement, emergency management, and first responder issues.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I fully support transparency and believe the public has a right to know how tax dollars are spent. I support audits, disclosure of financial interests, and strong ethics rules for elected officials. Accountability restores trust in government and gives people hope that the government has the best interest of the public and not themselves for greed.