Thomas Fernandez

Thomas Fernandez served in the U.S. Air Force from 2000 to 2020. Fernandez earned an associate degree from Miami Dade College in 1999, a bachelor's degree from Weber State University in 2008, and a graduate degree from the Rutgers School of Health Professions in 2019. As of 2026, Fernandez is retired.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Thomas Eloy Fernandez is a Democratic candidate for Governor of Florida. Born in Cuba, he came to the United States in 1980 & has called Florida home since 1997.

Fernandez served honorably in the United States Air Force for 20 years, retiring in 2020. During his military career, he served as the United States Air Force Honor Guard Program Manager, an Inspector General & held leadership roles supporting Emergency Operations Centers & Crisis Action Teams. As Honor Guard Program Manager at Altus Air Force Base, he earned Program Manager of the Year while overseeing the second-largest Area of Responsibility for this congressionally mandated Air Force program.

Fernandez began his healthcare education at Miami Dade College before earning a bachelor's degree from Weber State University. During his military service, he earned a Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Sciences from Rutgers School of Health Professions & became certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

Throughout his career, he remained committed to public service through healthcare, nonprofit leadership, community advocacy, helping families, seniors, veterans & individuals with disabilities.

His campaign, NOVA (Navigating Our Vision Ahead), is focused on affordability, healthcare, housing, education, safety & accountable government. Fernandez is committed to people-centered leadership that expands opportunity, strengthens communities & improves quality of life for all Floridians.

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?

Florida should be affordable for the people who call it home. I will focus on lowering the cost of living by addressing the property insurance crisis, expanding affordable and workforce housing, improving access to quality healthcare, supporting small businesses, and making government more accountable. Every hardworking Floridian deserves the opportunity to build a secure future without being priced out of their home or community.Expand opportunity through education, workforce development, and economic growth. I will support strong public schools, career and technical education, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and workforce training so every Floridian has the opportunity to succeed, whether they choose college, military service, or a skilled career.Restore trust through accountable leadership. I believe government should be transparent, fiscally responsible, and focused on practical solutions instead of political division. My commitment is to bring people together, listen to every community, and make decisions that strengthen Florida for future generations.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Throughout my career as a U.S. Air Force veteran, healthcare professional, and community advocate, I have been most passionate about improving the lives of Florida families through practical, people-centered leadership. My priorities include affordability, healthcare access, workforce and economic development, public education, veterans' services, public safety, and accountable government. I am especially committed to making Florida more affordable by addressing property insurance, housing, and healthcare costs while expanding opportunity through education, workforce development, and small business growth. My focus is on solutions that strengthen communities, create opportunity, and improve quality of life for every Floridian.