Reggie Gaffney Sr. has officially opened a campaign account to run for the Florida House of Representatives seat currently held by Rep. Angie Nixon. This announcement came on October 4, 2023, as Gaffney aims to represent Duval County’s House District 13. His candidacy adds to the growing competition for the seat, which has seen another Democrat, Shemiah Faye Rutledge, establish her campaign account earlier in August.
Gaffney, who has a notable political background, previously served two terms on the Jacksonville City Council starting in 2015, representing District 7. His experience includes appointments to various board positions by former Florida governors Charlie Crist and Rick Scott. Additionally, in 2012, he was invited by then-Senator Marco Rubio to join his academy nomination board, further highlighting his involvement in public service.
As Gaffney prepares for the upcoming 2026 election, he enters a race that features a well-established incumbent. Rep. Angie Nixon has served two full terms and is currently in her third term representing the district. Her tenure has been marked by a focus on community issues and legislative initiatives aimed at improving the lives of her constituents.
The political landscape in this district is becoming increasingly competitive. With Gaffney’s campaign officially launched, both he and Rutledge will likely engage in a vigorous contest for voter support. This dynamic could shape the future representation of Duval County’s District 13 in the Florida House.
The campaign contributions and strategies of both candidates will be closely watched as the election date approaches. Voter turnout and engagement will play critical roles in determining who will ultimately succeed in representing the district at the state level.
As Gaffney embarks on his campaign journey, he is expected to leverage his local connections and experience in public office to build a robust platform aimed at addressing the needs of the community. The upcoming months will be pivotal as he articulates his vision and seeks to establish a strong presence among voters in the district.
With the political landscape continuing to evolve, the race for Florida’s House District 13 is shaping up to be an engaging battle, reflective of broader trends within the Democratic party in Florida. As candidates like Gaffney step forward, their ability to resonate with the electorate will be crucial in the upcoming electoral cycle.