Growing up as the youngest of four kids raised by a single mom, I learned early what it means to stretch every dollar. We relied on programs like Medicaid and free school lunches just to get by. I know the insecurity of housing instability and the vulnerability of navigating the foster care system.

Those years weren’t easy, but they were formative. They taught me resilience, and more importantly, they showed me why affordable medical and dental care isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. They showed me why access to affordable childcare is essential for working parents. They taught me the quiet dignity of hard work. I juggled two jobs throughout high school and learned the painful truth that sometimes, even your hardest work isn’t enough to escape poverty.

For me, breaking that cycle meant joining the Navy. It was a path forward, a chance to serve my country and build a different future. I served as a nuclear reactor supervisor which demanded discipline, instilled leadership, and taught me how to execute a mission with precision and purpose. It also forged a lifelong bond with my fellow service members and a deep belief that we must keep our promises to veterans.

Now, I’m running for Congress because those early lessons, combined with the discipline and drive I gained in service, fuel my fight for the people of Florida’s 7th District. I’m not running despite my background — I’m running because of it. I’ve lived the struggles so many face, and I’m ready to fight for real solutions, real people, and real progress.