Name: Daryl Campbell
Campaign website: www.darylcampbell.org
Date, place of birth: 05/29/86 New Rochelle, NY
Education:
Bachelors in Sociology at Jacksonville University, Certificate in Addiction Studies at Miami-Dade College, and Masters in Social Work at Barry University
Occupation:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing Mental Health Therapy
Work history past 15 years. List in reverse chronological order.
FL State Representative, District 94 to District 99 (2022 – Present)
Founder/CEO of Voice Unplugged, Providing individualized therapy via Telehealth and In-Person (2021 – Present)
Aide for FL House of Representative to the Office of Representative Bobby DuBose, District 94 (Jan 2021 – May 2021)
Research Assistant at Howard University (Aug 2020 – May 2021)
Lead Field Organizer – Black Votes Matter (Nov 2020 – Nov 2020)
Campaign Manager for Re-election of Representative Bobby DuBose (Jan 2020 – Aug 2020)
Behavioral Health Therapist – Broward Addiction Recovery Center (Apr 2019 – Apr 2020)
Lead Coordinator – Congressional Research of Social Work & Policy (Jan 2018 – Apr 2019)
Field Organizer – Field Strategies (2018)
Mental Health Counselor – Banyan Treatment Center – (2017 -2018)
Adult Outpatient Therapist – Henderson Behavioral Health (May 2016 – Dec 2017)
Research Assistant – Barry University (Feb 2017 – Aug 2017)
Case Manager – Camillus House (Feb 2013 – Oct 2016)
Victim Advocate – Office of the State Attorney (May 2015 – Apr 2016)
Volunteer Coordinator – Americorps Vista (Sep 2011 – Aug 2012)
Student Advocate/Case Manager – Communities in School (Aug 2010 -Aug 2011)
Have you been arrested, charged or convicted of a crime, had an adjudication withheld or had a matter sealed or expunged? If yes, please explain.
No
Have you been a plaintiff or defendant in a civil action, including bankruptcy or foreclosure or had a restraining order issued against you? If so, please explain.
No
Why are you running for this office and what specifically makes you a better candidate than your opponent(s)?
I am running for re-election as State Representative of District 99 because of my continued focus on addressing access to health care, affordability, and educational and economic opportunities to enhance the quality of life for my constituents. My ability to pass bills that address access to care for sickle cell patients with HB 1481 – Sickle Cell Disease Medications, Treatment, and Screening in the 2023 legislative session and economic opportunities for individuals who were once homeless with HB 975 – Background Screenings & Certifications in the 2024 legislative session, on top of securing $10.4 million as a Freshman Representative, demonstrates my ability to advocate for policies that directly affect my constituents. I am committed to building on this progress and continuing to work tirelessly for the betterment of District 99.
What are the three most important issues currently facing your legislative district?
Access is undeniably the single biggest problem facing my district—access to health care, housing, and education. Far too many people struggle to obtain the care they need due to high costs, limited coverage and systemic barriers.
Then comes the issue of affordability: once they have access, can they afford it? Rising costs of housing, health care and essentials have placed excessive strain on budgets, making it hard for families to choose between having a roof over their heads or the health of a sick loved one.
Lastly, we must prioritize education and economic opportunities. Investing in quality education informs the community of the resources available to them, equipping our youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a competitive workforce and laying the foundation for a prosperous future. At the same time, enhancing economic opportunities ensures that all individuals, regardless of their background, have access to stable, well-paying jobs. This dual focus creates a cycle of growth and development, where educated individuals contribute to the economy, and a robust economy, in turn, supports better educational resources.
After the 2024 session, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed all money for arts and cultural programs and projects, estimated at $32 million, to more than 600 organizations. Do you agree or disagree with this veto and why?
I disagree with this because, Arts and culture are vital components of our community that enrich our lives, foster creativity, and stimulate economic growth. These programs provide educational opportunities, support mental well-being, and promote social cohesion. The elimination of this funding undermines the diverse cultural fabric of our state, limits access to artistic experiences, and jeopardizes the livelihoods of many who work in the arts sector. Investing in arts and culture is an investment in our collective future, enhancing the quality of life and driving innovation. Therefore, I believe this decision is a disservice to the people of Florida and the vibrant cultural communities that contribute so much to our state’s identity and prosperity.
In the 2024 session, the Legislature passed a major change to Florida’s ethics law (SB 7014) requiring a complainant to have personal knowledge of the facts of a case. Would you have voted for or against this law and why?
I was a no vote for this bill because it weakens ethics laws and makes it harder for local ethic boards to investigate claims from whistleblowers. It also expedites the timeline for an ethics investigation. The bill requires “personal knowledge” of a violation to have the Florida Commission on Ethics begin a formal investigation. This is a problem because to have personal knowledge means you are knowing from first hand experience.
In the 2024 case, the Legislature passed a law (HB 1365) that prohibits homeless people from sleeping in public spaces. Would you have voted for or against this law and why?
I opposed this bill because it fails to address the root causes of homelessness and does not offer viable solutions for those in need. Instead of criminalizing homelessness, we should focus on providing supportive services, affordable housing, and comprehensive assistance programs to help individuals transition out of homelessness. Laws like HB 1365 can exacerbate the struggles faced by the homeless population by pushing them out of visible public spaces without offering them the necessary support to improve their situation. We need compassionate and effective policies that address the underlying issues of homelessness and provide real, sustainable pathways to stability and dignity for all members of our community.
Should state abortion laws include exceptions for rape, incest or human trafficking, and why?
Yes, Florida state abortion laws should include exceptions for cases of rape, incest or human trafficking. These circumstances involve profound trauma and often place victims in extremely vulnerable positions. Forcing individuals to carry a pregnancy resulting from such acts can compound their psychological and physical suffering. Including these exceptions acknowledges the complex and distressing realities faced by survivors, providing them with the autonomy to make deeply personal decisions about their bodies and futures. It also ensures that the law is compassionate and responsive to the needs of those who have endured significant harm, aligning with a broader commitment to human rights and dignity. However, let me be clear: a woman’s right to choose regardless of the situation is a crucial aspect to comprehensive health care and is the fundamental principle that all women should have in the access to opportunities, resources and freedoms of their bodies.
Do you support or oppose a proposed “open carry” or “constitutional carry” law for Florida and why?
I oppose a proposed “open carry” or “constitutional carry” law for Florida due to the significant public safety concerns it raises. Allowing individuals to carry firearms openly without permits or training increases the risk of accidental shootings and escalations of everyday conflicts into deadly encounters. Such laws can make it more difficult for law enforcement to differentiate between lawful gun owners and potential threats, complicating their ability to protect the public. Additionally, the presence of openly carried firearms in public spaces can create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, undermining the sense of safety in our communities. Ensuring responsible gun ownership through background checks, training, and permits is essential for maintaining public safety and reducing gun violence.
What additional measures do you support to address Florida’s property insurance crisis?
To address Florida’s property insurance crisis, I support several additional measures:
Regulatory Reforms: Strengthen oversight and regulation of insurance companies to ensure they are financially stable and adequately prepared to handle claims, reducing the likelihood of insurer insolvency.
Reinsurance Support: Enhance state-backed reinsurance programs to help insurance companies manage risk and reduce their dependency on volatile private reinsurance markets.
Mitigation Incentives: Provide financial incentives for property owners to invest in disaster-resistant improvements, such as reinforced roofs and hurricane-resistant windows, which can reduce the frequency and severity of claims.
Fraud Prevention: Implement stronger measures to detect and prevent insurance fraud, which can drive up costs for all policyholders.
Transparency and Accountability: Increase transparency in how insurance companies set premiums and handle claims, ensuring that policyholders are treated fairly and that rates reflect actual risk rather than market speculation.
Public Education: Promote public awareness campaigns to educate homeowners on risk mitigation strategies and insurance options, helping them make informed decisions about coverage and protection.
These measures aim to stabilize the insurance market, protect consumers, and ensure a more sustainable and equitable system for all Florida residents.
Describe in detail one demographic, economic or social factor about your legislative district that sets it apart from all others.
One key demographic factor that sets Florida’s District 99 apart is its significant diversity in terms of both ethnicity and socioeconomic status. The district encompasses a vibrant mix of cultural backgrounds, including a substantial Hispanic community, as well as diverse socioeconomic groups ranging from affluent areas to economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
This diversity enriches the district with a broad array of cultural perspectives and needs, but it also presents unique challenges. For instance, the district must address varying levels of access to healthcare, educational resources, and economic opportunities across its diverse population. Tailoring policies to meet the specific needs of this heterogeneous community requires a nuanced approach that acknowledges and addresses these disparities.
The district’s diversity also contributes to a dynamic economic landscape. It includes areas with booming local businesses and higher-income households, alongside communities facing economic hardships and limited access to resources. This contrast demands targeted economic development strategies and social services to bridge gaps and promote equitable growth across all demographic groups.
Overall, the distinct demographic composition of District 99 necessitates a comprehensive and inclusive approach to legislation, ensuring that all constituents, regardless of their background or economic status, benefit from the policies and programs designed to serve the community.
