Malik Moore is one of five candidates in an all-Democratic field vying to succeed Democratic Rep. Yvonne Hinson in House District 21, which spans an area of Marion and Alachua counties running from Ocala and Gainesville.
Hinson, 78, is not term-limited but is declining to run for re-election, citing rising partisanship in the Legislature and a desire to pass the torch to someone younger. She has endorsed Moore, who worked on her unsuccessful 2018 U.S. House campaign and served as Chief of Staff to state Rep. Dianne Hart, a Hillsborough Democrat.
Others in the race include brain doctor Sylvain Doré, progressive organizer Antoine Fields, National Science Foundation fellow Xavier Monroe and former Hawthorne Mayor Jacquelyn Randall. No Republicans have qualified to run for the district, which is one of just five House seats north of Orlando currently held by Democrats.
Florida Politics asked candidates to answer a few questions. We are publishing their responses unedited so voters can hear directly from candidates. Here’s what Moore told us:
— Profession: Served as a chief of staff in the Florida Legislature, bringing years of legislative experience to my campaign for House District 21.
— Education: Earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees focused on public policy from Florida universities.
— Years in the district: East Gainesville native.
— Community involvement: AMI Kids Gainesville (member of Board of Trustees), Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce (Member of Public Policy Board), member of Alachua County Branch of NAACP, member of Gainesville Church of God by Faith and Trinity United MBC, volunteer at Star Center Children’s Theater.
— What are the biggest challenges facing this district, and what can you realistically do about them if elected? Affordability, infrastructure and protecting local decision-making are among House District 21’s greatest challenges. Residents face rising insurance, housing and utility costs, while growing communities need better roads and infrastructure. Realistically, no single legislator can solve these challenges alone, but I will fight for our fair share of state resources, hold insurance companies and other bad actors accountable, and oppose Tallahassee’s efforts to strip authority from local communities. I will also hold regular town halls and listening sessions throughout the district so the legislation I pursue reflects what residents need, not what Tallahassee assumes is best for us.
— What specific policies do you propose to make life more affordable? Florida cannot continue calling itself affordable while families and seniors are being priced out of their homes. I will support requiring insurance companies to justify rate increases, disclose how premiums are being used and face stronger penalties for delaying or wrongfully denying valid claims. I will support incentives for workforce and attainable housing, protections against excessive rental fees and deceptive housing practices, and targeted tax relief for seniors and working families. I will also oppose property-tax proposals and state mandates that shift costs to utility customers or take funding away from essential local services.
— Ocala is the fastest-growing metro in the U.S. How do you balance current residents’ desire to avoid congested roads and preserve the character of the district with the need to keep housing affordable? As Ocala grows, we must meet housing needs while preserving the character of our communities. North and West Ocala residents already face increased traffic and pressure on roads, schools, water systems and public services. We must invest before U.S. 27 and U.S. 441 become overwhelmed. Development should pay its fair share for the services it requires. We can build workforce housing while protecting established neighborhoods, farmland, clean water and what makes Ocala and Marion County special. I’m proud to have earned endorsements from Ocala Councilman Ire Bethea Sr. and the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida, reflecting my commitment to responsible growth, strong communities and natural resource protection.
— How will you deliver results in a Republican-controlled Legislature? Honestly, it has not been easy to advance legislation when the majority seems determined not to pass Democratic bills, regardless of merit. That is why experience matters. I am the only candidate with years of experience negotiating legislation and finding common ground to move good policy forward. My mentor, Rep. Yvonne Hayes Hinson, is known for aggressively challenging actions that harm our communities, yet the bi-partisan teacher training and mentoring program she sponsored in HB 157 became law through SB 182. I am honored to have earned her endorsement and those of current and former legislators who have seen my ability to work effectively within the legislative process. Her example proves we can aggressively challenge harmful legislation, negotiate effectively and deliver resources and results without negotiating away our values.
— On social issues, how would you describe your political ideology? On social issues, I consider myself progressive. I am unapologetically committed to civil rights, LGBTQ equality, reproductive freedom and every person’s right to live with dignity and make personal decisions without government interference. My legislative experience showed me how Tallahassee’s decisions directly affect people’s rights and lives. I will strongly oppose discrimination and efforts to move Florida backward.
