By Danika Joy Fornear
Politics is personal. At least, it should be. The best leaders aren’t those who sit in ivory towers, disconnected from the struggles of everyday people—they are the ones who have lived those struggles themselves. Gay Valimont is one of those leaders.
As the special election for Florida’s 1st Congressional District approaches on April 1st, voters have an opportunity to elect someone who isn’t just talking about change—she’s lived through the need for it. While many know Valimont for her tireless advocacy on gun violence prevention and public safety, fewer people realize just how deeply personal her fight for healthcare reform is.
She Knows the System—Because She’s Fought It Herself
Valimont’s late husband, Brian, was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)—a cruel, degenerative disease that strips people of their ability to move, speak, and even breathe on their own. The diagnosis was more than a devastating personal blow—it became a battle with the American healthcare system itself.
Faced with limited resources and inadequate care options, Valimont had to navigate the system on her own, fighting for every bit of care and support her husband needed. She knows what it’s like to be buried under medical bills, to be exhausted from advocating for a loved one, and to see firsthand how gaps in our healthcare system leave families struggling.
No one should have to fight that hard just to receive basic care. But millions of Americans do, every single day.
Valimont isn’t just another politician talking about healthcare—she’s lived through its failures firsthand. She understands the frustration of endless paperwork, the desperation of navigating an unforgiving system, and the heartbreak of watching a loved one suffer while bureaucracies drag their feet.
That’s why she’s running. That’s why she’s fighting.
A Champion for Healthcare Reform
Valimont isn’t running on vague promises—she has concrete plans to improve healthcare for Northwest Florida and beyond. She’s advocating for:
• Lowering Prescription Drug Costs: No one should have to ration life-saving medications because of price gouging.
• Expanding Healthcare Access: Whether it’s for seniors, veterans, or working families, healthcare shouldn’t be a luxury.
• Strengthening Support for Caregivers: Family members caring for sick loved ones deserve better financial and emotional support.
While her opponent, Republican Jimmy Patronis, may have political experience, Valimont brings something more essential to the table: empathy born from experience. Patronis, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, has faced criticism for not residing in the district he seeks to represent. (apnews.com)
Florida Deserves a Representative Who Gets It
The choice on April 1st couldn’t be clearer: Do we elect another career politician who sees healthcare as a political talking point? Or do we elect someone who has lived the reality of a broken system and is determined to fix it?
Gay Valimont isn’t just the best candidate in this race—she’s the only one who truly understands what working families in Florida are going through. She’s fought for her family. Now, she’s ready to fight for yours.
But she can’t do it alone. Special elections are won by grassroots support, not big-money interests. Every dollar makes a difference in getting Valimont’s message out to voters and ensuring Florida’s 1st District has a leader who will fight for them.
Please donate today to support Gay Valimont’s campaign.
On April 1st, Florida’s 1st District has a chance to make history. Let’s make it count.
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