Florida Senate election 2024: District 27 candidate Phil Carter on guns, bipartisan alliances

Phil Carter, 60, is the Democrat running for election to the Florida state senate within District 27, which covers Charlotte, DeSoto and Hardee counties, as well as parts of Lee and Polk counties. State senate terms last four years.

Carter is running against Republican incumbent Ben Albritton. The position pays just under $30,000 to represent constituents in the Florida Senate.

Carter's background is in construction management, and he is a former law enforcement professional, serving as a patrolman in several counties across Illinois as well as in the U.S. Airforce.

Carter spoke with The News-Press/Naples Daily News about his priorities for his district, how his background led him to this point in his career, and why he believed voters should tick the box next to his name. His responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Why do you want to be the next state representative for District 27?

I want to represent my district and my state in all the issues we are facing from civil rights to common sense gun legislation. I am tired of the inactivity, and divisive, nasty nature of our current politics.  I want to be an agent of positive change and forward momentum.

What life or work experiences do you have that make you the best candidate?

My experiences in the military, local law enforcement, and business management, as well as teaching all provide a vast amount of experience and knowledge over the years. And of course, being a citizen of the state of Florida.

What are the biggest issues facing District 27, and how would you address them?

A couple of the big ones are the economy, cost of housing, insurance, groceries, and environmental issues.

There are a number of solutions already proposed that can remedy or mitigate these issues. I would garner support for the ones I believe are viable and work to create strong bi-partisan legislation. 

What are your top priorities, if elected to District 27?

My top priority is to foster strong relationships with the opposing party members, and forge as many alliances and friendships as possible, to be able to create legislation to serve our constituents.

Florida's insurance keeps rising. How do you think the state should address the issue?

The problem is twofold, as I see it: the insurance companies, coupled with the contractors and others involved in resolving insurance claims, require stricter regulation and guidance. We need to work much harder to reign in this monster of a problem.

Abortion will be on the Florida ballot this year with Amendment 4, which would protect women's right to abortion in Florida. What is your stance on abortion?

Abortion is an issue for the woman involved, her health care professional, and her family.  I do not support the reversal of Roe vs. Wade.  

The environment is another huge issue for Florida. How do you think the state should address clean water and other problems?

This is a huge issue with many proposed solutions.  The bottom line is that we need to obtain statewide support from our communities for legislation that will mitigate and resolve these issues. Taking a hard look at these if elected will be a high priority for me.

What are your thoughts on Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoing all of Florida’s planned arts and culture grants in the state’s 2024-25 budget?

I am opposed to this view.

Florida's non-profit arts and culture organization and its audiences boost the state's economy by nearly 5.8 billion and support more than 91,000 full-time jobs. Here in Florida, the arts comprise a $3 billion industry.  Taking all these funds away will erode our arts, economically. 

What is your stance on allowing recreational marijuana in Florida and how would you regulate it?

I have long been an advocate of a move to the legalization of marijuana.  Diverting tax revenue generated by the sale of marijuana products to high-priority issues such as education, environment, and many other issues rather than in the hands of essentially lawbreakers is a plus. Additionally, the products can be properly regulated for the safety of the consumer.