Reginald Gaffney Sr. has officially opened his campaign account to contest the Florida House seat currently held by Representative Angie Nixon. The announcement came on Wednesday, marking the beginning of his bid for the House District 13 seat in Duval County, according to the Florida Division of Elections.
Gaffney’s entry into the race makes him the second Democrat to announce a candidacy for this position. Earlier in August, fellow Democrat Shemiah Faye Rutledge had also opened a campaign account, setting the stage for a competitive primary as the 2026 elections approach.
Background on Candidate
Gaffney, a graduate of Florida A&M University, previously served two terms on the Jacksonville City Council, representing District 7 from 2015 to 2023. His political experience includes appointments to various boards by past Florida governors Charlie Crist and Rick Scott. In 2012, he was invited by former Senator Marco Rubio to join his academy nomination board, further establishing his political credentials.
Currently, Angie Nixon is serving her third term in the Florida House of Representatives after completing two full terms. Nixon has been an active voice in the legislature, representing the interests of her constituents in Jacksonville.
As Gaffney embarks on his campaign, he faces a challenging landscape in a district that has seen increased political engagement and participation in recent years. With two candidates now vying for the Democratic nomination, the race is expected to intensify as the election date approaches.
This development highlights the growing interest in Florida’s political scene, particularly among local leaders seeking to make an impact at the state level. Voters in District 13 will soon have the opportunity to evaluate the candidates and their platforms in what promises to be a significant election year in 2026.
