Matthew Montavon

“I thought I could win because I did have the experience. I've been in government. I've been in community. People know me here and there because of what I've done locally. I think people appreciated who I am. They've seen who I am. They know that I'm honest—that I'm committed.”

“We need effective and humane border security and immigration reform. The current policy is cruel, wasteful, and hurts our nation. Productive tax paying people are ripped out of their families and imprisoned in abhorrent conditions. Birthright citizenship is in the Constitution and should be respected. Immigration is a federal responsibility, and Florida should stay out of immigration enforcement.”

“I am a progressive Democrat, in the tradition of Republican/progressive Teddy Roosevelt and New Deal Democrat Franklin Roosevelt. I am also a pragmatist. I know that we can't achieve an ideal society for everyone overnight, and we will need to compromise. I have worked all my life with people from every political stripe, and I know that we agree on many basic issues. We just have to get past the labels.”

“A key trait of an effective representative is to be engaged with the constituency and a willingness to listen. I am that kind of person – active in the community, volunteering and ready to participate and learn. My activities take me to those communities. I will hold frequent town hall meetings and visits across the district. My experience in public service – the Peace Corps, local government, and the United Nations FAO, has given me the skills to be effective in Congress through working with others, diplomacy, and a broad knowledge.”