Issues
EDUCATION
As a teacher at Navarre High School, I’ve spent part of my career helping students overcome challenges and find their paths to success. Teachers play a vital role in shaping the future of the next generation. I know firsthand the challenges educators face, from lack of resources to burdensome mandates that keep them from focusing on what matters most – their students. Teachers are, without a doubt, the backbone of our education system, and we need to ensure they have the tools and support to succeed in their mission of setting up future generations for success. As an educator, I’ve seen firsthand that every student’s path to success is unique, and for many, options like trade schools, apprenticeships, or career-focused programs can be just as rewarding and impactful as a college degree. The fact of the matter is that the rising cost of college is forcing families into debt while many graduates struggle to find jobs after graduation in their fields. We need to celebrate all paths to achievement and ensure every child has the resources to excel and live fulfilling, successful lives, no matter which educational path they choose. During my time as a public school teacher, I have also recognized that public schools are not always the best fit for every student, and parents deserve the flexibility to choose what’s right for their children. Whether it’s a traditional public school, a charter school, homeschooling, or a private school, I believe in empowering and supporting parents in choosing the best environment where their child can thrive. In Congress, I promise to fight for you by: - Expanding access to career and technical education programs to prepare students for high-paying jobs in fields like welding, construction, and healthcare. - Increasing transparency around college costs so families can make informed decisions without going into debt. - Ensuring federal support for schools prioritizes empowering parents to choose what’s right for their children rather than advancing a one-size-fits-all approach. - Supporting our teachers and public schools by reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, increasing funding for classroom resources, and ensuring educators have the tools they need to focus on what truly matters—helping students reach their full potential. As a teacher, I’ve seen how access to the right resources and opportunities can transform a child’s future. In Congress, I’ll make sure we’re giving our kids the tools they need to succeed—no matter what path they choose.
INSURANCE COSTS
Living in Florida’s 1st Congressional District means embracing the beauty of the Gulf Coast while also preparing for the challenges that come with it. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and flooding are a reality for our community, and flood insurance is critical to protecting homes, businesses, and livelihoods. Unfortunately, rising premiums and limited options put this essential coverage out of reach for too many families. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a lifeline for many in our district, but it needs serious reform. Residents are facing skyrocketing premiums that make it harder to stay protected. We need leaders who will stand up for homeowners and ensure flood insurance remains affordable and accessible while also supporting efforts to encourage disaster mitigation. The devastating impact of Hurricane Sally in 2020 is still fresh in the minds of many of us in this district. From Pensacola to Navarre, our community endured severe flooding, widespread property damage, and power outages that left families and businesses struggling to recover. It was a stark reminder of the importance of affordable and accessible flood insurance, as well as the need for a disaster response system that works quickly and effectively. Unfortunately, FEMA’s delays in delivering aid during and after such crises only compounded the challenges for those trying to rebuild their lives. These delays highlight a broader issue with FEMA’s ability to respond to natural disasters efficiently. Time and again, we’ve seen communities in need left to fend for themselves because of slow-moving aid and bureaucratic red tape. For families and small businesses in Northwest Florida, this inefficiency can mean the difference between recovery and ruin. Whether it’s improving disaster relief funding, streamlining FEMA’s processes, or investing in infrastructure to mitigate future risks, we must demand a system that truly works for the people it’s meant to serve. In Congress, I promise to fight for you by: - Reforming the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to ensure premiums are affordable while maintaining comprehensive coverage for homeowners and businesses. - Advocating for disaster mitigation programs that help families strengthen their properties, reducing damage and future insurance costs. - Improving FEMA’s disaster response to ensure that communities receive the aid they need promptly, without unnecessary delays or red tape. The people of Northwest Florida deserve leaders who understand the risks we face and are committed to protecting our homes, businesses, and way of life. I’ll work tirelessly to ensure that flood insurance and disaster recovery systems are equipped to meet the needs of our community.
VETERANS & MILITARY
I have the deepest respect and admiration for the men and women who serve in the United States military. These heroes in uniform defend our freedoms with courage and dedication, and they deserve to be treated with the utmost respect and honor. For me, this commitment to honoring our servicemembers is deeply personal. My dad, Hollis Peacock, proudly served in the Army and Air Force and was stationed at Hickam Field in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, during the infamous attack in 1941. That pivotal moment marked the beginning of America’s involvement in World War II, and my dad’s service in the Pacific Theater for 2 years serves as a constant reminder of the sacrifices military members and their families make every day to keep us safe. Here in Florida’s 1st Congressional District, we are fortunate to be home to some of the most important military installations in the country, including NAS Pensacola, Eglin Air Force Base, NAS Whiting Field, and Hurlburt Field. These bases are vital not only to our national defense but also to the identity and local economy of our community. With such a strong connection to the military, we all deeply understand the critical role servicemembers play in protecting our freedoms and the sacrifices their families make in the process. In addition to our active-duty servicemembers, Northwest Florida is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the nation. Many of these veterans continue to serve their communities in civilian life, demonstrating the same sense of duty and leadership they showed in uniform. These individuals have given so much for our nation, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they have access to the care, benefits, and resources they need to thrive. Whether it’s timely VA healthcare, robust mental health services, or support for transitioning to civilian careers, taking care of our veterans is not just an obligation—it’s a sacred duty. At the same time, we must ensure that the Department of Defense (DOD) stays focused on its core mission: keeping the U.S. military the most capable and lethal fighting force in the world. In recent years, DOD has been criticized for diverting attention and resources away from readiness and combat effectiveness, instead prioritizing initiatives that do little, if anything, to enhance our military’s ability to defend the nation. These distractions not only weaken our forces but also put the safety and success of our servicemembers at risk. We must hold DOD accountable to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used to strengthen military readiness, support our servicemembers, develop cutting-edge technologies, and prepare our forces to meet emerging threats. In Congress, I promise to fight for you by: - Guaranteeing that veterans receive timely access to healthcare, housing, and other benefits. - Advocating for increased funding for our military installations to support servicemembers and their families while strengthening our national defense. - Ensuring the Department of Defense prioritizes innovation and readiness so our armed forces remain unmatched globally. In Congress, I will fight to protect and support the servicemembers and veterans who call our district home while ensuring that our military remains the best-trained, best-equipped, and most effective fighting force in the world. We owe it to those who serve, past and present, to keep our nation strong and secure.
COST OF LIVING
Families in Florida’s 1st Congressional District are feeling the pinch as the cost of living continues to rise. Over the past year, inflation has driven up the cost of groceries by more than 4%, with staples like eggs, milk, and bread seeing even higher increases in some areas. Housing prices in Northwest Florida have skyrocketed, with rental costs increasing by over 8% on average and home prices rising by nearly 10%, placing additional strain on families trying to make ends meet. For many, these rising costs are compounded by stagnant wages, forcing families to stretch their budgets even further. Recent reports indicate that more than 60% of Americans are now living paycheck to paycheck, a trend unfortunately mirrored in military-heavy communities like ours, where many servicemembers and veterans are struggling to afford basic necessities. These financial challenges are taking a toll on families across our district, making it harder for them to save for the future or cover unexpected expenses. Unfortunately, reckless government spending in Washington has only made inflation worse, adding to the burden on hardworking families. It’s time for leaders who will prioritize the people they serve and fight to bring costs down while addressing the root causes of inflation. As a small business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how inflation impacts both businesses and families, and I am committed to restoring affordability, cutting costs responsibly, and ensuring that the families in our community can thrive without jeopardizing the benefits they’ve earned or our nation’s security. The truth is we need to tackle wasteful spending and bring fiscal responsibility back to Washington, but we cannot do so at the expense of essential programs like Social Security, Medicare, veteran benefits, and military readiness. These programs are lifelines for millions of Americans, including many in our district, and must be preserved and protected. In Congress, I promise to fight for you by: - Addressing inflation through responsible spending cuts that reduce the national debt without undermining vital programs like Social Security, Medicare, or veterans' benefits. - Pushing for energy independence to lower gas prices and utility bills, helping families and small businesses save money while strengthening our national security. - Supporting small businesses by reducing burdensome regulations and implementing tax policies that allow them to grow, create jobs, and boost the local economy. The people of Northwest Florida deserve leaders who will prioritize their wallets, not special interests. I’ll fight to make life more affordable for every family in our district.
BORDER SECURITY AND IMMIGRATION
The safety and security of our nation is a top priority, and that starts with securing our borders. Florida’s 1st Congressional District, with its deep ties to military and law enforcement communities, understands the critical importance of protecting our nation. A secure border is essential not only for national security but also for ensuring that our immigration system is fair, orderly, and works for everyone. We are a nation of immigrants, but we are also a nation of laws. For far too long, Washington has failed to take decisive action to address the challenges at our southwest border. Illegal crossings, drug trafficking, and human smuggling have spiraled out of control, putting our communities at risk and straining resources meant for legal residents and hardworking families. In fiscal year 2023 alone, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported over 2.7 million migrant encounters at the southwest border, the highest number ever recorded. This crisis has overwhelmed Border Patrol agents and left dangerous gaps in our national security. These failures have also allowed cartels to exploit our weak border policies, flooding our country with lethal drugs like fentanyl and xylazine, which are devastating communities across America. Under President Donald Trump, we saw effective measures to tackle these issues head-on. The construction of the border wall significantly reduced illegal crossings, and the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) ensured that those seeking asylum remained in Mexico while their claims were processed, preventing abuse of our system. I look forward to working with President Trump to reinstate these proven policies, complete the border wall, and ensure law enforcement has the tools they need to secure our borders. In Congress, I promise to fight for you by: - Passing legislation to prioritize the completion of the border wall and ensure funding is directed toward its construction as a critical tool for border security. - Advocating for and codifying policies like the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) to ensure a lawful and orderly process for asylum seekers while protecting the integrity of our immigration system. - Cracking down on drug cartels and human traffickers, targeting those who exploit weaknesses in our system to bring harm to vulnerable people and flood our communities with dangerous drugs like fentanyl. - Securing sufficient funding and resources for Border Patrol and law enforcement agents, equipping them with advanced technology, additional personnel, and the tools they need to protect our borders effectively. - Reforming our immigration system to prioritize legal immigration, supporting those contributing to our economy, and upholding the rule of law. Immigration has always been a cornerstone of America’s identity, and I believe in welcoming those who follow our laws and seek to build a better future here. But we cannot allow our borders to remain unsecured or our laws to go unenforced. By reinstating proven policies and taking a tough stance on border security, I will fight to protect our country, ensure fairness in the immigration system, and keep our communities safe.