MEET THE CANDIDATES: Bowen Kou, Florida Senate District 13 Republican Primary

BOWEN KOU

Age: 35

Residence: Winter Garden

Family: Married with three children

Education: Some college 

Profession: Business owner

Qualifications: Trustee of the West Orange and South Lake chambers of commerce; volunteer at Southeastern Food Bank

Why are you running for Florida State Senate District 13?

I benefit from the American Dream and vow to protect it for generations to come. Career politicians have failed us. They’ve led us down a path of homeowner crisis, out-of-control cost of living and a dangerous border crisis. It takes a political outsider, who lives life based on Biblical principles, to make a difference. 

The candidates in this race all come from differing backgrounds. Discuss your past experiences and explain how they make you the most qualified candidate for this position.

I am of Chinese descent. Therefore, I understand the importance of keeping socialism as far away from Americans as possible. There is no way possible for a person to understand the terrible things about socialism unless you have experienced it. That’s what makes me different from most candidates. I have always been a fighter, and I know what it takes to get things done for the people. I have fought for my right to exercise my Christian values. To live free, have a family and start a small business, growing it into nine grocery stores, which employ more than 500 people.

What are the values and morals that have guided your life, and how will you use them as District 13 senator?

I live my life based on Biblical principles. Without God in our lives, it is difficult to work for the people, because once career politicians are elected and reappointed, they tend to work for dishonest corporations to satisfy their greed, which is evil and dishonest and has no place in government. The people should always come first. 

What are the key differences between you and your opponents?

My opponent is a career politician funded by personal interest groups, big pharma and PACs. Therefore, when he gets into office, he is already committed to working for greedy corporations. I self-fund more than 80% of my campaign. Therefore, when I get elected, I won’t have to answer to anybody other than the people who voted me into office. I will also donate my State Senate salary to the Florida Sheriff’s Association. I have one purpose, and that is to serve the people.

What are the three most pressing issues facing District 13 today?

Homeowners insurance, illegal immigration and cost of living.

This district covers a large area in Central Florida with unique needs and challenges. How do you represent the needs of all District 13 constituents — those in Lake County vs. Orange County?    

Orange County is a larger town, which continues to grow at a fast pace. Land is minimum, and homes are rapidly built, which is leading to overcrowding. I want to ensure the local infrastructure grows with the population. The cost of living is outrageous, but jobs are still paying the same. I will bring more high-paying jobs to both counties by incentivizing companies to move to Central Florida. Exempting Central Floridians from paying tolls will also help stimulate the economy by getting people to work without added expenses.

Citizens in Lake County live on land, and agriculture is their way of life. The Live Local Act was just passed and signed by my opponent Keith Truenow. The bill encourages rapid growth, which impedes the infrastructure of the county. The country lifestyle is now in jeopardy of being a lifestyle of the past. Lake County wants to grow but does not want to lose the hometown feel. As the new senator, I will have to balance growth and current lifestyle. 

So far, this race has been notable because of several negative ad campaigns and some accusations lobbed at candidates. Why has this race become so heated, and how do you navigate this volatile political climate? 

This race has become heated because of the fear of change. I am a fighter. I have the insight and the will to make change for the people. Career politicians have made it obvious who they work for by taking money from big corporations. I fund my own campaign. Therefore, I can work for the people. I will stick with our campaign pledge by running a good, clean and honest race. 

Evaluate the job Gov. Ron DeSantis has done as governor and share how you plan to work with him for all Floridians. 

Our governor has done an excellent job with keeping Florida free. I will work with him to stop illegal immigrants from flooding Central Florida.   

Many arts organizations throughout the state did not receive state funding this year following DeSantis’ veto. What is your opinion on this decision?

Arts organizations have to be cognitive of what they are teaching our young minds. Art should not just be an elective but a way of expression. I think funding should be available for the creative minds, and the curriculum should also meet state standards with the parents’ consent. I also think vocational schools are important for those who aren’t in favor of traditional schools.

How will you work with local county and city governments to ensure their voices are being heard at the state level? 

The heart of my campaign is canvassing and door-knocking. Praying for citizens to open their doors so that I can hear and understand their needs. When I get into office, I will apply the same principle to address the people’s needs. In order for change to happen, county and city governments have to be accessible to each other regardless of political affiliation. I will make honest efforts to do what is best for the people.