MEET THE CANDIDATES: Keith Truenow, Florida Senate District 13 Republican Primary

KEITH TRUENOW

Age: 54

Residence: Tavares

Family: Wife, Dodi; sons, Dylan and Ashton

Education: Leesburg High School and mechanical certifications, U.S. Air Force 

Profession: Agribusiness

Qualifications: Turfgrass Producers of Florida, Lake Harris Chain Restoration Council, Lake County Fair Association and Lake County Farm Bureau

Why are you running for Florida State Senate District 13?

I ran with a simple mission: go to work to craft the best policies that will help all of us here in Florida have a safer, better and responsibly sustainable way of life. My door has always been and will always continue to be open to those who have an idea on how to accomplish this mission.

My hope is to continue the work I have been doing these past four years for workforce education, infrastructure, agriculture and public safety.

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.

My experience in this area starts with the fact that I graduated from Leesburg High School, joined the U.S. Air Force at the age of 17, and then returned to Central Florida and became the general manager of a local farm at the age of 23. I founded Lake Jem Farms in 1998 and was Young Farmer of the Year in 2004. I have served on many local boards with other local leaders. In 2020, I entered a stage of life where I had the time to give back. So, I ran for the Florida House. These last two years, I have had the honor of chairing the Criminal Justice Subcommittee and also served on the Infrastructure Strategies Committee; Agriculture, Conservation & Resiliency Subcommittee; Judiciary Committee; Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee; Constitutional Rights; and the Rule of Law & Government Operations Subcommittee. My aim is to continue to bring that level of leadership to the Florida Senate.

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

The experiences we all have in our lives are what gives us the perspective to make sound decisions. My unwavering conservative Christian values have served me well as a husband, a father, a USAF veteran, business owner/farmer and as a Florida Legislature these past four years.

What are the key differences between you and your opponents?

I am a veteran who has lived and served in my community for more than 40 years. I graduated Leesburg High School, raised my family here, started and continue to own businesses here, graduated Leadership Lake County in 2003, and have served this community through many leadership roles and boards.

I am the only candidate with experience in the Florida Legislature. Gov. Ron DeSantis endorsing my senate race during the primary is a prime example of how my leadership is valued.

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

1. Insurance. The cost of living today is burdensome to many who call Central Florida home, chief among these recently has been the rising cost of insurance.

2. Infrastructure. The community’s infrastructure has been playing catch-up with our continued record growth.

3. Workforce Education and Workforce Housing. Ensuring we can all live where we work and work where we live.

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?

Many of the challenges facing both Lake County and Orange County are the same, such as the rising cost of insurance, infrastructure, affordable housing, workforce education, development, public safety and K-12 education. I will continue to focus my attention on these cornerstones as I have in the Florida Legislature.

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?

The focus of my campaign has been my accomplishments over these past four years in the Florida House and demonstrating a proven record to show I can continue to lead in the Florida Senate.

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

I believe Florida has been blessed to have DeSantis’ leadership. I plan to continue working with him on issues, such as agriculture, workforce development and the environment.

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

As someone who is raising two boys with talent in the arts, my hope is to find future funding for the arts grant funding program to ensure all Floridians have access to the arts.

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

As a member of the Florida Legislature, I have met regularly with local elected officials to ensure their needs are being met at the state level. I will continue my open-door policy in the Florida Senate.