Bellamy-Fults challenges Bradley for Florida Senate District 6

Jason Bellamy-Fults, a Democrat and IBEW journeyman wireman, is running for Florida State Senate District 6 in the Nov. 3 general election. He faces Republican Jennifer Bradley and Joseph Thornton of the American Solidarity Party.

Asked why he is running, Bellamy-Fults said in our candidate questionnaire: "Our legislature has been captured by the very corporate interests that they should be keeping an eye on, and the blatant corruption in this state is why nothing is being done to address our runaway cost of living and why Tallahassee is increasingly willing to strip our rights to local self-governance."

Candidate information

Family: "I grew up in a large central Florida family raised by my mom and my grandparents, my aunts and uncles," Bellamy-Fults said in our questionnaire. "… I am happily married to an amazing educator, Shay Bellamy-Fults, and we have a wonderful fur family of foster pups."

Education: "High school diploma from Lakeland High School in Polk County, where I grew up. Bachelor's degree in Biology from Berea College … Graduated Magna Cum Laude. Graduate of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1205, apprenticeship program. Master's degree in Education/Educational Technology from the University of Florida. GPA: 4.0," Bellamy-Fults said in our questionnaire.

Party affiliation: "I am running as a Democrat, but if I'm being honest, I'm not a deeply partisan person," Bellamy-Fults said in our questionnaire. "I consider myself an Independent who is caucusing with the Democrats. … I vote for the candidate, not the party, and have often voted a mixed ticket."

Experience and public service

Bellamy-Fults said in our questionnaire: "I am a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1205. I graduated from their apprenticeship program and was invited back to be an instructor. … I was offered a position in UF's Academic Technology program while I was working on my master's and have been employed there for just over four years now."

He also said: "I was appointed to the City of Gainesville's Utility Advisory Board and served as Co-Chair of that Board. I am currently Recording Secretary for IBEW Local 1205 and a delegate to our Central Labor Council. I am also Board Chair for the Community Weatherization Coalition, an amazing Alachua County nonprofit that helps people who are struggling with their utility bills."

On the issues

Asked what made him decide to run, Bellamy-Fults said in our questionnaire: "Our legislature is making it increasingly difficulty for us to control our own backyards. … The incumbent inherited this seat from her husband and was able to run unopposed in 2022. I think we were mistaken to allow her to do that."

On state preemption, he said: "Communities should be able to decide if they want a huge development or a data center in their community. If they want to pass a local ordinance that increases protections for workers, or renters, or something that improves wages or better protects their local environment, they should have that right."