Adam Hattersley

Adam Hattersley

Democratic Party

Prior offices

Florida House of Representatives District 59

Successor: Andrew Learned

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Elections and appointments

Last election

November 8, 2022

Education

Bachelor's

University of Michigan, 2000

Graduate

University of Michigan, 2001

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Navy

Years of service

2000 - 2008

Contact

Campaign website

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Adam Hattersley (Democratic Party) was a member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing District 59. He assumed office on November 6, 2018. He left office on November 3, 2020.

Hattersley (Democratic Party) ran for election for Florida Chief Financial Officer. He lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.

Biography

Adam Hattersley was born on March 24, 1978, in Boston, Massachusetts. He obtained a B.S.E. in 2000 and an M.S.E. in 2001, both from the University of Michigan. Hattersley served as a nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy from 2000 to 2008. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service.

Hattersley completed his Navy service as an electrical engineering instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy. He moved to Riverview, Florida, in 2009. His professional experience includes working at a GE subsidiary for nearly 10 years. Hattersley and his wife opened a small business selling print and promotional products.

Committee assignments

2019-2020

Hattersley was assigned to the following committees:

• State Affairs Committee

Elections

2022

See also: Florida Chief Financial Officer election, 2022

General election

General election for Florida Chief Financial Officer

Incumbent Jimmy Patronis defeated Adam Hattersley in the general election for Florida Chief Financial Officer on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jimmy Patronis (R)	59.5	4,528,811
		Adam Hattersley (D)	40.5	3,085,697

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 7,614,508
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Richard Dembinsky (No Party Affiliation)

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Adam Hattersley advanced from the Democratic primary for Florida Chief Financial Officer.

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Jimmy Patronis advanced from the Republican primary for Florida Chief Financial Officer.

2020

See also: Florida's 15th Congressional District election, 2020

Florida's 15th Congressional District election, 2020 (August 18 Republican primary)

Florida's 15th Congressional District election, 2020 (August 18 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Florida District 15

Scott Franklin defeated Alan Cohn in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 15 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Scott Franklin (R)	55.4	216,374
		Alan Cohn (D)	44.6	174,297

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 390,671
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Kevin Michael Levertt (Independent)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 15

Alan Cohn defeated Adam Hattersley, Jesse Philippe, and Kel Britvec in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 15 on August 18, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Alan Cohn	41.0	21,079
		Adam Hattersley	33.0	16,978
		Jesse Philippe	26.0	13,384
		Kel Britvec (Write-in)	0.0	0

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 51,441
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Andrew Learned (D)
• Loretta Lax Miller (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 15

Scott Franklin defeated incumbent Ross Spano in the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 15 on August 18, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Scott Franklin	51.2	30,736
		Ross Spano	48.8	29,265

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 60,001
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2018

See also: Florida House of Representatives elections, 2018

General election

General election for Florida House of Representatives District 59

Adam Hattersley defeated Joe Wicker in the general election for Florida House of Representatives District 59 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Adam Hattersley (D)	51.5	33,825
		Joe Wicker (R)	48.5	31,883

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 65,708 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Florida House of Representatives District 59

Adam Hattersley advanced from the Democratic primary for Florida House of Representatives District 59 on August 28, 2018.

		Candidate
✔		Adam Hattersley

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Florida House of Representatives District 59

Joe Wicker defeated Ronda Storms in the Republican primary for Florida House of Representatives District 59 on August 28, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Joe Wicker	54.2	6,999
		Ronda Storms	45.8	5,906

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 12,905
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2022

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Adam Hattersley did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

2020

Adam Hattersley completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Hattersley's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a Navy and Iraq War veteran with a BSE and MSE in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan. I've also been a gymnast for most of my life. I'm an internationally certified judge, and I've represented the United States in competitions on four continents. I live in Riverview, Florida with my wife, Christie, and our dog, Patton. I've served as a Representative in the Florida statehouse since I was elected in 2018.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Fighting for affordable healthcare. I look forward to working with a democratic house, senate, and president to pass legislation to expand the ACA, form a public option that is free for lower-income Americans, and finally achieve universal coverage.
• Addressing the climate crisis. This is one of the greatest existential threats our generation faces. We must take decisive action to put the United States on the path to achieve carbon neutrality by the year 2035.
• Fighting for a livable wage. A $15/hour minimum wage is the bare minimum needed to support an individual, let alone a family, in today's economy. We must raise the minimum wage, institute automatic cost of living adjustments based on inflation, and fight for all workers to have access to union representation.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a former naval officer and Iraq War Veteran, I am passionate about foreign policy. One of the most important jobs of the next democratic President will be repairing America's reputation on the global stage. I support dramatically increasing our funding in diplomacy-this kind of investment is essential to preventing armed conflict.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

There are many, but I will highlight three: Transparency, open-mindedness, and humility.

As an elected official, I've always worked to be transparent with my constituents. My office has never turned down a constituent meeting request, and we will strive to keep that record going.

One of the things I learned as a state representative is that it is impossible to be an expert on every issue you have to vote on. This is why it is important to be open-minded, and willing to weigh the opinions of experts when making decisions.

Finally, serving in this way requires some humility, and the ability to admit when you are wrong. This is how I've conducted myself in the Florida House, and how I will continue to conduct myself in Congress.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

As a state representative, one of the things I believe has made me successful is my openness to new people and new ideas. I know that I don't know everything, so I'm always eager to look at the data, learn about the issue, and make an informed decision. In my state rep office, my team never turned down a meeting from a constituent or issue advocacy group, because we wanted to make sure we had the opportunity to hear from experts and community members about the issues important to them. This helped me to vote in a way that best reflected the needs of my constituents.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The most important work we do as elected officials is constituent service. Whether this is helping constituents navigate government agencies, fighting for needed policy changes, or simply showing up where our constituents are to listen to them and learn about their needs.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I was eight years old at the time of the Challenger explosion. My teacher had wheeled the television into the classroom for us to watch live, and our entire class saw the explosion in real-time.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was a gymnastics coach for elementary school children during the summers while I was in college. And for the past 24 years I've been very involved in the gymnastics community. I am an internationally certified judge, and have represented the United States on four continents. I also judged the United States Olympic team at their last tune-up before the 2016 Olympic games in Rio.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen

What process do you favor for redistricting?

I believe independent redistricting committees should draw districts, rather than partisan bodies.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

One of the House's unique qualities is proportional representation. For the most part, members of Congress represent roughly similar numbers of people. This gives representatives more access to their communities, and more ability to connect with constituents and incorporate their feedback into their legislative priorities.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes. As a state representative in Florida, I had the opportunity to learn about serving in a deliberative body at a smaller level. I learned the importance of values like prioritizing constituent services, meeting with experts to inform my position on legislation, hiring and empowering a diverse staff, and forming relationships with other lawmakers and staffers. I will be able to draw on this experience to better serve my constituents as a member of Congress.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

One of our greatest challenges will be combatting the climate crisis. Scientists agree that we have fewer than ten years to get this crisis under control. Failing to act will have reverberating consequences for national security, public health, and our economy.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Since Agriculture is important to this district, I would like to serve on an Agricultural committee. Also, as a small business owner, I would like to serve on the Committee on Small Business to advocate for the needs of small businesses in this district.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe term limits can be an effective way to ensure new generations of leaders have the opportunity to serve. That said, there are downsides to term limits. When you have a constantly revolving door of representatives, elected officials don't have the time to develop expertise. This can reduce the quality of service constituents receive, and can result in lobbyists having increased influence on policy decisions.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

While I always welcome the opportunity to take on leadership roles, I also understand the importance of learning and humility. As a freshman representative, I would want to focus my first term on learning from more senior members and serving my constituents locally.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I am a big admirer of Congresswoman Elaine Luria, the first nuclear Naval officer to become a member of Congress-I hope to be the second! She has provided a great example of how to be a representative dedicated to service and to connecting with constituents in a ideologically diverse district. The Florida 15th has a similar ideological makeup to Congresswoman Luria's district, and I hope to serve my constituents with a similar level of honor and integrity.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

As a member of the Florida Legislature, I had the opportunity to carry a bill to impact the life of one child, Lincoln DeLuna. Lincoln was born with a rare medical condition, X-linked myotubular myopathy, which prevents his muscles from developing. While he cannot walk, breathe, or swallow on his own, Lincoln's mind is sharp. He can communicate by sign language, and is one of the most clever and funny children I've ever met.

Florida has a very narrow definition of developmental disability-only seven conditions are covered. If a child's diagnosis does not fit into this narrow definition, that child is not eligible for a Medicaid waiver from the state. For this reason, Lincoln's family was struggling to get him the round-the-clock care he needed.

I carried a bill to add Lincoln's condition to the definition of developmental disability, and had the privilege of hosting Lincoln and his family in Tallahassee to testify before the committee where this bill was heard. While the bill did not end up passing, we were able to connect Lincoln's parents with disability advocates who helped them find an exception in the law to get the coverage Lincoln needed.

While I was thrilled that Lincoln was able to get life-saving care, I was also struck by the fact that no family should have to travel four hours to plead with lawmakers to get the care they need for their child. The next session, I carried a bill to update Florida's definition of developmental disability to cover children based on their symptoms, rather than their underlying diagnosis.

As a member of Congress, I look forward to fighting for healthcare legislation that makes life-saving care affordable for everyone, including those with preexisting conditions and disabilities.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2018

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Adam Hattersley completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Hattersley's responses.

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

1) Education 2) Transportation 3) Economy

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Equality - my brother-in-law and his husband adopted a newborn here in Florida, and I want to ensure that she grows up knowing that there is nothing wrong with her family.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Even though I am running as a Democrat, I've always looked up to John McCain. His decades of dedicated service (both in, and out, of uniform), personal sacrifice, and integrity are qualities all aspiring lawmakers should try to emulate.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

-Integrity -Service over self -Ability to listen (even to those who disagree with you)

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

-Integrity -Service over self -Ability to listen (even to those who disagree with you)

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To represent the people of your district - ALL people - with the care and thoughtfulness that they deserve. Community before self, and a sense of idealism to drive Florida to a better future.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I could be counted on to do the right thing

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Challenger Explosion in 1986 (I was eight years old) - we were watching the launch in my 2nd grade class...I'd never heard so many kids get so silent so quickly.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Gymnastics coach - for the summer before I went to college

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Thanksgiving - my wife's family always makes "Grandma Mary's stuffing", and it very well may be heaven on a plate.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Not necessarily - new ideas and visions are always needed to keep from becoming stagnant. When I was in the Navy, the worst answer to give was "that's how we've always done it"...if entire legislative bodies are made up of career politicians, they can become mired in outdated methods.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Handling our projected extreme population growth and balancing it with development and our outdated transportation system.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes - especially of the opposing party. Negotiation and debate are always more effective with someone you are familiar with than a stranger.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

As simple as possible - basically large rectangles that meet the population requirements. We need to get rid of the rampant gerrymandering so districts can accurately reflect the people who live there.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

When discussing LGBT equality, I told a constituent about my brother-in-law and his husband (who adopted a newborn), and how some members of the opposing party think that that should be illegal based on religious reasons. She told me "I grew up in an abusive household, I would have loved having one caring parent, let alone two". Perspective is everything

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Florida

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states.  To contribute to the list of Florida scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.

2020

In 2020, the Florida State Legislature was in session from January 14 to March 19.

• Associated Industries of Florida

Legislators are scored on their votes on business issues.

• Florida Chamber of Commerce

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.

• National Federation of Independent Business

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.

• The American Conservative Union

Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2019

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2019, click [show].

In 2019, the Florida State Legislature was in session from March 5 through May 3. Americans for Prosperity Florida Legislators are scored on their stances on economic issues. Associated Industries of Florida Legislators are scored on their votes on business issues. Foundation for Florida's Future: House and Senate Legislators are scored based on their votes on bills related to education. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

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Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Ross Spano (R)	Florida State House District 59 2018-2020	Succeeded by Andrew Learned (D)