Allen Spence
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Allen Spence (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Florida's 17th Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.[source]
Spence completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Elections
2026
See also: Florida's 17th Congressional District election, 2026
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. House Florida District 17
Incumbent Greg Steube and Allen Spence are running in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 17 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Greg Steube (R) | |
Allen Spence (D)  | ||
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Endorsements
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Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Allen Spence completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Spence's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I’m running to bring a practical, pro-growth approach to Washington. Too many families are feeling the pinch, at the grocery store, in housing and insurance. I’ve seen this struggle firsthand with my own parents, who are on a fixed income. I believe government should make your life easier, not more expensive. My opponent is focused on political feuds; I am focused on fiscal solutions.
As a finance and operations professional, I'm a problem-solver who believes in transparency and accountability. That’s the mindset I’ll bring to Congress. My top priorities are:
Lowering costs. I will fight to end tariff taxes that raise prices on everyday goods and hurt small businesses. Reforming Social Security & Medicare. I have a plan to reform Social Security and Medicare so that current benefits are protected and the long term program is solvent. Supporting our local economy. I will champion tourism, cut red tape for entrepreneurs, and invest in workforce development.
Bipartisan collaboration. I'm committed to working with pragmatic Democrats and Republicans to deliver fiscally responsible solutions.I will be accessible to every voter Democrat, Republican, and NPA alike. We deserve a representative who is serious about lowering costs, protecting retirements, and growing the economy, not someone who treats politics like a shouting match. I would be honored to earn your vote.
- Tariffs are not just a trade policy; they are a tax on families and businesses. They raise the cost of everything from groceries to car parts, hurting our district’s retirees and small businesses. The U.S. Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the power to lay and collect tariffs. It's time for Congress to reclaim its constitutional authority and put a stop to these hidden taxes that harm our economy. I'll work with anyone, regardless of party, to end these counterproductive tariffs and promote fair trade that benefits the people of Florida.
- My opponent, Greg Steube, supports a political agenda that is directly hurting our local economy. The rhetoric against other Western nations and Trump's tariffs are not a show of strength; they are a tax on our people and an attack on our tourism industry. Our district relies on visitors, and when international relations sour, those tourists choose to go elsewhere. This means fewer jobs, less revenue for our small businesses, and a strain on the very industry that fuels the Suncoast. We need a representative focused on prosperity, not punishment, and on building bridges, not walls.
- Every person in our country, regardless of their background, is protected by the Bill of Rights. The Fourth Amendment's promise against unreasonable searches and seizures is a cornerstone of American liberty. Federal agents, including ICE, must be held to this standard. They cannot enter a home without a proper judicial warrant, and they cannot conduct broad, warrantless searches. We must defend these constitutional principles to protect everyone's privacy and security. I will fight to ensure federal agencies respect the rights of all people and are held accountable to the law.
Churchill experienced significant setbacks and was often on the political fringe. His role in the disastrous Gallipoli Campaign during World War I led to a period of public and political disgrace. Yet, he never gave up. He dedicated his time out of power to study history and military strategy, preparing for a future he knew would be challenging.
Accountability means taking responsibility for one’s actions and decisions, and being transparent with constituents. Elected officials must be accessible, responsive to the needs of the community, and willing to explain their votes and policies. This includes listening to and representing all voters not just those who supported them.
Representation
A representative's primary role is to serve as the voice of their district in Congress. This means understanding the unique needs, values, and concerns of the people they represent from local small businesses to retirees and working families. This requires being accessible, holding regular town halls, and engaging with diverse community groups to ensure their perspectives are heard in Washington. It also means advocating for the district's interests in federal funding, policy debates, and national discussions.
Legislation
The most fundamental duty of a member of Congress is to make laws. This involves introducing and voting on bills, proposing amendments, and working on committees that shape policy. A representative must be knowledgeable on a wide range of issues, from economic policy and healthcare to environmental protection and infrastructure. They should work to build bipartisan coalitions to pass commonsense legislation that directly benefits their constituents, while also holding the federal government accountable.
Constituent Service
My goal is to be a voice for integrity and common sense, even if it puts me at odds with my own party or with powerful special interests. I believe a representative must have the moral conviction to stand up for the Constitution, for the rule of law, and for the economic well-being of their constituents.
Uhtred is a Saxon raised by Danes, a man caught between two worlds. This unique position gives him a broad perspective and allows him to see beyond the narrow prejudices of a single group. His ability to navigate complex political and cultural landscapes, all while staying true to his own sense of honor, is what I find most compelling.
His character embodies several key principles:
Pragmatism Uhtred is a skilled tactician who understands that victory requires adaptability, not just brute force. He is a master of guerrilla warfare and uses his enemies' overconfidence against them.
Resilience He faces immense betrayal, loss, and hardship but never gives up on his goal of reclaiming his birthright.
Loyalty Though he often clashes with his allies, his loyalty to those he serves, especially King Alfred, is unwavering, even when his personal code is tested.
I come from finance and operations, where results are measurable and accountability is non-negotiable. I’ve managed teams, balanced budgets, navigated complex regulations, and delivered under pressure. That practical experience is exactly what Congress needs people who understand how policies play out for retirees, workers, small businesses, and local communities.
Fresh eyes are a strength. Career politics can reward caution and special-interest thinking; I’ll bring a builder’s mindset define the problem, gather facts, listen to constituents, and then act. I’ll hire seasoned staff to ensure the district office provides best-in-class constituent service, and I’ll hold regular town halls so every voter has a voice.
Compromise forces us to listen to different perspectives and build solutions that are more durable and widely supported. When policies are created with input from multiple viewpoints, they are more likely to serve the broader public interest rather than just a narrow, partisan agenda. It’s how we move beyond gridlock and deliver real results for the American people.
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Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
Footnotes
