Ashley Baptiste

Ashley Baptiste

Republican Party

Candidate, U.S. Senate Florida

Elections and appointments

Next election

August 18, 2026

Education

High school

Gateway High School

Associates

Southern New Hampshire University, 2021

Associates

Southern New Hampshire University, 2024

Associates

Southern New Hampshire University, 2025

Bachelor's

Southern New Hampshire University, 2026

Personal

Birthplace

Lakeland, FL

Religion

Christian

Profession

Business Administrator

Contact

Campaign X

Campaign YouTube

Personal Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Ashley Baptiste (Republican Party) is running in a special election to the U.S. Senate to represent Florida. She declared candidacy for the special Republican primary scheduled on August 18, 2026.

Baptiste completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Ashley Baptiste was born in Lakeland, Florida. Baptiste earned a high school diploma from Gateway High School, an associate degree in business administration from Southern New Hampshire University in 2024, an associate degree in criminal justice from Southern New Hampshire University in 2025, and a bachelor's degree in political science from Southern New Hampshire University in 2026. Her career experience includes working as a business administrator.

Elections

2026

See also: United States Senate special election in Florida, 2026

General election

The primary will occur on August 18, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. Additional general election candidates will be added here following the primary.

Special general election for U.S. Senate Florida

Neelam Perry is running in the special general election for U.S. Senate Florida on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Neelam Perry (No Party Affiliation)

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	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Special Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Florida

The following candidates are running in the special Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Florida on August 18, 2026.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Joey Mendoza Atkins
		Paul Ron Cruz
	Submit photo	Frank DiMola
	Submit photo	Charles Gould
		Alan Grayson
		Tamika Lyles
	Submit photo	Evelyn McBride
		Hector Mujica
		Angela Nixon
	Submit photo	Dennis Stevens
		Alex Vindman

---

	There are no incumbents in this race.
= 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.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Jennifer Jenkins (D)
• Joshua Weil (D)

Republican primary election

Special Republican primary for U.S. Senate Florida

The following candidates are running in the special Republican primary for U.S. Senate Florida on August 18, 2026.

		Candidate
		Ashley B. Moody
		Ashley Baptiste
		Chris Gleason
		Michaelangelo Hamilton
	Submit photo	Jake Lang
		A.C. Toulme

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= 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.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.

Campaign themes

2026

NOTE: On January 8, 2026, Baptiste stated that her favorite book is The Waterboy.

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Ashley Baptiste completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Baptiste's responses.

Expand all | Collapse all

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?

• Climate change can affect the projectory of United States of America. We can change the course of the its impact in our country.
• The economy is based on our strong American currency. Health care is an essential part in the quality of lives in our citizens.
• Health care is an essential part in the quality of lives in our citizens.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Climate Change, Economy, and Health Care

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.

Note: Baptiste submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on January 6, 2026.

Show past responsesHide past responses

September 29 submission

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have lived in Florida for 30 years.

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?

• Climate change can affect the projectory of United States of America. We can change the course of the its impact in our country.
• The economy is based on our strong American currency. Health care is an essential part in the quality of lives in our citizens.
• Health care is an essential part in the quality of lives in our citizens.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Climate Change, Economy, and Health Care

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

The President of the United States of America.

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

The ability to represent their designated geographical location.

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

The expertise to identify and implement new procedures in the area.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The history of the United States of America.

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

An event that had an effect on the entire nation.

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

A clothing store for 7 months.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Aristotle's Organon.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

A religious fictional character on a televised series geared towards education.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Expanding land.

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

Economical,

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I am dedicated to serving the term on office.

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

Intellectual property, Diligence, and Public Relations.

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

I believe experience is a great component.

What do you think of the filibuster?

Debates should be based on logical information that has been scientifically processed through a uniform method.

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

No.

How would you evaluate a judicial nominee?

All requirements must be met. Interviews may be necessary.

What kind of relationships would you build with other senators?

One that strengthens our community.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, new policies must adhere to the United States constitution

How should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers?

To review applications and procedures to implement policies are inspected to certify they are adhering to the level necessary for effectiveness.

What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet?

All requirements must be met.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

The sidewalk repairs.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Graduating college.

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence should be used in moderation to protect the health and intellectual property of citizens.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

The representation of citizens on a bill to be processed.

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.

Note: Baptiste submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on September 29, 2025.

September 23 submission

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have lived in Florida for 30 years.

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?

• Climate change can affect the projectory of United States of America. We can change the course of the its impact in our country.
• The economy is based on our strong American currency.
• Health care is an essential part in the quality of lives in our citizens.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Climate change, healthcare, and secure employment.

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

The President of the United States of America.

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

The ability to represent their designated geographical location.

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

The expertise to identify and implement new procedures in the area.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The history of the United States of America.

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

An event that had an effect on the entire nation.

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

A clothing store (7 months).

What is your favorite book? Why?

Aristotle's Organon

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

A religious fictional character on a televised series geared towards education.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Expanding land

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

Economical

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I am dedicated to serving the term on office.

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

Intellectual property, Diligence, and Public Relations.

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

I believe experience is a great component.

What do you think of the filibuster?

Debates should be based on logical information that has been scientifically processed through a uniform method.

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

No

How would you evaluate a judicial nominee?

All requirements must be met. Interviews may be necessary.

What kind of relationships would you build with other senators?

One that strengthens our community.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, new policies must adhere to the United States constitution.

How should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers?

To review applications and procedures to implement policies are inspected to certify they are adhering to the level necessary for effectiveness.

What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet?

All requirements must be met.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

The sidewalk repairs

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Graduating college

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence should be used in moderation to protect the health and intellectual property of citizens.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

The representation of citizens on a bill to be processed.

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.

Note: Baptiste submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on September 23, 2025.

September 21 submission

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Ashley Baptiste has lived in Florida for 30 years.

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?

• The economy is based on our strong American currency.
• Health care is an essential part in the quality of lives in our citizens.
• Education gives us the academic expertise in secure employment sectors.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Economics, health, and education

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

The President of the United States of America

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

The ability to represent their designated geographical location,

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

The expertise to identify and implement new procedures in the area.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The history on the United States of America.

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

September 11, 2001

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

Macy's (7 months)

What is your favorite book? Why?

Aristotle's Organon

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

A religious fictional character on a televised series geared towards education.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Expanding land

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

Economical

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I am dedicated to serving the term on office.

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

Intellectual property, Diligence, and Public Relations

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

I believe experience is a great component.

What do you think of the filibuster?

Debates should be based on logical information that has been scientifically processed through a uniform method,

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

No

How would you evaluate a judicial nominee?

All requirements must be met. Interviews may be necessary.

What kind of relationships would you build with other senators?

One that strengthens our community.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, new policies must adhere to the United States constitution.

How should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers?

To ensure applications and procedures to implement policies are rigorously inspected to certify they are adhering the level necessary to be effective.

What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet?

All requirements must be met.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

The sidewalk repairs

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Graduating college

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence should be used inmiderationto protect the health and intellectual property of citizens.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

The representation of citizens on a bill to be processed.

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.

Note: Baptiste submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on September 21, 2025.

Campaign finance summary

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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.

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Ashley Baptiste campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2026*	U.S. Senate Florida	Candidacy Declared primary	$0	N/A**
Grand total			$0	N/A**
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Election Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

See also

2026 Elections

What's on the ballot? U.S. Congress U.S. Congress special elections State executives State legislatures State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards Election analysis hub

Government

Who represents me? U.S. Congress State executives State legislators State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards

Newsletters

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External links

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Candidate

U.S. Senate Florida

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Footnotes

[show]

Florida's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Ashley Moody (R)

Rick Scott (R)

Representatives

District 1

Jimmy Patronis (R)

District 2

Neal Dunn (R)

District 3

Kat Cammack (R)

District 4

Aaron Bean (R)

District 5

John Rutherford (R)

District 6

Randy Fine (R)

District 7

Cory Mills (R)

District 8

Mike Haridopolos (R)

District 9

Darren Soto (D)

District 10

Maxwell Frost (D)

District 11

Daniel Webster (R)

District 12

Gus Bilirakis (R)

District 13

Anna Luna (R)

District 14

Kathy Castor (D)

District 15

Laurel Lee (R)

District 16

Vern Buchanan (R)

District 17

Greg Steube (R)

District 18

Scott Franklin (R)

District 19

Byron Donalds (R)

District 20

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D)

District 21

Brian Mast (R)

District 22

Lois Frankel (D)

District 23

Jared Moskowitz (D)

District 24

Frederica Wilson (D)

District 25

Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D)

District 26

Mario Diaz-Balart (R)

District 27

Maria Elvira Salazar (R)

District 28

Carlos Gimenez (R)

Republican Party (22)

Democratic Party (8)