James Brenner (Florida)
James Brenner (Democratic Party) (also known as Jim) is running for election to the Florida House of Representatives to represent District 100. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.
Biography
James Brenner was born in Teaneck, New Jersey. He earned a high school diploma from Mamaroneck High School, a bachelor's degree from the Wesleyan University, Middletown in 1979, and a graduate degree from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in 1982. Brenner's career experience includes working as a business executive. He also has career experience in global finance and development.[1]
As of 2024, Brenner was affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- Board Member, US Vote Foundation
- Board Member, Dolphin Democrats
- Board Member & President, East Point Tower Condominium
- Board Member, Cultural Fluency Initiative
- Former Trustee, Wesleyan University
- Former Board Director, CAL Bank- Ghana
- Former Board and CEO: Broad Cove Partners
Elections
2026
See also: Florida House of Representatives elections, 2026
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for Florida House of Representatives District 100
James Brenner is running in the general election for Florida House of Representatives District 100 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | James Brenner (D) | |
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 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
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2024
See also: Florida House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for Florida House of Representatives District 100
Incumbent Chip LaMarca defeated James Brenner in the general election for Florida House of Representatives District 100 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Chip LaMarca (R) | 57.4 | 54,597 |
| James Brenner (D) | 42.6 | 40,502 | |
| Total votes: 95,099 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. James Brenner advanced from the Democratic primary for Florida House of Representatives District 100.
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- James Oaksun (D)
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Chip LaMarca advanced from the Republican primary for Florida House of Representatives District 100.
Campaign finance
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Brenner in this election.
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
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2024
James Brenner completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Brenner's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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- Fighting for Homeowners: Homeowners in our district face rising insurance costs, unfair condo fees, and policies that favor big business over regular people. As president of a large condo association, I’ve seen firsthand how state policies hurt working families and retirees alike. In Tallahassee, I will fight to bring down costs, demand accountability from insurance companies, and work to create real, lasting solutions that protect homeowners, ensuring that our community isn’t left behind by special interests and corporate lobbyists.
- Defending Freedom and Equality: Our freedoms are under attack by an extremist agenda in Tallahassee that’s limiting reproductive rights, undermining LGBTQ+ protections, and harming vulnerable communities. As a gay man who has lived through periods of repression, I know how crucial it is to fight for equality. I will defend reproductive rights, stand up for LGBTQ+ freedoms, and ensure that Florida remains a place where everyone can live with dignity, safety, and opportunity. I believe in a future where no one’s rights are up for debate.
- Real Solutions for Our Community: Florida needs bold, innovative solutions to tackle the pressing challenges we face. With over 30 years of experience in international finance, development, and grassroots housing projects, I have the skills and perspective to solve complex problems. I will focus on creating more affordable housing, addressing climate change head-on, and fostering sustainable development that benefits everyone, not just the wealthy few. My campaign is about bringing fresh, forward-thinking solutions that prioritize the well-being of our community.
I also admire historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Thurgood Marshall—individuals who fought tirelessly for justice and helped change the world for the better. Their courage and perseverance in the face of adversity continue to inspire me.
Krugman’s focus on the importance of government in creating equal opportunities, protecting social safety nets, and confronting corporate power resonates with my belief that government should serve the people, not special interests. His arguments for universal healthcare, fair taxation, and strong labor protections echo my commitment to fighting for policies that lower the cost of living for everyday Floridians, particularly homeowners facing rising insurance rates and fees.
In addition to Krugman’s work, I'd suggest "The Uninhabitable Earth" by David Wallace-Wells. This powerful work presents a stark and sobering look at the future we face if we fail to take action on climate change. Wallace-Wells highlights the catastrophic consequences of inaction while also emphasizing the urgency of finding solutions to protect our planet and future generations.
This book resonates with my deep commitment to tackling climate change, protecting Florida’s coastal communities, and promoting sustainable development. It aligns with my belief that bold, decisive action is necessary to ensure a livable, resilient future for all.
Integrity is paramount. Elected officials must be honest, transparent, and consistent in their values. Constituents need to trust that their representative will stand by their principles and make decisions in the public's best interest, not for personal gain or special interests. Integrity builds credibility and fosters faith in government.
Accountability means being answerable to the people you serve. Elected officials must recognize that they work for their constituents and are obligated to explain their decisions and actions. They should actively seek feedback and be open to criticism, acknowledging when they've made mistakes and working to correct them. Accountability also means avoiding special interest influence and making decisions based on what is right for the community, not for donors or lobbyists.
Empathy is crucial in understanding the needs and concerns of constituents. Elected officials must listen carefully and care deeply about the challenges facing the people they represent. Whether it’s understanding the impact of rising living costs, protecting civil rights, or addressing climate change, empathy allows officials to craft policies that truly reflect the needs of their community. Public servants must connect with people on a human level, recognizing the diversity of experiences and perspectives in their districts.
My diverse background in public service, finance, and grassroots development has equipped me with the ability to tackle complex issues, from insurance reform to climate change. I also bring a global perspective, having lived and worked in different parts of the world, which helps me understand diverse communities and problem-solve effectively.
Representing the Constituents: The most fundamental responsibility is to be the voice of the people in the district. An elected official must actively listen to the concerns, needs, and priorities of constituents—whether it's reducing the cost of living, addressing environmental issues, or protecting rights. It’s vital to advocate for the people, ensuring their voices are heard in Tallahassee.
Creating and Passing Laws: As a legislator, one must craft, propose, and vote on laws that benefit the district and the state. This includes drafting legislation that reflects the needs of the community, whether it’s lowering insurance costs, improving infrastructure, or defending civil liberties. It’s also important to work across the aisle when necessary to pass meaningful, impactful policies.
Holding Government Accountable: It is crucial to oversee the implementation of laws and ensure that government agencies are operating effectively and ethically. This means ensuring that policies, budgets, and programs are serving the public interest and holding agencies accountable when they fail to do so.
Supporting the Community: An elected official must serve as a resource for individuals and local organizations, providing assistance in navigating state services, addressing local concerns, and advocating for state support on critical issues like affordable housing, healthcare, and education.
I want to be remembered as a leader who stood up for reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ freedoms, and the civil liberties of all Floridians, defending these values in the face of growing extremism. Additionally, I would like my legacy to reflect bold action on climate change, particularly in protecting Florida’s coastal communities and ensuring a sustainable future for the state.
Lukas masterfully weaves the experiences of three families from different backgrounds, offering a nuanced perspective on a divisive time in American history. It’s a profound reminder of how deeply social justice, education, and inequality are interconnected, and it resonates with my commitment to understanding and addressing the struggles of everyday people in the face of political and social upheaval.
That experience, however, strengthened my resolve to fight for equality and inclusion for everyone. It shaped my passion for LGBTQ+ rights and my belief that no one should ever have to hide who they are or feel like they don’t belong. This struggle taught me the importance of resilience, empathy, and standing up for others, which I carry with me in all aspects of my life and public service.
The legislature should work constructively with the governor to pass laws and create policies that serve the public interest. However, it must remain independent and hold the governor accountable when necessary. This means scrutinizing executive actions, vetoing or amending bills when they overreach, and ensuring that the executive branch is faithfully implementing the laws passed by the legislature.
When the governor and the legislature share priorities, they should work together to deliver results for the state. But when they differ, the legislature must stand firm in representing the will of the people, protecting democratic processes, and preventing any erosion of checks and balances.
Climate Change and Resiliency: As a coastal state, Florida is on the front lines of rising sea levels, flooding, and extreme weather events. Our communities, particularly in South Florida, are already feeling the impact. Over the next decade, we must invest heavily in climate adaptation, infrastructure upgrades, and sustainable development to protect our homes, businesses, and natural resources. Ignoring these challenges could have devastating economic and environmental consequences.
Housing Affordability and Insurance Costs: The cost of living in Florida is becoming untenable for many residents, particularly homeowners and renters. Skyrocketing insurance rates, driven by an unregulated industry, combined with rapidly rising property values, are putting homeownership out of reach for many. We must address housing affordability, reform the insurance market, and ensure that people can afford to live, work, and retire in Florida.
Preserving Rights and Freedoms: In the coming years, Florida must confront the growing threats to individual freedoms, including attacks on reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ protections, and voter access. The push toward authoritarian policies under the current leadership is undermining our democratic values. Over the next decade, safeguarding civil rights and ensuring that Florida remains a state of freedom and opportunity for all will be a critical challenge.
However, experience should not come at the expense of fresh ideas and a strong connection to the community. Legislators without traditional political backgrounds can bring innovative perspectives, real-world experience, and a closer understanding of the everyday challenges people face. This diversity of experience enriches the policymaking process.
Good relationships foster trust, respect, and open communication, which are crucial when negotiating bills or addressing complex issues. By developing a network of allies in the legislature, a representative can more effectively advocate for their district's needs and gain support for their priorities. Additionally, bipartisan relationships are critical for overcoming political gridlock and crafting solutions that serve the broader public interest, rather than just party agendas.
Moreover, building these connections enhances a legislator’s ability to navigate the legislative process and work through committees, where much of the legislative groundwork takes place. Legislators who collaborate well with others can pool knowledge, strategize on shared goals, and have a better chance of advancing impactful legislation.
Another legislator I look up to is Barney Frank, with whom I had the privilege of working during my time on Capitol Hill. Frank was a strong advocate for financial reform, LGBTQ+ rights, and protecting the most vulnerable. His intellectual rigor, courage to speak truth to power, and ability to navigate complex issues while staying true to his progressive principles are qualities I admire. Frank showed that effective legislation requires a deep understanding of policy and a willingness to stand firm for justice, which I also aspire to bring to my own leadership.
St. Peter chuckled and said, "Well, now that you're here, all's well that ends well!"
The legislature should establish clear guidelines for when and how emergency powers can be invoked, and it should review any extensions of those powers. This ensures that emergency actions remain in line with the public interest, and that accountability is maintained. By involving the legislature, we can strike the right balance between swift action in times of crisis and preserving democratic principles.
Banking & Insurance Committee: With my background in finance, housing development, and capital markets, I’m passionate about reforming Florida's broken insurance system and ensuring homeowners and condo residents are not burdened by skyrocketing insurance costs. This committee would allow me to directly address the complex regulatory issues that are driving up rates and pushing people out of their homes. I want to work on legislation that holds insurance companies accountable, promotes affordability, and ensures fair practices in banking and financial services.
Environment, Agriculture & Flooding Committee: As someone deeply concerned about climate change and its impact on Florida, serving on this committee would allow me to advocate for bold environmental policies. Our district is on the front lines of climate change, with rising sea levels and increased flooding posing real threats to our coastal communities. I want to work on legislation that protects our environment, promotes sustainable development, and prepares our state for the challenges of a changing climate, ensuring that we prioritize resiliency and environmental justice.
Financial Transparency: Taxpayers deserve to know exactly how their money is being used. I support stringent reporting requirements and accessible public records so that every dollar spent by the government can be traced and justified. I also believe campaign finances should be transparent, ensuring voters know who is funding campaigns and who might be influencing policy decisions.
Government Accountability: Public officials must be held accountable for their actions. This means creating systems that allow for proper oversight of government agencies, and when necessary, imposing penalties for wrongdoing or incompetence. Accountability also means that elected representatives should be accessible and responsive to their constituents. People deserve regular updates on what their representatives are doing on their behalf.
If changes are considered, I would focus on maintaining accessibility for grassroots movements while preventing abuse by well-funded, out-of-state groups. For example, I’d support increasing transparency around who is funding ballot initiatives and potentially raising the signature threshold in a way that reflects genuine statewide support, without making it too burdensome for citizen-led efforts. Additionally, clear language requirements could help ensure voters fully understand the impact of each initiative.
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.
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
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Candidate Florida House of Representatives District 100 |
Personal |
Footnotes
