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Karl Cieslak
Karl Cieslak (Democratic Party) (also known as El Tigre) ran for election to the Florida House of Representatives to represent District 54. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Cieslak completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Karl Cieslak's career experience includes working in human resources. He earned an associate degree from Columbus State Community College in 2013, a bachelor's degree from Everglades University in 2020, and a graduate degree from Everglades University in 2022. Cieslak has been affiliated with the Society for Human Resource Management, Florida Democratic Environmental Caucus, and Florida Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Florida House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for Florida House of Representatives District 54
Incumbent Randy Maggard defeated Karl Cieslak in the general election for Florida House of Representatives District 54 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Randy Maggard (R) | 60.1 | 60,923 |
 | Karl Cieslak (D)  | 39.9 | 40,434 | |
| Total votes: 101,357 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Karl Cieslak advanced from the Democratic primary for Florida House of Representatives District 54.
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Randy Maggard advanced from the Republican primary for Florida House of Representatives District 54.
Campaign finance
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Cieslak in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Karl Cieslak completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Cieslak's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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As a gay man running for public office for the first time, my campaign focuses on the 'Power of One' and 'True Authenticity.' I aim to tackle issues like the high costs of homeowners and auto insurance, Women's Reproductive Rights, and economic equality. I believe in the freedom for all Floridians to be healthy, prosperous, and safe.
Inspired by my parents' dedication to service, I am committed to advocating for the voiceless. My mother, a retired nurse, and my father, a 20-year Air Force veteran, instilled in me the values of service and compassion. Their support and guidance have driven me to stand up for those who need a voice. My mother’s passing last year profoundly impacted me and reinforced my resolve to advocate for the voiceless and those afraid to speak up.
I am actively involved in my community, including leadership roles at my local Episcopal church. I am a newly active voting member of the Democratic Party of Florida, engaging in local party meetings, voter outreach, and volunteering for various campaigns. I am also committed to fighting for Quality Education and LGBTQ+ Rights.- Affordable Insurance for All Floridians: The runaway costs of homeowners and auto insurance are placing an undue burden on families and individuals in our community. As your representative, I am committed to fighting for fair and affordable insurance premiums. I will work tirelessly to reform insurance regulations, promote transparency in the industry, and hold companies accountable for unjust rate hikes. Everyone deserves the peace of mind that comes from knowing their home and vehicle are protected without financial strain. Let's ensure that affordable insurance is a reality for all Floridians.
- Women’s Reproductive Health Rights and Healthcare Women’s reproductive rights and access to comprehensive healthcare are non-negotiable. I will fight to protect a woman’s right to choose and ensure that healthcare services are accessible and affordable. This includes advocating for policies that provide full reproductive healthcare, including contraception and safe, legal abortion.
- Economic Equality Economic equality is essential for the prosperity of all Floridians. I will work to create policies that promote fair wages, support small businesses, and provide equal opportunities for all. This includes addressing income inequality, ensuring workers' rights, and fostering an economy where everyone can thrive. I am committed to strengthening anti-discrimination laws and reinstating a robust Department of Labor to protect workers and promote fair employment practices.
In politics, I admire Fentrice Driscoll, the Minority Leader in the Florida House, for her strong leadership, progressive values, and ability to build coalitions across party lines. Her dedication to her constituents and her inclusive approach to policymaking are qualities I strive to emulate. I also respect former State Senator Jeff Brandes for his pragmatic and innovative approach to legislation. His focus on criminal justice reform, transportation solutions, and technological innovation demonstrates a commitment to practical, forward-thinking solutions.
Integrity is a central theme in "The Shawshank Redemption." Andy remains committed to his principles even when faced with corruption and injustice. This reflects my belief in honesty and ethical behavior in public service, crucial for building trust with constituents and ensuring decisions serve the public's best interests.
The film also highlights the power of perseverance and resilience. Andy’s hope and determination to improve his situation and ultimately achieve justice are central to the story. This perseverance reminds me to remain steadfast in the face of adversity, focusing on long-term goals.
Empathy is another key theme. Andy forms meaningful relationships with fellow inmates, showing the importance of understanding and compassion. His actions reflect my belief in empathy's power to build strong, supportive communities.
Empathy: Understanding and compassion for constituents' experiences help create policies that genuinely serve the community. Empathetic officials can connect with diverse backgrounds and address unique concerns effectively.
Commitment to Public Service: Prioritizing the well-being of the community over personal or political gain is the foundation of effective leadership. This dedication ensures officials remain focused on constituents' needs.
Responsiveness: Being accessible and attentive to constituents' concerns fosters strong relationships and ensures the government remains attuned to public needs.
Vision: Having a clear, forward-thinking outlook and the ability to implement long-term goals inspires progress and innovation, guiding communities toward a brighter future.
Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues, constituents, and stakeholders promotes unity and ensures diverse perspectives are considered in decision-making.
Resilience: The ability to remain steadfast and focused in the face of challenges, setbacks, and opposition is vital. Resilient officials can navigate difficult situations and continue to work toward their objectives.
Adaptability: Being open to new ideas and able to adjust strategies in response to changing circumstances allows leaders to effectively address emerging issues and leverage opportunities for improvement.
Fiscal Responsibility: Managing public resources wisely ensures taxpayer money is used efficiently and effectively to benefit the community, maximizing public value and sustainability.
My leadership skills have been developed through my experience as a Senior Human Resources Manager and General Manager. I am adept at motivating teams, managing complex situations, and making informed decisions for the benefit of all.
Integrity and honesty are fundamental to me. I believe in maintaining high ethical standards to build trust with constituents and ensure accountable governance.
I possess strong problem-solving abilities, honed through my experience in project management and human resources. I am adept at analyzing situations, identifying issues, and developing effective strategies to address them.
Effective communication is key, and I take pride in being an active listener and clear communicator, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered.
As an openly gay man and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I understand the importance of inclusivity and representation. I am committed to advocating for the rights of all individuals and ensuring that everyone feels valued and respected.
Balancing progressive values with fiscal responsibility is crucial to me. I am committed to careful budgeting to ensure that policies are effective and sustainable.
I believe in collaborative efforts and working across party lines to achieve common goals. Building strong relationships and finding common ground are essential for creating compelling and lasting change.
Providing constituent services is essential. Elected officials must be accessible and responsive to the needs and concerns of their constituents, addressing individual issues, assisting with government services, and ensuring community voices are heard.
Fiscal responsibility requires managing public funds wisely, approving budgets, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring taxpayer money is spent efficiently to benefit the community.
Community representation is vital. Elected officials represent the community's interests and values, staying informed about local issues, engaging with community members, and advocating for their needs and priorities.
Collaboration and networking are significant. This involves working with other elected officials, government agencies, and community organizations to build consensus and create effective policies, fostering partnerships to drive community initiatives.
Transparency and accountability must be upheld. Elected officials should maintain transparency in decision-making and be accountable for their actions, regularly communicating with constituents about legislative activities and outcomes.
Ensuring the effective implementation of enacted laws and policies is crucial. Oversight of government agencies and programs ensures they operate efficiently and achieve their intended goals.
Inclusivity and Equality: I want to be known for championing inclusivity and equality, ensuring that everyone's rights are respected and that diverse voices are heard and valued.
Economic Stability: By addressing issues like affordable housing, insurance costs, and job creation, I aim to leave behind a community with a stable and thriving economy that provides opportunities for all.
Quality Education: Advocating for quality education and accessible resources will help create a foundation for future generations to succeed and innovate.
Healthcare Access: Ensuring that everyone has access to affordable healthcare is vital for a healthy community. My efforts to expand healthcare services and reduce costs will contribute to a more secure and supportive environment.
Environmental Stewardship: Promoting sustainable practices and protecting our natural resources is crucial for the well-being of our community and future generations.
Why I Love "The Appeal":
1. Intriguing Plot: The book's plot is gripping and thought-provoking. It exposes the lengths to which powerful entities will go to manipulate the legal system for their benefit, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
2. Real-World Relevance: "The Appeal" tackles real-world issues such as corporate greed, environmental damage, and the erosion of justice. It provides a critical look at how big money can corrupt the political and judicial processes, making it highly relevant and impactful.
3. Complex Characters: The characters in the book are well-developed and multi-dimensional. Grisham's portrayal of both the protagonists and antagonists adds depth to the story, making readers empathize with their struggles and motivations.
4. Insight into the Legal System: As a legal drama, "The Appeal" offers a fascinating insight into the workings of the judicial system. It highlights the challenges faced by those seeking justice and the potential for corruption within the system.
5. Thought-Provoking Themes: The book raises important questions about ethics, justice, and the influence of money in politics. It encourages readers to think critically about these issues and their impact on society.
Why Tigger?
1. Boundless Energy: Tigger's enthusiasm and zest for life are infectious. His ability to find joy in every situation is something I strive to emulate in my own life.
2. Positivity: No matter the challenge, Tigger always maintains a positive outlook. His optimism is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying hopeful and looking on the bright side, even in difficult times.
3. Resilience: Tigger bounces back—literally and figuratively—from setbacks with a smile on his face. This resilience is crucial in both personal and professional life, helping to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward.
4. Friendship: Tigger is a loyal friend who brings fun and laughter to the Hundred Acre Wood. His dedication to his friends and his ability to uplift those around him are qualities I deeply value and strive to embody in my relationships.
5. Authenticity: Tigger is unapologetically himself, embracing his uniqueness with confidence. This authenticity is something I admire and strive to incorporate into my own life, encouraging others to do the same.
In contemporary music, "Apologize" by OneRepublic frequently gets stuck in my head. Its powerful lyrics and emotional intensity resonate with me, making it a memorable and impactful song that I often find myself humming. Both of these songs, in their unique ways, inspire and motivate me, making them favorites in my playlist.
A poignant example of this struggle was inviting my grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa Cieslak, to my wedding. At the time, my now-husband Mark and I had a heartfelt conversation, acknowledging our doubts about whether they would attend. I had never fully come out to them, and given their age—they are now 91 and 92 years old in 2024, having lived through the Great Depression—I feared they might not accept our relationship.
To my surprise and immense joy, not only did they come to our wedding, but they also expressed their love and support for both me and Mark. Their acceptance and unwavering support, despite generational and societal differences, deeply moved me and reinforced the importance of love and understanding.
Balancing professional responsibilities with personal challenges has also been difficult. Working in high-pressure roles within the hospitality industry while navigating my personal journey required immense resilience and perseverance. However, these experiences have taught me the value of empathy, understanding, and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Principled Cooperation: Even with disagreements, it’s crucial to find common ground on issues that benefit Floridians.
Constructive Engagement: Challenge policies respectfully, advocate for alternatives, and work with like-minded legislators for positive change.
Transparency and Accountability: Maintain transparency and hold the governor accountable to ensure governance serves the people’s interests.
Advocacy and Representation: Continue to be a strong voice for equality, justice, and economic stability, even when opposing the governor.
Focus on Shared Goals: Identify and work on shared objectives like economic development and public safety.
Upholding Democratic Values: Respect legislative processes, advocate for the rule of law, and ensure all voices are heard.
Effective Opposition: When collaboration isn’t possible, mobilize public support and use legislative tools to block harmful policies while presenting a clear alternative vision.
1. Climate Change and Environmental Protection: Rising sea levels, increased frequency of hurricanes, and the preservation of our natural ecosystems are critical issues. We must invest in sustainable infrastructure and environmental protections.
2. Affordable Housing: The cost of housing is rising, making it difficult for many Floridians to afford a home. We need policies that promote affordable housing development and protect renters.
3. Healthcare Access and Affordability: Ensuring all Floridians have access to affordable healthcare is vital. This includes addressing prescription drug costs and expanding mental health services.
4. Education Funding and Quality: Improving the quality of education by increasing funding for public schools, supporting teachers, and ensuring access to higher education and vocational training.
5. Economic Inequality: Addressing the gap between the wealthy and the economically disadvantaged by promoting job creation, supporting small businesses, and ensuring a living wage for all workers.
6. Infrastructure Development: Investing in modernizing our infrastructure, including transportation, water systems, and internet access, to support growth and resilience.
7. Insurance Costs: The runaway costs of homeowners and auto insurance are burdening Floridians. We need regulatory reforms to make insurance more affordable and fair.
8. Civil Rights and Social Justice: Protecting the rights of all citizens, including women’s reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ rights, and ensuring that all Floridians are treated with dignity and respect.
1. Fresh Perspectives: New voices can bring innovative ideas and solutions to longstanding problems. People from diverse backgrounds can offer unique insights that career politicians might overlook.
2. Responsiveness to Constituents: Legislators without deep ties to the political establishment are often more in tune with the needs and concerns of everyday citizens. They are more likely to prioritize the interests of their constituents over those of lobbyists.
3. Reduced Influence of Lobbyists: Career politicians often develop close relationships with lobbyists, which can lead to decisions that favor special interests over the public good. Newcomers are less likely to be swayed by these influences and can focus on serving the people.
4. Accountability and Transparency: New legislators can push for greater accountability and transparency in government, promoting policies that ensure elected officials remain answerable to their constituents.
5. Encouraging Civic Engagement: Electing individuals without prior political experience can inspire more citizens to get involved in the political process, fostering a more engaged and active electorate.
1. Collaborative Problem-Solving: Building relationships with legislators, even those with different views, fosters a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives can be considered. This often leads to more comprehensive and effective solutions for the people we serve.
2. Bipartisan Cooperation: Working across party lines is essential for passing meaningful legislation. Good relationships make it easier to find common ground and build bipartisan support for important issues.
3. Collective Strength: A network of supportive colleagues can amplify efforts to advocate for policies and initiatives. It takes a village to address complex challenges, and strong relationships enable legislators to pool their resources and expertise.
4. Improved Communication: Healthy relationships promote open and respectful communication, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts. This helps create a more productive legislative process.
5. Enhanced Advocacy: When legislators work together, they can better advocate for their constituents’ needs. By building alliances, they can push for policies that benefit their communities and achieve better outcomes.
Fentrice Driscoll (Democrat): As the Minority Leader in the Florida House, Driscoll exemplifies strong leadership, progressive values, and a commitment to social justice. Her ability to build coalitions across party lines and advocate effectively for her constituents is inspiring. Driscoll's inclusive approach ensures diverse voices are heard, and her dedication to improving the lives of Floridians is a model I aspire to follow.
Jeff Brandes (Republican, Former State Senator): Brandes is known for his pragmatic, innovative approach and willingness to work across party lines. His focus on criminal justice reform, transportation solutions, and technological innovation showcases his commitment to practical, forward-thinking solutions. Brandes’s independence from strict party ideology and prioritization of constituents' needs over partisan politics are qualities I deeply respect.
Why I Choose to Model After These Legislators:
Balance of Advocacy and Pragmatism: By combining Driscoll's progressive advocacy with Brandes's pragmatic solutions, I aim to be an effective legislator.
Commitment to Constituents: Both Driscoll and Brandes demonstrate a deep commitment to their constituents, which I strive to emulate.
Collaborative Leadership: Their ability to build coalitions and work collaboratively is essential for effective governance, which I seek to foster.
Innovative Solutions: Brandes’s focus on innovation inspires me to find creative ways to address Florida's challenges.
Her situation became even more dire when her insurance bill for wind coverage skyrocketed from approximately $13,000 to nearly $30,000. This enormous increase has placed an unbearable financial strain on her, forcing her to make impossible choices that no one should have to face.
Kathy's story highlights the severe impact of the current insurance crisis on Floridians. Despite her efforts to manage her finances responsibly, she is now burdened with trade-offs that jeopardize her health and financial stability. This underscores the urgent need for reform in our insurance system to ensure that hardworking residents like Kathy are not forced into such untenable positions.
Because they make up everything!
Her situation became even more dire when her insurance bill for wind coverage skyrocketed from approximately $13,000 to nearly $30,000. This enormous increase has placed an unbearable financial strain on her, forcing her to make impossible choices that no one should have to face. Kathy's story is a stark illustration of the severe impact of the current insurance crisis on Floridians. Despite her efforts to manage her finances responsibly, she is now burdened with trade-offs that jeopardize her health and financial stability.
This underscores the urgent need for reform in our insurance system to ensure that hardworking residents like Kathy are not forced into such untenable positions. Kathy's experience is a powerful reminder of why I am committed to addressing the runaway costs of homeowners insurance. It motivates me to advocate for policies that provide financial relief and stability to families, ensuring they do not have to choose between their health and the security of their homes.
1. Rate Regulation: Implementing stricter insurance rate increases regulations to prevent unjustifiable premiums spikes, ensuring that any rate hikes are thoroughly justified and transparent.
2. Risk Pooling: Establishing a statewide risk pool to spread the risk more evenly among insurers, helping to stabilize rates and provide more affordable options for homeowners, particularly those in high-risk areas.
3. Consumer Protection: Enhancing consumer protections by increasing transparency in insurance policies, ensuring that homeowners fully understand their coverage and any potential rate changes.
4. Incentives for Mitigation: Providing incentives for homeowners to invest in wind mitigation and other safety measures, which can reduce the risk of damage and, consequently, lower insurance premiums.
5. Accountability and Oversight: Reforming the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) to be more proactive in working with insurers. This includes streamlining processes, increasing cooperation, and ensuring that the OIR balances consumer protection with the need for a competitive and stable insurance market.
6. Increased Competition: Streamlining the licensing process and reducing barriers to entry will encourage increased competition from out-of-state insurance providers. This will help create a more competitive market, potentially lowering homeowners' premiums through increased options.
Reason: Given your focus on addressing the runaway costs of homeowners and auto insurance, this committee would provide a platform to influence and create policies aimed at regulating and reducing insurance premiums.
Education Committee
Reason: Your commitment to quality education for all makes this committee a natural fit. You can advocate for increased funding for public schools, support for higher education, and vocational training programs.
Health & Human Services Committee
Reason: Protecting women's reproductive health rights and ensuring accessible healthcare are central to your campaign. This committee would allow you to work on expanding healthcare access and affordability.
Commerce Committee
Reason: Your background in hospitality and management gives you insights into the needs of businesses. This committee focuses on economic development, supporting small businesses, and job creation—areas where you can make a significant impact.
Judiciary Committee
Reason: As someone who is passionate about fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, this committee would allow you to address civil rights issues and work on legislation to combat discrimination and promote equality.
Appropriations Committee
Reason: With your commitment to fiscal responsibility, being on the Appropriations Committee would enable you to oversee state budget allocations, ensuring funds are used efficiently and effectively to benefit all Floridians.
Veterans Affairs Committee
Reason: Given your father's service in the Air Force, you have a personal connection to veterans' issues. This committee would allow you to advocate for the needs and rights of veterans and their families.
Local Administration & Veterans Affairs Committee
Financial transparency involves the clear, accessible, and timely disclosure of financial information by the government. This includes budgets, expenditures, and financial audits. Transparency allows citizens to see how their tax dollars are being spent and ensures that funds are allocated efficiently and effectively. It helps prevent corruption and misuse of resources by making it easier to identify and address financial discrepancies and unethical practices. For me, promoting financial transparency is about building trust with constituents. When people have access to clear and accurate financial information, they can hold their elected officials accountable and feel more confident in the integrity of their government.
Government accountability means that public officials are answerable for their actions and decisions. This includes being responsive to the needs and concerns of constituents, adhering to ethical standards, and being open to scrutiny. Accountability mechanisms, such as independent audits, oversight committees, and public reporting, are essential for ensuring that officials act in the public's best interest. Accountability fosters a culture of integrity and responsibility, encouraging officials to perform their duties diligently and ethically. It also empowers citizens to participate more actively in the democratic process, knowing their voices and concerns will be heard and addressed.
1. Lowering Signature Thresholds: Reduce the number of required signatures to get an initiative on the ballot, making it more feasible for citizens to bring important issues directly to voters.
2. Streamlining the Process: Simplify the procedural requirements for submitting and validating initiatives to ensure that citizen-driven measures can move forward without unnecessary delays and obstacles.
3. Ensuring Legislative Compliance and Accountability: Implement measures to ensure that the legislature respects and enacts the will of the voters. If lawmakers fail to implement approved initiatives or deliberately disrupt the will of the constituents, there should be punitive consequences. Introducing recall elections as a punitive measure would allow citizens to hold their elected officials accountable and ensure that their voices are respected.
4. Enhancing Transparency: Increase transparency in the ballot initiative process, including clear reporting requirements for both supporters and opponents of initiatives, to ensure that voters are fully informed.
5. Protecting Voter Intent: Safeguard the integrity of citizen initiatives by preventing lawmakers from undermining or altering approved measures without voter consent.
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
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Florida House of Representatives District 54 |
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Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 6, 2024
