Your monthly support provides voters the knowledge they need to make confident decisions at the polls. Donate today.

Keith Abel

From Ballotpedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Keith Abel
Image of Keith Abel

Candidate, Florida House of Representatives District 98

Elections and appointments
Next election

November 3, 2026

Education

High school

Miramar High School

Bachelor's

Ashford University, 2018

Graduate

Florida International University, 2022

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Army

Years of service

1988 - 2019

Personal
Birthplace
Hollywood, Fla.
Religion
Baptist
Profession
Military
Contact

Keith Abel (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Florida House of Representatives to represent District 98. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.[source]

Elections

2026

See also: Florida House of Representatives elections, 2026

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for Florida House of Representatives District 98

Incumbent Mitch Rosenwald and Keith Abel are running in the general election for Florida House of Representatives District 98 on November 3, 2026.

Candidate
Image of Mitch Rosenwald
Mitch Rosenwald (D)
Image of Keith Abel
Keith Abel (D)

Candidate Connection = 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.

2024

See also: Florida House of Representatives elections, 2024

General election

The general election was canceled. Mitch Rosenwald won election in the general election for Florida House of Representatives District 98.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Florida House of Representatives District 98

Mitch Rosenwald defeated Emily Rodrigues, Keith Abel, and Shelton Pooler in the Democratic primary for Florida House of Representatives District 98 on August 20, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Mitch Rosenwald
Mitch Rosenwald
 
37.2
 
5,641
Image of Emily Rodrigues
Emily Rodrigues Candidate Connection
 
28.7
 
4,360
Image of Keith Abel
Keith Abel Candidate Connection
 
20.8
 
3,153
Shelton Pooler
 
13.3
 
2,013

Total votes: 15,167
Candidate Connection = 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

Campaign finance

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Abel in this election.

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Keith Abel has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. If you are Keith Abel, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who fills out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey?

Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete Ballotpedia's Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's Ballotpedia profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for.  More than 23,000 candidates have taken Ballotpedia's candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here.

Help improve Ballotpedia - send us candidate contact info.

2024

Candidate Connection

Keith Abel completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Abel's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

I am a retired, distinguished, and decorated veteran, serving thirty years in the United States Army. Military service instilled a deep sense of pride and commitment to public service. This experience, marked by numerous national and international assignments, broadened my perspective and equipped me with the skills and abilities necessary to serve the diverse needs of District 98 effectively. My military career includes notable deployments to two war-zone areas: Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. These experiences, where I led successful missions and received commendations for my service, honed my leadership and decision-making skills and deepened my commitment to serving others and promoting peace and stability.

My educational background includes a Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Marketing, which provides me with a robust skill set. These skills will be instrumental in effectively managing the district's resources and communicating with constituents. They will also help to bridge the gap between theory and real-world experience to deliver tangible results for District 98.

My commitment to public service extends beyond my military and professional career. I currently serve as President of the Broward County Veteran Caucus and as a member of the Board of Adjustment for Oakland Park, FL. I am affiliated with several veteran organizations, including the Veteran of Foreign War (VFW) Post.
  • The lack of affordable housing and the rising cost of living in our state have become significant burdens for many Floridians. Escalating housing prices and rent make it increasingly difficult for individuals and families to secure decent and affordable accommodations. To address this, I propose a comprehensive approach. This includes supporting legislative law that incentivizes the construction of affordable housing units, implementing rent control measures, and providing financial assistance to low-income households.
  • Expanding Medicare coverage is critical for our state's aging population. Seniors struggle to afford the rising costs of healthcare and prescription drugs, often forcing them to make difficult choices between their health and financial well-being. Expanding Medicare coverage and implementing measures to control the cost of essential healthcare services and medications would alleviate this burden and ensure our elderly citizens receive the care they deserve.
  • Women's reproductive rights are a matter of utmost urgency. Ensuring that women have access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare services is not just essential but a pressing need for preserving their autonomy and bodily integrity. Our state must now uphold and protect these fundamental rights, safeguarding the well-being and dignity of women across Florida.
I believe that all the public policies are of concern to me, and that is why I am a candidate for Representative of the Florida State Legislature District 98. My passion, however lies in the following areas:

1. Armed Forces and National Security
2. Civil Rights and Liberties
3. Commerce
4. Education
5. Families

6. Housing- Quality affordable houses
I look up to my parents in the highest esteem. Their example shaped my life, and I am deeply grateful for their influence. My parents have been incredible role models, demonstrating perseverance and commitment in everything they do. Their dedication to our family, careers, and personal growth has been inspiring. Their unwavering commitment to their values, such as hard work, and their goals, like providing a good life for our family, has shown me the importance of staying true to oneself, even when faced with difficult decisions. This has instilled in me a deep sense of integrity and purpose, shaping my values and goals.
In order to understand my political philosophy, I suggest reading about anthropocentrism in its’ broadest sense which allows for the inclusion of ecological concerns. In addition, one should read up on facilitative leadership to understand my leadership style.
My unwavering commitment to public service is not just a testament to my dedication to making a positive difference in the district. It also reflects my belief in the power of service to bring about meaningful change and my deep respect for the individuals and communities I am privileged to serve. Listed below are my qualities that will be beneficial in being a successful officeholder:

1. Effective communication skills:
2. Problem-solving mindset: I feel energized when I tackle complex issues and find innovative solutions.
3. Integrity and transparency: You can count on me to always be honest and open in my actions and decisions.

4. Collaborative spirit: I am excited about working across party lines to achieve the best outcomes for our district.
The core responsibilities of someone elected to this office are to function as the people's voice, maintain open lines of communication, and regularly engage with constituents to understand their needs and priorities. As your representative, I am committed to being analytical and addressing the issues most matter to District 98 residents.

Another responsibility is to assist with shaping the state's budget while ensuring that our tax dollars are allocated fairly, wisely, and efficiently and prioritizing programs and initiatives that directly benefit the community.

Finally, representatives need to be passive listeners and active advocates. They champion causes and policies and demonstrate their commitment to addressing residents' pressing issues through research, collaboration with colleagues, and advocacy for legislation.
I strive to leave a legacy that is filled with moments of helping others while embracing the joy life offers and being adaptable to change.
The first historical event in my lifetime occurred while standing at the open door of a C-130 aircraft plane, a staggering 1,250 feet in the sky at Fort Benning Airborne School. My heart was pounding while adrenaline coursed through my veins. The anticipation was electric. Then, in a moment of exhilaration, I jumped out of the plane. The jump was followed by the sudden jerk of the parachute opening, unlike anything I'd ever felt.

That jump was a thrilling experience and the beginning of an extraordinary journey. It was a moment that changed everything. I'm thrilled to tell you I went on to several more jumps and became an Airborne Soldier in the United States Army! It's an honor few people get to experience, and I'm incredibly proud that I served our country in this unique and exhilarating capacity. The thrill of those experiences is something that words can hardly capture.

This journey taught me much about courage, discipline, and pushing beyond my limits. It was not just a series of jumps but a transformative experience that shaped my character and instilled in me a sense of duty and honor.
My very first job was as a newspaper delivery person, which was a significant milestone in my life. I held this fantastic position for two years, and it was an incredible experience that shaped my work ethic and taught me about responsibility. It's a testament to the importance of early experiences in shaping my character. 
As a Man Thinketh” is my favorite book. The book had a profound impact on my life. It vividly illustrates the extraordinary influence our thoughts have in creating our reality. It imparts profound and practical wisdom for personal development and success and equipped me with the tools to shape my reality. Its’ succinct yet potent message is universally applicable, making us all part of a shared journey of personal growth and success.
If I could step into the shoes of any fictional character, it would be Batman. His unwavering commitment to justice, his moral integrity, and his use of his abilities to serve and protect the community are qualities I deeply admire.
The last song that stuck in my head is “Second Time Around.”
Eating dessert before dinner has been a struggle for me.
The ideal relationship between the governor and legislature is to consider matters brought about by the governor or introduced by the legislature to create legislation that becomes law without bias based on party affiliation.
Florida’s greatest challenge over the next decade will be population growth. Along with that will come the loss of habitats for endangered species, the inability to manage climate change issues, and the overdevelopment of its valuable land.
They do not need to have prior experience. I believe that legislators should have term limits. They need the chance to get in and learn the system and use the rest of the time creating laws that are fair and unbiased for all Floridians. Four years should be the maximum time allotted to serve.
Yes, it is very important that those relationships are built. It gives them time to learn about the issues affecting Floridians from other districts and prepares them to address the issues through compromise that will eventually affect all Floridians.
That person for me would be Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. Her slogan was “unbought and unbossed.” I believe that you can serve without compromising your principles, and her slogan keeps me humble in my journey to become the next Representative for District 98.
Yes. One memorable and touching story was about the saving of the historical Branhilda Richardson Knowles Memorial Cemetery in Deerfield Beach. This was an abandoned cemetery that was scheduled for development. Residents banded together, got the attention of the city, and after several archeological digs, it was determined that the land was previously a cemetery. They denied the builders request to build and the city with the help of representatives Gwyn Clarke-Reed and Patricia Williams put forth bills and received money to purchase the land from the developer and turn the land into a historical cemetery. It is a good example of how the city and the state legislators came together to create legislation that affects the people of the district.
What do cows do on date night?
Go to the moo-vies.
No. The Division of Emergency is the proper office, and it should be free of interference from the legislature.
Increasing affordable housing units and rent control.
The following groups have endorsed my candidacy:

1. Vote Vets www.votevet.org

2. Democratic Veterans Caucus of Florida
Higher Education and Health Care
I believe in complete financial transparency and government accountability.

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.


Keith Abel campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024* Florida House of Representatives District 98Lost primary$13,981 $16,387
Grand total$13,981 $16,387
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections 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

See also


External links

Footnotes


Current members of the Florida House of Representatives
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Daniel Perez
Majority Leader:Tyler Sirois
Minority Leader:Fentrice Driskell
Representatives
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8
District 9
District 10
District 11
District 12
District 13
District 14
District 15
District 16
District 17
District 18
District 19
Sam Greco (R)
District 20
District 21
District 22
District 23
J.J. Grow (R)
District 24
District 25
District 26
Nan Cobb (R)
District 27
District 28
District 29
District 30
District 31
District 32
District 33
District 34
District 35
District 36
District 37
District 38
District 39
District 40
District 41
District 42
District 43
District 44
District 45
District 46
District 47
District 48
District 49
District 50
District 51
District 52
District 53
District 54
District 55
District 56
District 57
District 58
District 59
District 60
District 61
District 62
District 63
District 64
District 65
District 66
District 67
District 68
District 69
District 70
District 71
District 72
District 73
District 74
District 75
Danny Nix (R)
District 76
District 77
District 78
District 79
District 80
District 81
District 82
District 83
District 84
District 85
District 86
District 87
Vacant
District 88
District 89
District 90
Vacant
District 91
District 92
District 93
District 94
District 95
District 96
Dan Daley (D)
District 97
District 98
District 99
District 100
District 101
District 102
District 103
District 104
District 105
District 106
District 107
District 108
District 109
District 110
District 111
District 112
Alex Rizo (R)
District 113
District 114
District 115
District 116
District 117
District 118
District 119
District 120
Republican Party (86)
Democratic Party (32)
Vacancies (2)