Help us improve in just 2 minutes—share your thoughts in our reader survey.
Keith Hayden Jr.
Keith R. Hayden Jr. (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Florida's 18th Congressional District. He was disqualified from the Republican primary scheduled on August 20, 2024.
Hayden completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Keith R. Hayden Jr. was born in Portsmouth, Virginia. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1994 to 1998. He earned a bachelor's degree from Ramapo College in 1998 and graduated from the University of Phoenix in 2006. His career experience includes working as an IT professional and as a CEO. Hayden has been associated with the NRA and VFW.[1][2]
Elections
2024
See also: Florida's 18th Congressional District election, 2024
Florida's 18th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 20 Democratic primary)
Florida's 18th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 20 Republican primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House Florida District 18
Incumbent Scott Franklin defeated Andrea Doria Kale in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 18 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Scott Franklin (R) | 65.3 | 225,170 |
 | Andrea Doria Kale (D)  | 34.7 | 119,637 | |
| Total votes: 344,807 | |||
| = 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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- John Richardson (No Party Affiliation)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 18
Andrea Doria Kale defeated Peter Braunston in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 18 on August 20, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Andrea Doria Kale | 66.9 | 16,778 |
 | Peter Braunston | 33.1 | 8,291 | |
| Total votes: 25,069 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Scott Franklin advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 18.
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Hayden in this election.
2022
See also: Florida's 18th Congressional District election, 2022
General election
General election for U.S. House Florida District 18
Incumbent Scott Franklin defeated Keith R. Hayden Jr. and Leonard Serratore in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 18 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Scott Franklin (R) | 74.7 | 167,429 |
 | Keith R. Hayden Jr. (No Party Affiliation) | 25.3 | 56,647 | |
 | Leonard Serratore (No Party Affiliation) (Write-in) | 0.1 | 158 | |
| Total votes: 224,234 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 18
Incumbent Scott Franklin defeated Jennifer Raybon, Wendy Schmeling, Kenneth Hartpence, and Eddie Tarazona in the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 18 on August 23, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Scott Franklin | 73.1 | 44,927 |
 | Jennifer Raybon | 10.7 | 6,606 | |
 | Wendy Schmeling | 6.7 | 4,099 | |
 | Kenneth Hartpence | 6.5 | 3,999 | |
 | Eddie Tarazona | 3.0 | 1,864 | |
| Total votes: 61,495 | |||
| = 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
- George Shepherd (R)
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Keith R. Hayden Jr. completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Hayden's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
| Collapse all
- Fighting for the Heartland: Commitment to representing the interests and needs of the rural and inland communities that make up the district.
Advancing Education and Health Care: Support for improving the quality and accessibility of education and health care in the district. Advocate for increasing funding and resources for public schools, colleges, and vocational programs. We need promote policies that expand health care coverage, lower costs, and enhance services.
Protecting the Environment: Concern for the environment and the impact of climate change on the district. The candidate should propose solutions to protect the natural resources and wildlife of the district, such as the Everglades, Lake Okeechobee, and the Florida panther.
- Supporting Veterans and Military Families: Expressing gratitude and respect for the veterans and military families who live in the district, and pledge to support them with adequate benefits, services, and opportunities. Understanding of the issues and challenges faced by the military community. Advocate for a strong national defense and a responsible foreign policy. Strengthening Small Businesses and Rural Development: Recognizing the vital role of small businesses and rural communities in the district’s growth and prosperity. We need measures to help them thrive and innovate. I support policies that provide access to capital, credit, broadband, and other resources for small businesses and rural areas and oppose burdening regulations.
- A True Conservative, Not a Career pretender growing personal wealth in name of public service. NOT out of touch with Florida's Heartland district realities. I am always open to learning more and updating my views based on new information and evidence.
Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? by Michael J. Sandel, which is based on his popular Harvard course. It explores the different moral and political perspectives that underlie contemporary debates on issues such as affirmative action, same-sex marriage, euthanasia, abortion, and more.
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb by Stanley Kubrick, which is a satirical and dark comedy that criticizes the absurdity and danger of nuclear war and the Cold War politics. It raises questions about the rationality, morality, and responsibility of political leaders and military commanders.
An elected official should be able to communicate effectively and persuasively, and use various media and platforms to reach and inform their constituents. An elected official should also be able to listen and respond to the concerns and feedback of the people they represent, and seek to understand different perspectives and opinions.
An elected official should be dedicated and passionate about serving the public interest and the common good, and not their own personal or partisan agendas. An elected official should also be willing to work hard and make sacrifices for the benefit of their community and country.
To introduce, sponsor, or co-sponsor bills and resolutions that address the issues and needs of the district, such as agriculture, water management, environment, education, health care, veterans, tourism, and rural development.
To serve on committees and subcommittees that oversee and influence the policies and programs related to the district, and to participate in hearings, investigations, and oversight activities.
To communicate and interact with the constituents of the district, and to provide them with information, assistance, and services, such as casework, grants, nominations, and flags.
My class and I were watching the launch on TV in our school. We saw the shuttle take off from the ground and fly into the sky. It looked very cool and amazing. But then, something terrible happened. After 73 seconds, the shuttle exploded into pieces and fire. We saw a big cloud of smoke and debris in the air. We heard the announcer say that there was a major malfunction and that the shuttle was gone. We were shocked and confused. We didn’t know what was going on or what to do.
We later learned that all seven people on the shuttle died in the explosion. They were brave and smart people who wanted to explore and discover new things in space. They had families and friends who loved them and missed them. We felt very sad and sorry for them and their loved ones. We also learned that the explosion was caused by a problem with the rocket booster that was attached to the shuttle. It had a leak that let out hot gas that burned the shuttle and the fuel tank. The cold weather and the wind made the leak worse.
It has the exclusive power to initiate all tax and spending bills, which are crucial for the government’s budget and policies. It also has the sole authority to impeach federal officials, such as the president, the vice president, and judges, for misconduct or crimes.
Previous experience can help representatives gain knowledge and skills that are relevant and useful for their legislative work, such as policy analysis, negotiation, communication, and leadership. Previous experience can also help representatives build networks and relationships with other political actors and groups, such as colleagues, constituents, parties, interest groups, and media.
Previous experience can also limit or constrain the perspectives and actions of representatives, by making them more attached to their own or their party’s agendas, ideologies, or interests. Previous experience can also make representatives more resistant or reluctant to change or innovation, and less responsive or adaptable to the changing needs and preferences of the public. Previous experience can also create a barrier or disadvantage for new and diverse candidates who want to enter the political arena, and reduce the representation and participation of different groups and voices.
Addressing climate change and environmental issues: The U.S. will have to take urgent and decisive actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and protect the environment and natural resources. The U.S. will also have to cooperate with other countries and stakeholders to find global solutions and innovations for a sustainable future.
Two-year terms can make representatives more responsive and accountable to the public, as they have to face frequent elections and feedback. Two-year terms can also promote diversity and innovation in the House, as they allow new and qualified candidates to enter and compete in the political arena. Two-year terms can also prevent the accumulation of power and seniority in the House, as they limit the influence and tenure of incumbents and party leaders.
Two-year terms can also make representatives more short-sighted and partisan, as they have to focus on their re-election and pleasing their base. Two-year terms can also reduce the experience and expertise of representatives, as they have less time and incentive to learn and master the legislative process and issues. Two-year terms can also increase the costs and burdens of campaigning and fundraising, as they require more resources and efforts from candidates and donors.
Term limits could encourage politicians to have courage and focus on the public interest, rather than worrying about their re-election and pleasing special interests.
Term limits would limit the potential for corruption and abuse of power, by reducing the influence of lobbyists, donors, and career politicians.
Term limits would promote diversity and innovation in government, by allowing new and qualified candidates to enter the political arena and bring fresh ideas and perspectives.
For example, I have heard the story of a veteran who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and struggled to find adequate health care and support. He shared how he was able to overcome his challenges and find hope and purpose through the help of a local veterans’ organization and a representative who advocated for his rights and benefits.
Another story that I have heard is that of a farmer who faced the loss of his crops and income due to the drought and water pollution caused by the Lake Okeechobee discharges. He explained how he was able to adapt and innovate his farming practices and products, with the assistance of a cooperative extension service and a representative who supported the restoration of the Everglades and the protection of the environment.
A third story that I have heard is that of a student who dreamed of becoming a teacher, but faced financial and academic barriers to pursue her education. She told how she was able to achieve her goal and inspire others, thanks to a scholarship program and a mentoring program that were sponsored by a representative who championed education and opportunity for all.
These are some of the stories that I have heard from the residents of Florida’s 18th Congressional District, and they have touched, moved, or inspired me in different ways.
However, compromise is not always easy or possible, especially when there are deep ideological or moral differences, or when there are strong incentives or pressures to avoid or resist compromise.
Some of the specific issues that I would focus on using this power are:
Reforming the tax system to make it more progressive, simple, and transparent, and to reduce the loopholes and incentives for tax evasion and avoidance.
Investing in infrastructure, education, health care, and environmental protection, to create jobs, improve living standards, and enhance the quality of life for all Americans.
The House should also use its investigative powers in a transparent and accountable manner, by communicating and reporting its findings and recommendations to the public, the media, and other stakeholders, and by taking appropriate actions or sanctions based on the results of the investigations.
The House should use its investigative powers to achieve the following purposes:
To gather information and evidence that can inform and support the formulation, enactment, and implementation of legislation.
To oversee and evaluate the administration and execution of existing laws and programs by the executive branch and other agencies, and to ensure their compliance and accountability.
Second, they can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery and policy making, by enabling the public to monitor and evaluate the government’s performance and outcomes.
Third, they can reduce the risks of corruption, fraud, and misuse of public resources, by increasing the scrutiny and oversight of the government’s activities and decisions.Therefore, I believe that the government should strive to achieve high standards of financial transparency and government accountability, by adopting and implementing good practices and principles.
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: Hayden submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on February 24, 2024.
2022
Keith R. Hayden Jr. completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Hayden's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
| Collapse all
- A Strong Conservative that Wants to go to work and fight for you.
- A real voice for the people who lives within the communtiy, not a party puppet.
- Let's bring back Family Valuea and put America First.
The willingness and ability to compromise while maintaining a position of strength and respect.
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
Ballotpedia currently provides campaign finance data for all federal- and state-level candidates from 2020 and later. We are continuously working to expand our data to include prior elections. That information will be published here as we acquire it. If you would like to help us provide this data, please consider donating to Ballotpedia.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
