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Mark Heggestad
Mark Heggestad (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Florida's 5th Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.[source]
Heggestad completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Mark Heggestad was born in Mankato, Minnesota. He graduated from Dawson-Boyd Public High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Mankato State University in 1987. His career experience includes working as a project manager and high school and college football official. He has been affiliated with the Florida High School Athletic Association, SUN Conference NAIA Football and Flag Football, NCAA, and Project Management Institute (PMI) Northeast Florida.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: Florida's 5th Congressional District election, 2026
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. House Florida District 5
The following candidates are running in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 5 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | John Rutherford (R) | |
 | Rachel Grage (D) | |
 | Mark Heggestad (D)  | |
| Eli Johnson (D) | ||
| Mark Kaye (R) | ||
| Donald Muirheid (R) | ||
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Wyatt Clark (D)
Endorsements
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Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Mark Heggestad completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Heggestad's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Over the years, I’ve led initiatives across healthcare, government, finance, and other industries—bringing teams together, managing risk, and improving systems that serve real people. My academic background includes a double major in Management Information Systems and Business Management, which has equipped me with the analytical and organizational skills to solve complex problems and drive meaningful change. Whether it’s genetic research or coordinating technology for public agencies, I’ve seen how good governance and smart planning can change lives. Outside of work, I’ve officiated football for over four decades, making fair calls under pressure and earning trust on the field. That same commitment to fairness and accountability drives my approach to public service.
I’m running for Congress to bring practical leadership to FL-5. I believe in listening deeply, acting with empathy, and building systems that work for everyone. My goal is to protect democracy, lower the temperature, and create opportunities for all our neighbors."- "I’m a pragmatic Democrat who believes in building bridges—not burning them. My values span Center-Left and Center-Right, grounded in fairness, opportunity, and a deep respect for our neighbors. As a Democratic Capitalist, I support policies that empower working families, small businesses, and civic institutions to thrive. Love for our neighbors—because strong communities begin with mutual respect.
- Lowering the temperature—because we need more listening and less shouting.
- Protecting democracy—because every voice deserves to be heard and every vote to count.
President Obama exemplifies what it means to lead with grace under pressure. He’s a great leader, but also a great human being. He did his very best in the face of enormous challenges, and it showed. His ability to listen, unite, and inspire continues to shape how I think about public service.
Taylor Swift may seem like an unexpected choice, but I admire her deeply—not just for her music and talent, but for how she’s lived the American dream. She took the opportunities this country gave her and used them to build something powerful, creative, and generous. Her work ethic, reinvention, and advocacy are a masterclass in resilience and purpose.
Amanda Gorman represents the future. Her words are powerful, her presence is genuine, and her potential is limitless. I believe she may be president one day—and even if she’s not, she’ll be a leader in whatever space she chooses.
Curiosity is also essential. The best legislators aren’t just policy experts, they’re lifelong learners who ask good questions, seek diverse perspectives, and adapt when new information emerges. That’s how we build better laws and stronger communities.
Courage matters too—not just the courage to stand firm, but the courage to compromise when it serves the greater good. In a divided political climate, we need leaders who can disagree without being disagreeable, and who prioritize solutions over soundbites.
It’s not just about passing bills—it’s about making sure those bills work. They must be legally sound, implementable, and designed to make Americans better off. That requires collaboration, oversight, and a commitment to results—not rhetoric.
Accountability is also essential. Members of Congress must hold themselves, each other, and other branches of government accountable. We are stewards of public trust, and our actions should reflect the values of transparency, integrity, and respect for the rule of law.
As a provider, football official, and servant leader, I’ve spent my life trying to do right by others—whether it’s making a fair call on the field, solving problems in a project, or listening to a neighbor’s concern. I believe leadership isn’t about titles or attention; it’s about consistency, character, and care.
I remember the tension, the news coverage, and the way adults around me talked about trust, leadership, and accountability. Even at a young age, I sensed that public service carried weight—and that when leaders struggled, it affected everyone.
My second job was working in my dad’s custom meat processing business. Another tough job, but one that gave me a deep appreciation for the people who keep our communities running—farmers, laborers, and small business owners. I saw firsthand how hard my dad worked, how much he cared, not just about his business, but for those that work for him.
What I admire most is Lincoln’s humility and strategic empathy. He didn’t surround himself with yes-men—he chose competence over comfort. That’s the kind of leadership I believe in: pragmatic, inclusive, and focused on results.
As a Project Manager and football official, I’ve learned that strong teams aren’t built on uniformity—they’re built on trust, accountability, and shared purpose. Team of Rivals reminds me that progress often comes from collaboration across differences, and that true leadership means listening deeply, adapting wisely, and staying anchored in principle.
Ted doesn’t pretend to know everything. He listens, learns, and lifts others up. That’s the kind of leadership we need more of, especially in politics. He reminds us that optimism isn’t naïve; it’s courageous. That kindness isn’t weakness; it’s strength. And that building trust is the first step toward building a team—or a better country.
As men, we’re called to be providers, protectors, and pillars of our families and communities. That’s a high bar—and I don’t always get it right. Balancing work, service, and family life is a daily challenge. I strive to be a good Christian, to love my neighbors, and to lead with humility and strength. But I’ve learned that growth isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence.
First, the House operates through committees, where much of the real work happens. Committees allow members to specialize, dig into complex issues, and shape legislation before it reaches the floor. This structure ensures that diverse expertise is brought to bear on the nation’s challenges.
Second, the House thrives on debate. With 435 members, it is a forum for vigorous discussion, where ideas are tested, challenged, and refined. Debate is not just about disagreement—it’s about sharpening solutions and ensuring every voice has a chance to be heard.
Third, the House embodies diversity. Its members come from every corner of the country, representing districts that are rural, urban, coastal, inland, wealthy, struggling, and everything in between. That diversity of background, perspective, and constituency makes the House a true reflection of America.
As a Project Manager, I’ve spent my career navigating complex systems, aligning stakeholders, and delivering results. That same skill set applies to legislating: reading and writing bills, understanding their downstream impact, and ensuring they’re rolled out effectively. It’s not just about ideas, it’s about execution.
Serving in the House of Representatives is a sacred responsibility. Adapting to its norms, rules, and traditions will be one of the most meaningful projects of my life. I approach it with humility, curiosity, and a deep commitment to service.
Second, we need to repair our brand as a nation. America has always been strongest when it leads by example—renewing friendships abroad and showing the world how democracy works at home. That means treating each other better here, too. Division weakens us; unity strengthens us.
Third, misinformation and the rise of artificial intelligence present new challenges. Technology must be used responsibly, with safeguards that protect truth, privacy, and democracy. If we don’t get this right, the consequences will be profound.
Finally, climate and energy will test us. We must find solutions that protect our environment while ensuring affordable, reliable energy for families and businesses.
That said, the challenge today is that campaign cycles are getting longer and longer. Too much time is spent fundraising and too little time is spent governing. If we could reduce the emphasis on fundraising and focus more on working for the people, the two-year term would be maximized for what it was intended—service, not survival.
The two-year term is meant to keep Representatives grounded, not distracted. When we spend more time legislating, collaborating, and solving problems, the system works as designed. When we spend more time chasing dollars, it undermines trust.
Term limits encourage fresh ideas, new energy, and a stronger connection to the communities back home. They remind us that public service is a duty, not a career path. Congress should be a place where leaders step up, serve with integrity, and then make room for the next generation.
That resonates deeply with me. For over 40 years as a football official, I’ve had to make fair calls under pressure, stay measured in heated moments, and earn trust through consistency. As a senior project manager, I’ve learned how to bring people together, manage complexity, and deliver results. And as a servant leader, I strive to listen first, act with empathy, and put others before myself.
I think of the 28-year-old husband who wants to buy a home and start a family but finds it too expensive. His story reflects the challenges of affordability and opportunity that so many young families face.
I think of the young woman I met at Jax Beach who had checked out of politics, frustrated and disillusioned. Her voice reminds me that we must rebuild trust and show people that government can work for them.
I think of the wildlife photographer whose favorite place to shoot was in the Everglades—right where Alligator Alcatraz was built. His story is about protecting our environment and balancing progress with preservation.
I think of the Republican who budgets for a new roof every 10 years, and the couple I met at Losco Park worried about the swing toward authoritarianism. Their stories remind me that freedom, fairness, and accountability are not partisan—they’re American.
Compromise becomes positive when everyone gains something meaningful, even if no one gets everything they want. It becomes negative when the process leaves everyone feeling like they’ve lost. The goal should always be to find common ground that improves lives and strengthens trust in government.
For example, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 required compromise across party lines. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a landmark step toward equality and justice. Another example is the bipartisan infrastructure law of 2021, where lawmakers from both sides came together to invest in roads, bridges, and broadband. Neither side got their full wish list, but the result was a bill that delivered real benefits to communities across America.
For me, this is a key issue for FL-5, for myself, and for all Americans. When the executive branch imposes tariffs or revenue measures without Congress, it undermines Article I and the balance of powers. Raising revenue is the responsibility of the people’s House, because it ensures accountability and transparency.
If elected, I would make this power central to my priorities. That means:
- Defending constitutional authority so revenue decisions remain in the hands of elected representatives.
- Ensuring fairness in taxation so families and businesses aren’t burdened by unilateral executive actions.
- Restoring trust in government by showing that Congress can fulfill its duty responsibly.
Relevant investigations include:
- Watergate hearings (1970s): A legitimate use of investigative power to uncover abuse of executive authority.
- Oversight of the financial crisis (2008): Probing Wall Street practices and regulatory failures to protect taxpayers.
- Investigations into opioid manufacturers: Holding companies accountable for deceptive practices that fueled a national health crisis.
By contrast, there have been investigations that leaned more toward political theater than substance:
- Repeated Benghazi hearings (2012–2016): While initial oversight was warranted, many later hearings were criticized as partisan.
- Certain recent inquiries: At times, these have been perceived as more about political positioning than uncovering new facts.
The difference is clear: when investigations are focused on truth, accountability, and protecting the public, they strengthen democracy. When they are used primarily for political spectacle, they erode trust.
He told me how he budgets for a new roof every 10 years because of insurance requirements, how he was just coming out of a chemo chair after hours of treatment, and how his granddaughter may struggle to ever afford a home. These weren’t abstract policy points—they were real challenges affecting his family and his future.
I walked beside people honoring moms, grandmas, daughters, sisters, and friends they had lost to breast cancer. I walked with survivors who showed incredible strength and resilience. As much as I was hurting, I was constantly reminded that my pain was nothing compared to the fight they had endured.
The first priority must be responsible AI. That means models that are trained properly, certified, and held to standards of truthfulness and transparency. AI that is truthful will help everyone—whether it’s in healthcare, education, or public safety. But if it’s left unchecked, it can mislead, manipulate, or even harm.
We’ve seen what happens when government oversight lags behind technology. Social media exploded without proper guardrails, and the consequences have been misinformation, polarization, and erosion of trust. We cannot afford to repeat that mistake with AI.
Another key issue is energy use. AI requires enormous computing power, which consumes vast amounts of energy. Companies must not only pay for their usage but also be good stewards—supplying clean, renewable energy to power their systems. Innovation should not come at the expense of sustainability.
First, we must address gerrymandering. Districts should reflect communities, not partisan advantage. I would take a deep look at the original intent behind how representative districts were defined and work to make them less partisan, while ensuring equal representation for every voter.
Second, we should make it as easy as possible to vote. That means protecting and expanding early voting and mail-in voting, which give working families, seniors, and students more flexibility to participate.
Third, I support making Election Day a national holiday. Voting should be a celebration of our democracy, not a logistical burden. A holiday would give Americans the time and space to engage fully in the process, and it would remind us that elections are not just about politics—they’re about our shared identity as citizens.
Finally, election administration must be transparent and accountable. Clear rules, fair access, and equal treatment across states are essential to rebuilding trust.
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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
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on November 26, 2025
