Danelle Dodge

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Danelle Dodge

Democratic Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

August 23, 2022

Education

Bachelor's

University of Washington, 2000

Personal

Birthplace

Washington

Profession

Small business owner

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

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Personal Facebook

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Danelle Dodge (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Florida's 8th Congressional District. She lost in the Democratic primary on August 23, 2022.

Dodge completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Danelle Dodge was born in Washington. Dodge earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Washington in 2000. Dodge's career experience includes working as a small business owner.

Elections

2022

See also: Florida's 8th Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Florida District 8

Incumbent Bill Posey defeated Joanne Terry in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 8 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bill Posey (R)	64.9	222,128
		Joanne Terry (D)	35.1	120,080

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 342,208
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 8

Joanne Terry defeated Danelle Dodge in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 8 on August 23, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Joanne Terry	54.6	29,542
		Danelle Dodge	45.4	24,592

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 54,134
= 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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Perry Gregg (D)

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Bill Posey advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 8.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Patrick Wells (R)

Campaign themes

2022

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Danelle Dodge completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Dodge's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Danelle Dodge and I am running to be the Voice in Congress for the people of FL District 8. I believe in authentic and common-sense governance. I grew up in publicly subsidized housing, was on the free lunch list, received Pell Grants and fair student loans so I could go to college. I was a Navy wife for a decade, grateful to have WIC to feed my baby. (Although Military families should never need WIC) I was a single mom of 2, and then a mom of 4 in a blended family. I have held the hands of women in childbirth and coached their partners, worked in schools, hospitals and libraries as well as running a small Ed Tech Company for 17 years in the midst of it all. My experiences are diverse and provide me with a unique lens with which to connect with a myriad of people from all walks of life. I have achieved my American Dream and I believe it is my responsibility to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• My platform is Common Sense Governance - Learning the issues that the majority of voters agree on and using my office to address them by showing up, listening and advocating for my constituents.
• I believe Healthcare is a Human Right. Unaffordable Insurance, huge deductibles, and over priced prescriptions is a "sick care" model which leads to late diagnoses, more expensive treatment or poor outcomes. This is unacceptable in the richest country in the World.
• As a former military wife, I understand the importance of the health and welfare of our ALL volunteer forces. Our Government should be honoring our Military by meeting it's promised obligations to them and their families. They deserve safe and clean housing, easier access to medical and mental health services, excellent transit

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare

Government meeting the promises to Military members and their families at home and abroad.
Protecting the natural resources, conservation and climate.
Free and Fair Voting Rights

Fair Taxation

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Caste: The Origin of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Empathy and Integrity.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Being a part of the community you are representing so that you understand the needs of your constituents. You must spend time in the district listening as well as educating your constituents on issues that are important to them. A Representatives job is to connect the people/community to the Federal Government, federal dollars and federal resources available. We should be from the Government and we should be here to HELP!

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was babysitting. From the age of 12 -15. I also worked summers at the local Salvation Army Day Camp assisting with day campers at ages 14-16 making $100 to buy my own school clothes.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

As a nation we must understand that we really agree on a majority of issues that truly affect our welfare as a people. We must overcome our polarization and decide that people are more important than parties. Fair taxes , equitable priorities and the health and well being of our planet are at stake.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Ethics

Armed Services

Oversight and Reform

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe that Term Limits are an important part of making sure that we have a government that reflects the people of the nation. We need more opportunities for different voices to be a part of the conversation.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

A gentleman who had been up to the Capitol to fight for the First Responders Bill, to provide health care coverage for individuals who became ill after 9/11 came up to me at a local meeting. He expressed his desire for change in our district, as he had gone to the Capitol and our current Representative had his door locked and made himself unavailable to speak to his constituents about this very important issue.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise must be a two way street.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

This is an imperative role. It is the job of Representatives to use their knowledge of the district and district needs balanced with National priorities to improve the lives of the people that sent you to be their voice in Congress.

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 website

Dodge's campaign website stated the following:

“	We are at a critical point in the history of our country. People are crying out for basic needs, and those cries are falling on deaf ears. While the plight of the average American is being ignored those in government that seek to gain control over every aspect of our lives are sneaking in to take away basic rights over our own bodies. I will stand against this assault on Civil Rights and Human Dignity. If the Supreme Court can overturn a 50 year precedent based on “beliefs” and “feelings” there is no end in sight for what is on the chopping block. Many of the “laws” we take for granted are also based on Supreme Court Decisions. A few examples: the right to contraception, interracial marriage, integrated schools, same-sex marriage. Fill out a Contact US to share Issues that Matter most to you. Real Help for the Issues of Everyday People Focusing on the Common Sense Issues we ALL know matter for a strong, healthy community and Democracy. Healthcare: A cancer diagnosis or unexpected illness/injury should not cost you EVERYTHING you have worked for. Healthcare is a human right and we must ensure that all people have equal access. Fair and transparent pricing, one stop billing, people over profit. Women’s Reproductive Rights Solidifying your rights to Privacy Open enrollment Expansion – Only 5 wks, once a year, helps insurance companies not you. Policies that help patients. Supporting Veterans and their Families: Supporting our troops is more than wearing flag pins and lip service. Equitable benefits for all who serve Addressing mental health, Suicide rates and Gulf War Vet illnesses Increase VA funding to eliminate records backlog, improve wait times and service. A safe, healthy family is critical to the Mission. Reduce Taxes on Wage Earners: You work hard, you should be able to keep more of your Money. Lowering taxes on wage earners and social security recipients. Extend Child Tax Credit Corporations need to pay their fair share reducing the burden on the Middle Class. Tax breaks for Small Businesses owners that enable them to compete Investing in Infrastructure: The Federal Government has your dollars to invest, let’s make sure those dollars are spent here! Fighting for the needs of District 8 in infrastructure spending – such as public transportation, high speed rail, electric charging station implementation and more. Incentivizing small and new businesses as well as already expanding industries such as Space and Tourism. Securing Your Livelihood You are working harder than ever for less. The cost of necessary expenses have gone up while your pay has remained the same. Every worker is ESSENTIAL to their family and deserves a fair piece of the economic pie. Jobs: All workers are ESSENTIAL, the economy runs because of YOUR hard work. Fair pay, paid leave and benefits for workers. Accessing Federal Dollars to bring big job creating projects to District 8. Standing up for workers by supporting their right to a Union. Every employee deserves the right to have a seat at the table in the businesses that they help make a success! Opportunity: Begins with equal access to Education, Training and Good Jobs. Full funding for Pre-K through 12th Grade Public Schools Community College access for qualified students covering tuition and books. Increasing available Trade and Vocational Training On the Job Training – I support the Small Business Pipeline Act of 2022 to give internship opportunity funding to small businesses. Promote opportunities for growth within companies through certification programs etc. Creation & Innovation: Florida District 8 has the power to be a hub of innovation. The Sunshine State should and could be the Solar Capital of the United States. We must ensure we have a seat at the table for infrastructure spending. More and more people are driving electric and Florida should lead the way on providing a robust charging network to support the future of transportation. Supporting small businesses that are job creators and innovators in the Space Industry and supply critical materials to the mission of NASA and our Aerospace Industry Leaders. Acquire resources through impending legislation like Build Back Better – make sure District 8 is on the front line, not the sideline. Small Business Owners: are often the backbone of their communities but pay more in taxes than large corporations and often don’t have access to affordable quality health insurance. Make Small Business a priority, not just talk but action. Close the loop hole that forces Small Business Owners into the individual health insurance market. Making YOUR Vote Count Free and Fair elections are the backbone of a strong State and Country. Ensuring that every legal voter has equal access to the voting booth is our Constitutional Duty. Freedom to Vote Priorities: Voting should not be more difficult than going to the DMV. Making Voting Day a National Holiday Free and Fair Elections Enough Polling Locations to meet voter demand – No Voters in the USA should have to stand in hours long lines. Enhance easy voting options for seniors, disabled, military personnel, business persons or those otherwise unable to get physically to the polls. Implementing the Bipartisan John Lewis Voting Rights Act Preparing the next generation There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”– Nelson Mandela Full funding for Pre-K through 12th Grade Public Schools – Too many of our schools are underfunded, understaffed and overcrowded. Our tax dollars must be leveraged more efficiently and towards teachers and students. Community College access for qualified students – K-12 education is not enough for the future of our workforce. Students that graduate HS and pass the proficiency exam for CC should be able to earn an AA Degree tuition free. (Programs like Bright Futures could be expanded) Increasing available Trade and Vocational Training – Not everyone is cut out or desires to follow the University Track. Many essential jobs such as electricians, plumbers, mechanics etc need specialized training or internships. Increased access and funding for these types of programs benefits graduates and communities. Student Debt Relief – Reduced interest rates, forgiveness options and fair repayment programs. College to Work programs that compensate for time in service such as for teachers, nurses, etc. Keeping Florida the Sunshine State Florida is unique in its character, beauty and diversity. The foundation of which is YOU the people. We are lucky to live in paradise, lets keep it that way! Use our Sunshine to lower your electric bill – Affordable Solar without unnecessary regulations Sustaining our beaches and wildlife – through education, funding and protection measures. Proactive measures to keep our homes and businesses above water (literally) – Understanding the science behind rising sea levels and how they impact our area. Using that knowledge to protect against flooding and beach erosion as well as consideration in future infrastructure projects. Bringing Federal dollars to the Clean Up of the Indian River Lagoon – Legislation currently being discussed to provide dollars for investments in the environment should include funds to assist waterfront homeowners in District 8 to go from Septic to Sewer. Considering Residents needs in conjunction with Tourism Opportunities – Making Florida not just a great place to visit but a great place to live. Taking citizen feedback and conferring with City Councils within District 8 to consider Resident Concerns in our area and how Federal Government resources can improve our communities. Protection of Your Rights The Right to Privacy: With the overturning of Roe V Wade this summer we are facing an unprecedented attack on the rights we have assumed were enshrined in law. This loss of bodily autonomy for half of the population is dangerous and a slippery slope to undermining other freedoms that have been decided through the courts. These include access to contraception, marriage equality and even equal education. I support the Women’s Health Act Accountability for the Supreme Court Repairing the court by expanding to an equal number of Justices as there are Federal District Courts. Keeping the government out of your bedroom, doctor’s office and personal medical decisions. 2nd Amendment: Firearm violence recently became the leading cause of death for children in the United States. Gun deaths are not just mass shootings, but also accidental discharges and suicide. This is unacceptable and we should be doing everything in our power to improve the safety of our children. Education and training on the use of firearms is imperative for safe handling and ownership. -Free or subsidized safe handling and storage courses for license seekers . Licensing and registration for firearms. Universal Background checks for gun purchases with the waiting period relative to the speed of completion. Many buyers bypass this protection when sellers do not receive background requests in a timely manner. Safe storage laws enforced where death is attributed to negligence. Ending easy access and sales of assault style weapons of war.	”
—Danelle Dodge's campaign website (2022)

See also

2022 Elections

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Government

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Candidate

U.S. House Florida District 8

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Footnotes

[show]

Florida's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Ashley Moody (R)

Rick Scott (R)

Representatives

District 1

Jimmy Patronis (R)

District 2

Neal Dunn (R)

District 3

Kat Cammack (R)

District 4

Aaron Bean (R)

District 5

John Rutherford (R)

District 6

Randy Fine (R)

District 7

Cory Mills (R)

District 8

Mike Haridopolos (R)

District 9

Darren Soto (D)

District 10

Maxwell Frost (D)

District 11

Daniel Webster (R)

District 12

Gus Bilirakis (R)

District 13

Anna Luna (R)

District 14

Kathy Castor (D)

District 15

Laurel Lee (R)

District 16

Vern Buchanan (R)

District 17

Greg Steube (R)

District 18

Scott Franklin (R)

District 19

Byron Donalds (R)

District 20

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D)

District 21

Brian Mast (R)

District 22

Lois Frankel (D)

District 23

Jared Moskowitz (D)

District 24

Frederica Wilson (D)

District 25

Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D)

District 26

Mario Diaz-Balart (R)

District 27

Maria Elvira Salazar (R)

District 28

Carlos Gimenez (R)

Republican Party (22)

Democratic Party (8)