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🗳️ Deondre Wise, a 26-year-old Navy veteran and Democrat, is running in the June 10 special election for Florida House District 3 on a platform focused on housing, education, and transparency.
🏘️ Wise advocates for salary-based housing and increased education funding, contrasting with Republican opponent Nathan Boyles’ focus on school choice and infrastructure.
🤝 He emphasizes lived experience, community service, and local engagement as key strengths in a traditionally Republican district.
MILTON — In a district long dominated by Republicans, Democrat Deondre Wise is hoping a message of empathy, equity, and lived experience will resonate with voters heading to the polls for the June 10 special election in Florida’s House District 3 (You can see the map to determine if you’re an elector here).
At 26 years old, Wise is the youngest candidate in the race — and, by his telling, one of the least traditional. A former windmill technician, U.S. Navy veteran, and community organizer, Wise is campaigning on a platform rooted in housing reform, education funding, veteran advocacy and government transparency.
“I’m just a regular Joe,” Wise said. “I walk the neighborhoods, I shop at the local grocery store, and I’ve door-knocked and made calls myself. I’m not out of touch. I live the same struggles as the people I’m asking to represent.”
From Personal Hardship to Political Hope
Wise’s path to politics wasn’t conventional. After graduating from high school at 17, he initially resisted following his father’s footsteps into the military. But after working in wind energy in North Dakota, he enlisted in the Navy as a boatswain’s mate. A medical separation ended his military career early.
The turning point came in 2020 when his father passed away from COVID-19 complications.
“My world kind of crashed,” Wise said. “I felt like I lost my purpose.”
He poured himself into community service — cooking meals for people without homes, hosting health resource giveaways, and working with organizations like Better Health in Pensacola.
On the anniversary of his father’s death each year, he aims to distribute hundreds of free meals—this year’s goal: 600.
It was that commitment to service, he said, that motivated him to run for office. Originally planning a 2026 campaign, he accelerated those plans after Rep. Joel Rudman vacated the seat to run for Congress.
Housing and Education at the Forefront
Wise’s top issue is one felt deeply by younger and lower-income residents in both Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties: housing affordability.
“People my age — and even retirees — can’t afford to live here anymore,” Wise said. “I met a 76-year-old veteran who makes over $5,000 a month but still has to DoorDash because of rising insurance and costs. That’s outrageous.”
Wise aims to develop salary-based housing and introduce policy-driven incentives for affordable developments that cater to both younger residents and seniors. His goal, he said, is to foster a “melting pot of affordability” that pressures landlords and insurance companies to lower costs across the board.
Wise also champions fully funding public education — a stark contrast to his Republican opponent, Nathan Boyles, who supports school choice and homeschooling initiatives.
“Most families in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties rely on public schools,” Wise said. “Why are we taking funding away? Let’s get teachers paid more, reduce their out-of-pocket expenses, and raise our students’ performance.”
He believes greater investment in public education would also reduce racism and misinformation by building understanding among students and citizens.
A Local Candidate with a Ground-Level View
While Boyles touts his decade of service as an Okaloosa County commissioner and business owner, Wise says his strength lies in his connection to everyday people.
“I’m not knocking Nathan — he’s well accomplished,” Wise said. “But I don’t think he feels what the average voter feels. I’m reachable. I’ve lived the issues.”
He added that while Boyles speaks well about policy and infrastructure, his campaign places a greater focus on hyper-local issues, such as veterans’ healthcare, underpaid teachers, and transparency in state legislation.
“I want voters to know exactly what’s being passed and how it affects them,” he said. “Too often, people vote for a bill or against it just because of who backs it. We need more education, more honesty.”
Message to Voters: “You Matter First”
With early voting continuing through June 7, Wise is urging residents of both counties to consider not just party labels but their lived reality.
“I’m not here to bash Republicans or (Non-Party Affiliation),” he said. “You’re a person first. If you’re not happy with the way things are, ask yourself — what do you want changed? A vote for me is a vote for you.”
In a region where Democrats face long odds, Wise acknowledges the challenge but sees potential in people tired of the status quo.
“I want to bring back voice, bring back community, bring back morale,” he said. “Red, blue, purple — it doesn’t matter. I’m here for the people.”
Pro Communi Bono
