Mark Heggestad

Civil Rights I will enforce and strengthen civil rights protections, expand anti‑discrimination laws, and hold institutions accountable when those rights are violated. Foreign Policy I support a strong U.S.–Israel relationship, but U.S. Foreign policy must be guided by American values, international law, and a commitment to human rights. That means Israel’s security matters, and so do Palestinian lives—there should be no blank checks for military actions that cause widespread civilian suffering. I also believe Americans should be able to trust that our elected officials are making decisions based on the public interest, not undue influence from any lobbying organization or special-interest money. Abortion / Contraception I am also committed to reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies to zero by investing in comprehensive sex education and ensuring affordable, accessible contraception. Government Reform I will restore trust in government by enforcing strong ethics rules, increasing transparency, and ensuring independent oversight so government works for the people—not the powerful. Foreign Policy Our role is not to police the world, but to work with allies to strengthen global health systems, stabilize supply chains, and address threats like extremism, pandemics, and humanitarian crises before they reach our shores. Guns I also support stronger gun safety measures, including reducing the availability of AR‑style and other high‑capacity firearms frequently used in mass shootings, alongside investments in accessible mental health care and crisis intervention services. Environment / Energy I will invest in clean energy, resilient infrastructure, and environmental justice initiatives that protect vulnerable communities while creating good‑paying jobs. That includes strengthening flood defenses, improving heat resilience and public transportation, protecting the St. Johns River, opposing offshore drilling, and preparing communities for extreme weather. Healthcare I will work to expand coverage, lower prescription drug prices, and strengthen community health systems so no one has to choose between their health and paying the bills. Immigration I will support modernized immigration laws, humane enforcement, and clear pathways that keep families together while maintaining safe, orderly borders. That includes creating fair pathways to citizenship for people who work hard, pay taxes, and follow the rules, so contributors to our communities can fully participate in American life. Economy I will fight to lower everyday costs by expanding affordable housing, strengthening fair wages, promoting competitive markets, and eliminating unnecessary tariffs that raise prices and limit consumer choice. I will also push for housing insurance reforms that prevent price gouging, stabilize coverage in disaster‑prone areas, and keep insurance affordable so families can plan for the future with confidence. Healthcare I also support a single‑payer healthcare system that guarantees comprehensive care for every resident, eliminates surprise bills, and removes out‑of‑pocket costs at the point of care. Abortion / Contraception I will fight for federal protections for reproductive freedom and expanded access to women’s healthcare so decisions remain between patients and their doctors. Civil Rights I will protect voting rights by supporting national standards for fair elections, defending access to the ballot, and ensuring every vote is counted. Guns I will support universal background checks, safe storage laws, gun safety training, and community‑based violence prevention programs that save lives while respecting responsible gun ownership. Education I will fight to increase federal investment in these programs, expand loan‑forgiveness and workforce pipelines for educators, and protect evidence‑based curriculum from political interference.