My Story

I am running for judge because I believe in justice that is accessible, equitable, and rooted in community. My path to this candidacy has been far from traditional, shaped by personal struggles and triumphs that have instilled in me a deep commitment to serve with empathy, fairness, and resilience.Growing up in a low-income household under the care of a single mother, life presented its fair share of challenges early on. We moved often, and during my teenage years, I even found myself without a home, living out of my car. These experiences, while harsh, taught me crucial lessons about perseverance and the critical role of community support. They also underscored the importance of fair opportunities and compassionate advocacy for everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

 

As a husband and father with young children, and a demanding full-time job that often required over fifty hours a week, I embarked on a journey that many thought impractical—I went back to school as a nontraditional student to pursue first my bachelors degree in Criminal Justice and then my Juris Doctorate degree. This decision was driven by a desire not only to better my own life but to make a bigger contribution to society. While it was challenging being a student with balancing work, family, and studies, it reaffirmed my belief in the power of education and hard work.

 

My wife, who was simultaneously working toward her second master's degree, was a constant source of inspiration and support. Our mutual academic and professional pursuits during this period shaped our understanding of partnership and shared goals, emphasizing the importance of supporting one another's aspirations while raising a family. She now makes her own contributions to society as a physician assistant, working with Central Florida's pediatric population.

 

These personal experiences deeply influence my approach to law and justice. In my years of practice, first in public service roles and later in private practice, I have always strived to apply the law with a deep sense of integrity and responsibility. As a co-founder of the Stonewall LGBTA Law Association and a representative in various legal and student organizations, I have advocated for inclusivity and diversity, believing that the law should reflect and protect all members of our community. As a father of biracial children, I am committed to ensuring my children can grow up with a legal system that is a beacon of hope and fairness.

 

This candidacy is not just a professional aspiration but a personal commitment to serve the community that has seen me grow from a struggling teenager to a dedicated advocate for justice. I am running for judge because I believe that everyone deserves a fair chance, and I aim to ensure that our courts uphold these values diligently and justly.