Democratic candidate Nikolas “Nik” Dean launched his candidacy for House District 38 as announced by the Florida Democratic Party through a press release this week.
Dean replaces Democratic candidate Michelle DeJesus on the ballot, who dropped out due to family issues.
"Helping people has always been my passion, so when Michelle made the decision to withdraw from the ballot, I knew I couldn’t sit on the sidelines while people in our community continue to suffer under the state’s affordability crisis,” Dean said. “Despite Floridians working harder than ever, it is becoming more and more difficult to keep up with the rising cost of living. Hard work alone is not enough when costs of everyday items like groceries, gas, housing, healthcare, and insurance continue to outpace the workers in our state’s wages. I’m running to put politics aside and focus on what really matters: delivering practical solutions that lower everyday costs, raise wages, and make our communities safe and affordable.”
HD 38 is located in Seminole County in Central Florida.
Dean, a local attorney, graduated from Tufts University and earned a juris doctorate from the University of Miami School of Law.
“Floridians are looking for leaders who will put their needs first, not corporate special interests that keep raking in record profits while the cost of living goes through the roof," Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried said. "Nik Dean understands what working families are up against because he’s living it too, and I know he’ll fight like hell for his community when he’s elected in November.”
Dean is running against Republican Emma Duda Buckley in the general election on Nov. 3. Buckley defeated Marcus Hyatt in the Republican primary with over 56% of the vote in August.
Both candidates are running to replace Republican David Smith, who edged out Democrat Sarah Henry with 50.4% in the 2024 general election.
