Incumbent Chase Tramont faces a challenge from Kelly Ann Smith in District 30

the state of Florida Chase Tremont is defending his seat in Florida’s 30th District Kelly Ann Smith46-year-old professor of gender studies at Stetson University.

The district covers southeastern Volusia and northern Brevard counties, where Republicans hold a nearly 24 percentage point advantage in voter registration over Democrats.

Florida House of Representatives positions have a two-year term with an annual salary of $29,697.

Florida House District 30 Republican Rep. Chase Tramont, left, faces Democrat Kelly Smith, right, in the Nov. 5 election.

Candidates on questions

Chase Tremont

Tramont, the 44-year-old pastor of Oceanway Church in New Smyrna Beach and a former history teacher, was first elected in 2022.

He supports the use of tax dollars for private schools, the legalization of the open display of weapons and the ban on abortion.

Tramont co-sponsored the law, which takes effect on January 1, 2025, banning children under 14 from having social media accounts and requiring proof of age to visit sexually explicit websites.

Kelly Ann Smith

Smith, who says her teaching and research has focused on social justice and inequality, says her priorities include women’s rights, stronger gun regulation, flood protection and water quality, and preservation of the Florida Wildlife Corridor to “ensure a healthy and a sustainable environment for generations.” .”

On her campaign website, Smith said, “I’m focused on how I plan to fight them. I will prioritize creating more living wage jobs, improving our schools, and making public safety — especially getting guns off the streets — a top priority. .. I have plans to focus on women’s and voter rights, as well as the importance of land and water issues.

Campaign financing

Smith: $21,922 in cash contributions; $5,000 candidate loan to self; $1,134.22 in kind; $17,682.68 in expenses.

Tramont: $198,510 in cash contributions; $157,430.78 in expenses.

Mark Harper is a staff writer and political editor Daytona Beach News.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Republican incumbent Tramont is challenging Democrat Smith in the House race