Orlando aerospace business manager Tom Keen announced his run for District 50 of the Florida House of Representatives – the only Democrat to file for the open seat. The campaign filing by Keen, who served for 21 years as a Naval Flight Officer, draws attention to the 2022 race to represent large areas of Brevard and Orange counties.
“I’m running to fund our public schools, protect our environment, and help Florida make brighter choices for our future,” Keen says in his message. Keen highlighted his commitment to meeting the state’s most urgent needs, like providing more affordable housing options and raising incomes for Floridians.
“Our district, from east Orlando to the coast of Titusville, is growing rapidly,” Keen said. “As our next state representative, I’ll be a voice to ensure housing units and wages keep up with population growth, especially while we protect our natural areas and coastlines.”
Keen found success as a principal account manager for a national aerospace firm after his military career, which included flight missions aboard a Lockheed S-3 Viking. Since then, Tom has been an active volunteer in Democratic political organizations, multiple veteran service groups and councils, and as a member of the City of Orlando’s Citizens’ Police Review Board.
“My first priority is surviving COVID-19 as a community,” Keen said. “We need to expand protections for children and seniors, and focus more attention on jumpstarting the state’s economy.”
Keen is a supporter of the voter-passed incremental increase in Florida’s minimum wage, which nearly 61% of voters approved statewide last year. Keen also endorses economic initiatives that leverage the state’s solar power opportunities.
“Our coastal communities want more access to technology and careers in tech, along with protections for our world-famous coastlines,” Keen said. “These efforts will boost everyone’s bottom line and quality of life.”
Keen launched his campaign website, KeenForFL.com, emphasizing issues like keeping children safe in school and allowing local governments to take their own safety precautions.
“No one benefits from anti-science rhetoric, and no child is protected by punishing local schools,” said Keen. “We can allow parents to make decisions for their children without rejecting the advice of medical professionals.”
Keen is qualifying by collecting petitions for the 2022 elections cycle, a grassroots volunteer effort that lets him connect with voters individually. Keen calls his wife Laura his biggest supporter, and they often walk neighborhoods together.
“I am a voice for residents who care about quality of life. I will be a reliable vote to protect our coastlines and grow Florida’s economy for all families. My leadership in the Navy instilled in me the value of integrity and accurate information in public service,” Keen said. “Florida state leaders must demand openness, transparency, and accountability.”
“Florida is changing, and making the right decisions now will help us keep more of what we love.”
