7/28 Heggestad For Congress Newsletter

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Jul 27, 2026

3 min read

Content

"Let's remember our Values and Vote!"

Retire the Rubber Stamp!
Watch Mark's interview on First Coast Connect
Events
Important voting information
Mark's Healthcare proposal
Other ways to help

Retire the Rubber Stamp! Northeast Florida Needs a Representative

Our community is strongest when we work together 🤝. Whether you identify as a Democrat, an Independent, or a Republican, we share far more than we differ. We all want safe neighborhoods, social and economic stability, dignity, trust in government, and affordable, quality healthcare. We want a transparent and respectful Government.

My focus is on Northeast Florida, CD-5; a community rooted in listening, fairness, and shared responsibility. Ideals that can improve people’s lives. Our campaign is about partnership, not partisanship. We believe that progress comes from communities that believe in problem-solving andaccountability. Our district deserves more than John Rutherford’s Rubber Stamp. It’s time for a representative who works for you, not Washington.

We will

⚖️ Strengthen our democratic institutions by restoring balance among the branches of Government and reaffirming the role of Congress and The People.

🤥 eject lies and conspiracy theories that erode trust in institutions and in one another.

✊️ Embrace freedom of speech and freedom of the press and reject rhetoric that can lead to violence.

🗳 Protect law enforcement and election workers and stop the relentless scapegoating of “others” simply because they are different.

We will not go backwards.

The future of Northeast Florida won’t be decided by the loudest voices in Washington. It will be decided by neighbors who choose to stand together. Every decision Imake will begin with one question: “Does this make life better for the people of Northeast Florida?” Join us, there’s a place for you here. Let’s build a Government that listens, serves, and delivers for everyone.

Watch Mark's Interview on First Coast Connect

A candidate who hiked the length of Florida’s Congressional District 5 now wants to run it — at least figuratively. Mark Heggestad is approaching the three-way Democratic primary on Aug. 18 with a bit of retro-politicking, evoking the statewide pedestrian tour of former Democratic Gov. “Walkin’ Lawton” Chiles. The Jacksonville-to-St. Augustine District 5 is smaller, but the political challenge no less daunting for a Democrat, given the area’s strong Republican demographics and the dominant fundraising of the district's entrenched incumbent, John Rutherford (now seeking his fifth term). We ask Heggestad why he’s choosing to run now and what perspective he brings to the primary challenge

Watch Video

Events

Meet the Candidates - St John's County Democratic Black Caucus

Mon, Aug 3, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM EDT

Meet House and Senate Candidates via Zoom!

St Johns Democratic Black Caucus

Time

Mon, Aug 3, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM EDT

This is a ZOOM only Event!

We have invited all the House and Senate candidates to speak. These are the Candidates who answered YES!

Angie Nixon: US Senate
Mark Heggestad and Rachel Grage: Congressional District 5
Ronnie Murchinson-Rivera, Eric Yonce, and Robert Cooper: Congressional District 6
Art Stresing: Florida House District 19
Suzanna Pavelle: Florida House District 20

You will need to sign up for this meeting in advance. We are limited to 100 attendees, so sign up now! (We will send out a reminder closer to the event.)

Meanwhile, learn more about our candidates by checking out their websites, all linked to their names on the Candidate Info page.

Register today - Space in limited