Brian Hawkins
Hernando County Commissioner (District 2) since 2022 who resigned to run for HD 53 (western Hernando and northwest Pasco). Won the Aug. 18, 2026 Republican primary over John Carroll.
How they got on the ballot: Won Aug. 18, 2026 Republican primary over John Carroll (Tampa Bay Times)
Campaign finance: state and county candidates file with the Florida Division of Elections or the county Supervisor of Elections. Search contributions ↗
Sources last checked 2026-09. Report an error ↗
Positions on the major issues
Compare with opponents →Each entry describes what the candidate has said or done, and what they say they will do, in neutral terms with sources. The chip shows how that relates to the statement voters rate in the matching tool.
Taxes & spending Strongly agrees· stated position
His website says government should live within its means and that he will cut taxes, eliminate wasteful spending and cut regulations.
"Government should live within its means, just like Florida families."
Property taxes Leans agree· stated position
He cites setting Hernando County's millage at the rollback rate minus 3 percent as county commission chairman as the largest property-tax reduction in the state, and campaigns on continuing to cut taxes.
Immigration Leans agree· stated position
He says he will push legislation requiring subcontractors and independent contractors to comply with E-Verify so legal workers are not undercut.
Guns Leans disagree· stated position
His website lists defending Second Amendment rights among the constitutional freedoms he will protect; it does not discuss specific gun laws.
Crime & policing Leans agree· stated position
He says he stands with law enforcement, firefighters and first responders and supports policies that give them the resources they need.
No public position found on 13 issues
We searched campaign sites, questionnaires, interviews, votes and official actions and did not find a clear stance on: Property insurance, Housing affordability, Abortion, Health care, Education & school choice, Environment & water, Growth & development, Marijuana, Elections & voting, Gender identity laws, Energy & utilities, Trump administration, Veterans. This is reported as unknown rather than guessed from party affiliation; these issues are excluded from this candidate's match score.
Other issues this candidate has raised
- Veterans — Website notes he spearheaded creation of the Veterans Memorial at Veterans Park in Hernando County.