Jake Johansson
Johansson, a Volusia County resident and retired Navy officer who previously ran for Volusia County Council, announced in 2024 for the open SD 8 seat and drew endorsements from Senate Republican leadership, AIF and the Florida Chamber.
How they got on the ballot: Ran in Aug. 18, 2026 Republican primary; result NOT verified in search snippets.
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 Leans agree· stated position
His campaign site says he supports 'conservative, lean, and responsive government' and 'Leaner, affordable, and more responsive government.' In the VOTE411 questionnaire he said that as a County Council member he scrutinizes spending to keep property taxes as low as practical while maintaining essential services.
"Leaner, affordable, and more responsive government"
Property insurance Mixed / neutral· stated position
Asked about insurance versus property taxes, he said insurers must handle claims fairly and pass reduced costs to policyholders, while homeowners and contractors must avoid inflated claims. He said he supports competition and mitigation discounts and wants metrics showing whether reforms deliver savings, rather than new rate controls.
"Insurers must provide meaningful coverage, handle legitimate claims fairly and translate reduced costs into savings for policyholders."
Housing affordability Leans agree· stated position
He said that on the Volusia County Council he supported faster permitting, accessory dwelling units and flexible zoning, and that in the Senate he would streamline permitting, allow more starter homes and ADUs, protect state and local housing funds and support targeted down-payment assistance.
"I support streamlining permitting, removing unnecessary regulatory costs, and allowing more starter homes, townhomes and ADUs where infrastructure can support them."
Abortion Strongly disagrees· stated position
Asked by the League of Women Voters when he would support abortion access, Johansson said he supports Florida's current law banning abortion after about six weeks with its existing exceptions, and said he supports access to contraception to prevent unintended pregnancies.
"I support Florida's current law, which generally prohibits abortion after six weeks"
Health care Mixed / neutral· stated position
He said Florida must protect access to essential care while keeping costs sustainable, and named community health centers, preventive care, Medicaid managed-care accountability and a larger health workforce. He did not call for expanding Medicaid eligibility, saying targeted state assistance should be evaluated on need, cost and measurable benefits.
"I would work with our congressional delegation for predictable federal funding and evaluate targeted state assistance based on need, cost and measurable benefits."
Environment & water Leans agree· stated position
His campaign platform says he would 'Lead the state in environmental stewardship with innovative solutions,' and in the VOTE411 questionnaire he said he would convene local leaders and state agencies on infrastructure and flood-mitigation projects and support growth that protects natural resources.
"Lead the state in environmental stewardship with innovative solutions"
Growth & development Mixed / neutral· stated position
He said growth must be matched by roads, drainage, water and public safety and that he would prioritize infrastructure and flood-mitigation projects, while also saying growth policy must respect property rights. He did not endorse higher impact fees or density limits.
"We must respect property rights and ensure roads, drainage, water and public safety keep pace with growth."
Elections & voting Leans disagree· stated position
He said he supports requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote, while also backing clear guidance, fee relief for people facing hardship and help obtaining missing records.
"I support requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote."
Crime & policing Leans agree· stated position
His platform's first plank says he would 'Ensure Floridians are safe by ensuring public safety is our number 1 priority.' He does not address sentencing or criminal penalties.
"Ensure Floridians are safe by ensuring public safety is our number 1 priority."
Veterans Leans agree· stated position
His platform lists 'Support our veterans and first responders' among five priorities. Johansson is a retired Navy captain and a service-disabled veteran small business owner.
"Support our veterans and first responders"
No public position found on 8 issues
We searched campaign sites, questionnaires, interviews, votes and official actions and did not find a clear stance on: Property taxes, Immigration, Guns, Education & school choice, Marijuana, Gender identity laws, Energy & utilities, Trump administration. 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
- — Calls for leaner, more affordable government, workforce development, better-paying jobs and affordable housing, and describes free enterprise as worth defending.
- State preemption of local government — Johansson, a former Port Orange city manager and current Volusia County Council member, said he supports 'home rule with accountability' and that before preempting local authority the Legislature should establish the facts, hear from residents and local officials, and consider a narrower remedy.
- Workforce and jobs — His platform lists promoting workforce development, better-paying jobs and affordable housing, and he said he would expand career and technical education and apprenticeships.
- Data centers and utility costs — In a News 6 voter-guide questionnaire, Johansson said regulators should find ways for data centers to pay their own way and named microreactors as a good start.
Endorsements (as reported)
- Associated Industries of Florida
- Florida Chamber of Commerce
- Florida Senate Republican leadership
- Florida Realtors PAC
- Chief Executive Officers of Management Companies (CEOMC), trade group for Florida community association managers