Kenneth "Ken" Gay
Gay retired in 2022 after 39 years with Hillsborough County Public Schools as a teacher, instructional leader and assistant principal, and holds a doctorate in child and youth studies. He ran unsuccessfully for the District 5 seat in 2024 and took about 27% in the Aug. 18, 2026 District 6 primary, advancing to the Nov. 3 runoff. He now mentors teachers and teaches student health and safety programs.
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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 Mixed / neutral· stated position
At a July 2026 forum Gay said the district should 'fund the basics' rather than add new programs and should find places to cut and recycle money; he did not call for cutting taxes or the school millage.
"fund the basics"
Library and classroom materials Leans disagree· stated position
In a Keep Florida Reading questionnaire, Gay said parents should have the primary role in guiding what their own children read and offered a personal 'litmus test' about age-appropriateness, but said removal decisions should run through Hillsborough's structured review process under Florida Statute 1006.28 and be posted publicly, not driven by individual preference.
"Decisions should be based on established law, professional review, and district policy—not politics, public pressure, or individual preference."
School safety approach Leans agree· stated position
Gay has pointed to what he calls a lack of consistent enforcement of student behavior rules and says classrooms need consistent consequences; his campaign site says schools should maintain discipline and clear expectations. He has not proposed adding police officers.
"Students learn best in safe and structured environments where expectations are clear."
No public position found on 4 issues
We searched campaign sites, questionnaires, interviews, votes and official actions and did not find a clear stance on: Property taxes, Education & school choice, Gender identity laws, Teacher and staff pay. 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
- Teacher support — His campaign site says strong schools start with educators who feel supported and respected and that teachers and staff should have what they need in the classroom, without naming pay as a top budget priority.Sources: Vote Kenneth Gay (2026-09)