Wendy Anderson
Anderson describes a 35-year career as a teacher, scientist, consultant and administrator in environmental systems and natural resources conservation. She led the August 18, 2026 District 1 primary with 47.6% of the vote, short of the majority needed to win outright, and advanced to a November 3 runoff against incumbent Don Dempsey. Her campaign centers on conservation land, flooding and redevelopment inside existing urban areas.
How they got on the ballot: First in Aug 18 primary with 47.58%
Campaign finance: state and county candidates file with the Florida Division of Elections or the county Supervisor of Elections. Search contributions ↗
Sources last checked 2026-07-31. 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.
Property taxes Strongly disagrees· stated position
In the News 6 voter guide questionnaire she said she will vote no on the proposed constitutional amendment to sharply cut property taxes, saying it would shift the tax burden onto recent homebuyers, renters and small businesses while centralizing power with state government.
Housing affordability Strongly agrees· stated position
She would promote redevelopment inside urban areas with a wider range of housing types, including tiny homes and multi-family structures, and supports incentive programs for first-time homebuyers purchasing older homes that need renovation, plus compact, walkable mixed-use communities.
Environment & water Strongly agrees· stated position
She names land-use change causing habitat loss and aquifer depletion as the county's biggest environmental problem, and says she would protect taxpayer-funded conservation lands and prioritize green space that absorbs rainwater. She would allow data centers only on degraded or already-paved sites, require them to recirculate wastewater and be self-sufficient for power.
"Make Volusia First in Conservation"
Growth & development Strongly agrees· stated position
She says she opposes sprawl into rural areas and would redevelop already-paved parcels rather than expand the county's development footprint, arguing the county should build upward rather than outward.
No public position found on 3 issues
We searched campaign sites, questionnaires, interviews, votes and official actions and did not find a clear stance on: Taxes & spending, Crime & policing, 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
- Data centers — Says each community should have the right to ban AI data centers; where approved, they should generate their own power, recycle their water and not raise other customers' rates.
Endorsements (as reported)
- Sierra Club Florida