Tom Keen has stepped up to represent the constituents of Florida House District 35, which covers large parts of Orange and Osceola Counties. Motivated by a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of public service, Tom's decision to run for office stems from his unwavering commitment to making a meaningful and positive impact on people's lives.
With a distinguished military career spanning 21 years, Commander Tom Keen, United States Navy (Retired) specialized in airborne reconnaissance missions worldwide. His expertise included conducting highly sensitive airborne multi-sensor surveillance operations in support of high-priority naval and national intelligence requirements, including missions in the Persian Gulf.
Currently, Tom leads new business development for the Defense Systems Business Area at Collins Aerospace, Simulation and Training Solutions, a Raytheon Technologies Company. He holds a degree in political science from the University of Cincinnati and has completed the Advanced Program Manager course at the Defense Systems Management College. Additionally, he has pursued executive education at the Darden Graduate School of Business, University of Virginia, further enhancing his business acumen.
Having served his country for two decades, Tom deeply understands the meaning of service. Tom's military experience has provided him with invaluable insights into leadership, teamwork, and the importance of making sound decisions under pressure. He knows what it means to serve, and he brings that same sense of duty, dedication, and integrity to his candidacy.
Tom's military experience has also shaped his perspective on public service and instilled in him a deep sense of commitment to his community. He is committed to addressing key issues that affect Floridians. He recognizes the urgent need for creating affordable housing solutions, lowering insurance costs, rescuing public schools, expanding Medicaid, and protecting the environment.
Having fought for his country, Tom understands the significance of safeguarding personal freedoms, and is a staunch advocate for protecting women's reproductive rights and LGBTQ rights. A true Patriot, Tom is driven by a deep belief in equality, freedom, liberty, and justice for all, and is committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background or identity, is treated with dignity and respect. Having witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by veterans and their families, he is dedicated to improving support systems and ensuring they receive the care and assistance they deserve.
Tom, along with his wife Laura, resides in the Lake Nona area of Orlando, where they have raised their two adult children. Passionate about serving the community, Tom is actively involved in several veteran service organizations. He is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). He also maintains memberships in the Military Officers Association of America, the United States Naval Institute, the American Legion, and the Lake Nona Veterans Club. Tom currently serves on the Board of Directors of Friends of Fisher House Orlando and dedicates his time to the City of Orlando Citizen’s Police Review Board. Previously Tom participated in the Mayor's Veterans Advisory Council, Leadership Orlando, and the Mayor's City Academy.
Tom's lifelong commitment to public service extends to his candidacy for the Florida House in District 35, which encompasses Orange and Osceola Counties. It includes most of Orange County east of Narcoossee Road, south to St. Cloud, and the Osceola communities of Harmony, parts of Narcoossee, Pine Grove, Kenansville, and Holopaw down to the Okeechobee County line. His extensive experience in business management, program leadership, and resource utilization, coupled with his military background, equips him with the skills necessary to address the diverse needs of the region.
Tom understands the importance of collaboration, effective communication, and finding innovative solutions to achieve positive outcomes. Tom’s proven track record of accomplishments, results-focused leadership, and collaborative approach make him an ideal candidate for ensuring a brighter future for the people of District 35.
Twelve new candidates declared their intent to run for state-level offices in Florida between Aug. 14 and Aug. 20, according to Ballotpedia’s ongoing tracking. This was 11 more candidates than the prior week.
The Senator also wanted Keen as the Democratic nominee for the seat last year.
Florida Governor DeSantis called for a Central Florida special election for Florida House District 35, which includes Orange and Osceola County.
“It’s just out of control, and I don’t see Republicans having taken any real meaningful steps to keep that from happening…Those kitchen table economics are very front and center with voters when I go to talk to them,” said Democrat Tom Keen of Orlando, a candidate in the special election.
Women’s rights are also under siege. Thanks to radical Republican leadership, Florida has become less free than ever for women, passing a six-week abortion ban (after the Senate president had previously promised not to allow it) that effectively bans this healthcare for women facing major issues. Rather than addressing the maternal health crisis, Florida’s legislators are imposing a religiously driven agenda opposed by 75% of Floridians, including 61% of Republicans.
“When the legislature passed their first inch down the road, people said, ‘Well, yeah, it’s okay.’ They could agree with that. But taking it to a six-week ban, it’s just gone too far,” said Mr. Keen.
These private schools are subject to no regulations, from reading standards to anti-discrimination regulations, that apply to public schools, and yet they are receiving state funds, even if they have a 17% graduation rate and charge $60,000 per year.
“It’s a monetary windfall, and yet they’re still not being held to the same standards. There’s no transparency. We don’t know what graduation rates are. We don’t know what the curriculum is. They can keep people out that they don’t like – it’s just wrong,” said Mr. Keen.
If the residents of House District 35 come out to vote in convincing numbers when the special election is held, they will be able to demonstrate that the unpopular agenda that has failed to solve Florida’s problems is, in fact, unpopular.
“Democrats are appalled at what they saw in Tallahassee this last session, and I think it’s going to make a difference in turnout,” said Mr. Keen. “In a special election, turnouts are usually very low. That would probably be the case in this special election, as well, and it will be incumbent upon [the nominee] to make sure that we get Democrats out to vote.”
The health of our state’s residents should not hinge on their ability to navigate bureaucratic red tape. The process of re-verifying eligibility and communicating changes has been confusing for many. Too many residents are finding out they no longer have benefits when they are in dire need of care.
Our government needs to take swift and decisive action. It is not enough to direct residents to Healthcare.gov or Florida KidCare, although these are important resources. The state must invest in clear, concise communication about this ‘Medicaid Unwinding,’ ensuring that residents understand the steps they need to take and the resources available to them. This includes providing adequate support for those facing language barriers or who lack access to digital communication methods. No resident should be left in the dark about their eligibility or options.
The health of our state’s residents should not hinge on their ability to navigate bureaucratic red tape. The process of re-verifying eligibility and communicating changes has been confusing for many. Too many residents are finding out they no longer have benefits when they are in dire need of care.
Our government needs to take swift and decisive action. It is not enough to direct residents to Healthcare.gov or Florida KidCare, although these are important resources. The state must invest in clear, concise communication about this ‘Medicaid Unwinding,’ ensuring that residents understand the steps they need to take and the resources available to them. This includes providing adequate support for those facing language barriers or who lack access to digital communication methods. No resident should be left in the dark about their eligibility or options.
Keen said there were “any number of issues that have gotten folks basically fired up. If you look at abortion access, if you look at book bans, if you look at ‘don’t say gay,’ if you look at homeowners insurance, all of those issues point to Democrats wanting to take the seat.”
“The governor needs to step up and do his job,” Keen said. … We’re rapidly approaching the point where if we don’t get a special election pretty soon, the representative will not be sitting when the session starts in January. And that’s just wrong.”