Candidate Spotlight: Brit Robinson, District 4

Brit Robinson, left, speaks with voter at a recent District 4 Candidate discussion panel.

Brit Robinson grew up in a family defined by service. With a father, grandfather and uncle in the U.S. Marines, she says she was surrounded from an early age by a sense of duty to protect the country and the people in it. But her childhood also showed her how quickly stability can disappear. Robinson’s parents divorced when she was just four. When Robinson’s ill mother was denied medical insurance due to pre-existing conditions, the financial security her family once had became far less certain. Having lost everything to her illness, Robinson’s mother eventually sent her across the country to live with family friends. This experience still shapes how she views politics today.

Robinson says no child should go hungry because their parents lack health insurance, calling it “shameful” in a country with as many resources as the United States. That belief, she says, is part of what pushed her toward politics, along with growing concern about the influence of wealthy donors and tech billionaires in national elections.

Though she has never held political office, Robinson argues that lived experience can be just as important as a traditional political résumé. She believes Congress is increasingly disconnected from the realities many Americans face — particularly younger generations struggling with unstable careers, rising costs and economic insecurity. For Robinson, running for office is about bringing those experiences into the room and prioritizing people over corporations.

Readers can explore her detailed positions on hot topics across the political spectrum in the accompanying Q&A.

Q & A with Brit Robinson

What political experience do you have?

None. The expectation is you need substantial connections or past political experience.  That has not gotten us anywhere good,  We are still being led by a fascist dictator. Your life experience is just as valuable as your career experience, especially when so many under 40’s are struggling to have any form of linear career.  We try so hard and it is not feasible for the majority of Americans.

The majority of congress is not representative of the background and experience of everyday Americans.  It makes sense we don’t have programs that help us. I truly believe if you know what the true cost is of being in these catastrophic life events, like losing your house and family, you fight differently because you know what is at stake.

If elected, what would be the first piece of legislation you would introduce?

If we move past Trump needing to be removed from office, along with the entire cabinet- after that the first thing that needs to be done is campaign finance reform.  Making sure corporations and the wealthiest in the country cannot buy our politicians. All of that is what continues to feed the cycle of wealth inequality in America.

How do you view the current political climate in Florida?

Unsafe.  Not focused on the real needs.  That is happening across the entire country.  This is a national problem, that average Americans cannot afford rent or mortgage. 1/3 are also one paycheck away from homelessness.We are in crisis everywhere, especially in FL.  I worry so much about this administrations goals.  They are pushing a far right Christian nationalist agenda.  There are reports going around they are calling this a holy war. Florida has one of the highest populations of active duty and veterans in the country, yet its’ our people,  our families, sent to fight a war no one wants. Every front is under attack within our borders.  

What motivated you to run for Congress?

We need a candidate that puts families first — before corporations, before billionaires, and before corrupt politicians. I believe we need something different, because obviously the status quo isn’t working. We wouldn’t be where we are today with a fascist authoritarian in the White House, backed by the richest cabinet in history — worth an estimated $16 billion — pushing a far-right Christian nationalist agenda.

What three issues are most important to you?

Safe, fed, housed.
If people’s needs are not being met, they will be in a heightened sight of fight of flight.  One of the ways forward into a more stable future for everyone is to address people’s basic needs.  That is when we can start to have more productive conversation about untiy.  Until then people are fighting for survival.  We have to have understanding for some of the Americans that may be seen as selfish right now, When you think you are fighting for your life and a safe future for your family, you’re going to put yourself first.  When we have an administration come in and provide you the reason for your suffering, and you’re being told that is minorities or undocumented people’s fault, and they don’t have an education but have been propagandized into believing that is truth- I can understand how we got to a point of so much anamosity.  One of the ways we go about addressing that system is making sure people have the ability to to afford basic needs or have social safety nets that help them get back other feet. Our country is in such a bad place and this administration is exploiting that.

What is your stance on ICE?  Abolish or reform?

Abolish.  Abolish and prosecute any officers responsible for crimes and anyone else who has been involved in targeting and terrorizing innocent people in our country.

What is your plan to reach moderate and Republican voters in the district to ensure we can flip the seat?

My plan is to stick to the policies I believe in, which are overwhelmingly popular amongst all Americans regardless of political party.  Having universal healthcare, affordable housing, living wages, healthy food, affordable groceries.  These are the things that make life possible for the everyday American and that’s where we can find common ground.  I also thing that message has to come from someone who has that shared lived experience, otherwise it comes off as inauthentic and empty words. When we have politicians who have never struggled in their lives and their entire platform is revolved around the struggles of the working class, but they have never struggled, I don’t trust that.  I think there is a question of why a third of Americans don’t vote- because they don’t feel they have a politician who truly represents them.  That is why I think progressives across the country are gaining a lot of traction in primaries because people see they are working-class people who are fighting for them.

What advice would you give to those who are leaving MAGA due to the Epstein files?

Continue to consider what else this administration is lying to you about.  Try to be critical of what they say their reasonings are.  Be critical of the people who are involved, because the Epstein Files are just a window into the network of exploitation and abuse that the wealthiest people on the planet are responsible for.

Where do you stand on AIPAC and Israel?

I have committed to not talking money from AIPAC.   I believe we need to cease funding to Israel and that we should never provide support to a country, regardless of allyship, when they are deemed responsible for genocide from multiple international humanitarian aid organizations.

What is your plan for addressing gun violence in America?

We need gun reform.  Common sense gun safety legislation mis widely popular and we are long past due needing safety protesting to make sure our kids aren’t dying in schools.