David Cox could be Florida’s first openly gay congressman

Daytona – A Daytona man is making a run to be Florida’s first openly gay congressman.

David Cox, director of resources at Bethun-Cookman University, would represent District 6, which covers St. Augustine and Daytona Beach. He said being gay won’t affect his campaign, but his plans for being a voice for Florida in Washington D.C. will.
“I happen to be a gay person, but it’s not all that I am,” Cox said. “This campaign happens to be about LGBT rights but it’s not all about that—there’s so much more.”

As a candidate for Florida’s Sixth Congressional District seat, Cox states on his website that he plans to focus on five key issues: economic prosperity, quality of life, research and development, communal support and being a world leader. Among the issues that make-up his platform, he considers education and strengthening the working class to be the most important.

“I’m an educator, not a politician,” Cox said. “Education is my top priority.”

This makes sense, as Cox has been an educator for 10 years and has worked at the middle school, high school and college levels. He has been involved in politics through volunteer work and partnering with local organizations, but felt he wanted to become more involved and do something bigger.

“We believe in heavy representation in Florida and having a seat at the table in D.C.,” Cox said. “Having a seat at the table is key… and being able to be involved in the discussion.”

Cox said he supports LGBT equality and, although a Congressman would work at the federal level, he would love the opportunity to help make change in Florida.

“I support Equality Florida and I support equal rights for everyone,” Cox said. “On the campaign trail, I don’t have a direct hand in these laws [for in Florida], but I do throw my support behind the cause.”

Cox said he has pushed for equality by speaking at various events, including the April 12 LGBTQ+ March in St. Augustine, Fla.

“I think we need to do more for the LGBT community in all of Florida,” Cox said.

Cox strives to be a voice for his district and Florida, advocating for education, the middle class and LGBT rights.

“It gives me a great opportunity and platform to represent the community in a positive light and show others what can be done,” he said.

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