A U.S. Army veteran is gearing up to take on an entrenched Republican for a House seat in Northeast Florida.
Diana Jordan-Baldwin announced she’s seeking the Republican nomination for the House District 18 seat, which is currently held by Republican Rep. Kim Kendall.
“Service has defined my life,” Jordan-Baldwin said in a news release. “From wearing the uniform of our nation to serving families in our community, I have always believed leadership means listening first and acting with integrity. District 18 deserves a representative who will fight for our seniors, our veterans, our children, and working families — and who will bring real accountability back to Tallahassee.”
In addition to her Army service, Jordan-Baldwin has served on several boards, including the Community Medical Center Board, the Mental Health Group Home Board and the Turnbull Creek Community Development District Board.
Jordan-Baldwin said beyond her public service, she is also the founder and CEO of Dovez Nest Home, which provides support for disabled residents, and the Christopher Burks Scholarship Foundation, which is named after her late husband.
In addition, she said she’s involved in faith-based activities and is an ordained minister.
Kendall, a West St. Johns Republican, was first elected in 2024, racking up 69.9% of the vote in the General Election against her Democratic challenger Keith Matthews.
As of now, there is no Democratic candidate in the HD 18 race. HD 18 covers a large chunk of St. Johns County along the coastal areas from the Duval County line south to St. Augustine and west into the inland areas near Fruit Cove.
The Primary is slated for Aug. 18.
