- February 8, 2025
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Nancy Soderberg has officially announced her candidacy for Florida's 6th congressional district—a seat currently held by Ron DeSantis, R-Palm Coast.
Soderberg, director of the Public Service Leadership Program at the University of North Florida, made the announcement during her campaign launch on Wednesday, July 19 in DeLand. The seat covers both Volusia and Flagler counties. Elections will be held in November of 2018.
"I am running because I'm deeply concerned about the direction of this country," Soderberg said. "I've been living here for a decade teaching college students from Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns. I'm deeply concerned they're not going to have the future they deserve. They work hard, go to school, they can't get a job when they come back or they can't get a job in their own town."
One major focus for Soderberg is keeping the Affordable Care Act in place, something DeSantis has been in favor of dismantling. On May 4, DeSantis was included among House Republicans who successfully voted in favor of a healthcare bill that would replace major parts of Obamacare.
DeSantis recently made it known that he also wants President Donald Trump to remove the Obamacare subsidies for congress.
"The best way to restart the #ObamaCare repeal process is simple: make Congress live under the law. The President can make this happen," DeSantis wrote in a Tweet on Thursday, July 20.
"Nancy Soderberg listens and feels the needs of what us Floridians are asking for." Stephan Skora.
When asked what her message to Port Orange was, Soderberg said Washington lawmakers are not working in favor of the lives of locals and Florida in general.
"They're not doing their job. Dysfunctional politicians in Washington aren't worried about the needs of this community," Soderberg said. "A1A hasn't even been repaired since this last hurricane, students can't get a job, they're saddled with debt, they're very concerned about this healthcare."
Soderberg said in addition to tackling the healthcare bill she wants to focus on jobs, education and protecting the environment.
Stephan Skora, who is from Port Orange and a former student of Soderberg's, called her a "people's champion" and someone with "commitment and caring dedication."
"Nancy Soderberg listens and feels the needs of what us Floridians are asking for," Skora wrote in an email. "She will stand up for us, she will 'scratch and claw' to fight the political battles that will present themselves, and she will win. Win for us, to make our lives and the lives of families better."
Soderberg said before she decided to run for congress, she spent time talking with residents within the district about what they needed from Washington. She said many of her Port Orange students had worries about getting jobs after graduation.
"It's a small, tight-knit community. I think there's a growing concern that Washington is broken and it is," Soderberg said. "I think public service is an honor and privilege to serve but you've got to deliver and it's not working right now."
