Democrat Jarod Fox unseats Doug Bankson in House District 39

Democrat Jarod Fox defeated two-term Republican incumbent Doug Bankson in Tuesday’s general election for Florida House District 39, flipping the seat to Democrats and ending Bankson’s four-year tenure in the Legislature. 

Fox, an infectious disease physician with Orlando Health in his first bid for public office, received a combined 40,469 votes, or 55.46%, compared with Bankson’s 32,503 votes, or 44.54%, according to unofficial results from the Orange and Seminole county supervisors of elections. an infectious disease physician with Orlando Health 

District 39 includes Apopka and portions of Orange and Seminole counties. Fox carried the Orange County portion of the district with 29,909 votes to Bankson’s 20,806. Bankson won Seminole County with 11,697 votes to Fox’s 10,560. 

The combined results gave Fox a 7,966-vote victory. 

In an election-night interview with The Apopka Chief at the Orange County Democrats’ watch party at The Abbey in Orlando, Fox said he was grateful and humbled that voters had chosen him to represent the district in Tallahassee. 

“I think it shows that people in this district across Central Florida are ready for some change in Tallahassee,” Fox said. 

Fox attributed his victory partly to voters’ concerns about health care costs, an issue he emphasized throughout his campaign. 

He identified expanding Medicaid as his first legislative priority, saying the state should provide greater access to health coverage for eligible residents. 

“That would be my first bill that I would like to introduce,” Fox said. 

Fox also identified reducing property insurance costs and establishing a state-level cap on insulin prices among his priorities. 

As a physician, Fox has said his experiences treating patients who struggle to afford medication and medical care influenced his decision to seek office. 

Asked about issues affecting Apopka, Fox recalled conversations with South Apopka residents who described recurring flooding, aging infrastructure and prolonged electricity outages following hurricanes. 

He said he wants to work with local governments to address infrastructure needs in communities throughout the district. 

Fox, who was part of the Democratic gains on Tuesday in a Legislature Republicans will still control, pledged to work across party lines to advance proposals benefiting constituents. 

“If you have good ideas, I’m willing to work with you,” he said. 

Bankson acknowledged his defeat while addressing supporters Tuesday night at a watch party at his Apopka home. 

“It’s disappointing on one level,” Bankson said, adding that he was at peace with the outcome. 

The Republican thanked his family, campaign volunteers and legislative staff for their support during his time in office. 

Reflecting on his four years in Tallahassee, Bankson said his legislative work resulted in 20 bills passed and $20 million returned to the district. 

“I went up there to go to work,” Bankson said, adding that he sought to serve constituents with integrity. 

During his reelection campaign, Bankson highlighted his legislative work, including efforts to secure funding for recreational trails and Lake Apopka restoration. He also identified property insurance affordability as an issue he wanted to continue addressing if reelected. 

Bankson was first elected to the Florida House in 2022, defeating Democrat Tiffany Hughes. He won reelection in 2024 against Democrat Marsha Summersill. 

Before serving in Tallahassee, Bankson represented Seat 3 on the Apopka City Commission. 

He advanced to Tuesday’s general election after defeating Carlos Johary in the Aug. 18 Republican primary. Fox was unopposed for the Democratic nomination. 

Fox will represent District 39 for a two-year term. Election results remain unofficial until certified. 

With contribution by Sarah Merly 

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional election results and background information.