Florida House 65: Incumbent Faces Independent Political New Comer | TheLedger.com

Republican incumbent John Wood, 57, is being challenged by political newcomer Joshua Davis, 30, who is running as an independent.

Wood is the CEO of a housing company, lawyer and Realtor. He grew up in Winter Haven and went to Santa Fe High School. He graduated from Columbia University and received a law degree from Florida State University.

In 2007, he was recognized by Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Fred Lewis for his volunteer activities as a pro bono lawyer for Florida Rural Legal Services.

If he gets a second term, chief among his legislative issues will be changing the way Medicaid is managed and changes in property insurance.

Wood said he continues to reach out to the voters by letting them know about his values as an elected official: less government, free markets and more personal freedoms.

"I welcome the opportunity for the voters of District 65 (to say) that they agree with those values and how I have represented them in Tallahassee," Wood said.

Davis is focusing his platform on preserving agricultural land and creating incentives for businesses to thrive so more jobs can be created.

He said he's been knocking on doors and telling voters about his campaign at public places.

Davis said he doesn't rely on campaign signs to do his work. He prefers talking face to face.

"I am a candidate that sticks to his word," Davis said. "I am for the people not for special interests."

Davis joined the National Guard after he graduated from high school and joined the Army in 2001, serving in the initial invasion of Iraq.

After a second enlistment, he left the Army in 2009. Wounded on his last tour, Davis said he receives military disability pay in addition to working on a few entrepreneurial projects.

According to the latest campaign treasury report from the state, Davis received $1,985 in contributions and spent $1,896.

Davis and wife, Kendra, live in Winter Haven and have four children. He is a member of the Veteran for Foreign Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart and the National Rifle Association.

He is also a member of the local chapter of the The 9-12 Project, a group founded by Fox News personality Glenn Beck.

The district covers part of East Polk County, running from Interstate 4 south to Frostproof and east of the Polk Parkway.

It includes the cities of Davenport, Haines City and Dundee, and part of Winter Haven.

Members of the Florida House serve for two-year terms and receive an annual salary of $29,697.