ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Election Day is right around the corner and people are already starting to cast their vote through early voting and vote-by-mail. But there's still time between now and Nov. 5 to get the information you need about the races that impact you.
Congressional District 14 covers parts of Hillsborough and Pinellas County, including major cities Tampa and St. Petersburg.
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D) has been representing the district since 2006. For the 2024 election, her Republican challenger is Retired U.S. Navy Captain Robert "Rocky" Rochford.
Here's a look at both candidates and their platforms.
Ahead of Election Day, we've got everything you need to know in our comprehensive voter's guide.
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D)
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D) was reportedly the first woman elected to U.S. Congress to represent Hillsborough and Pinellas County when she won in 2006.
Prior to being elected to Congress, Castor was a Hillsborough County Commissioner and chair of the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission. A native from the Tampa Bay area, she graduated from Tampa's Chamberlain High School, Emory University and Florida State University College of Law.
According to Castor's website, her key issues include the following:
- Affordable housing
- Climate crisis
- Health care
- Equality for all
- Jobs & economy
- Women
- Education
- Gun violence prevention
- Protecting consumers
- Immigration
- Veterans' affairs
- Military
- Small business
- Infrastructure
For more about Castor and her platform, click or tap here.
Robert 'Rocky' Rochford (R)
Retired Navy Captain/Commodore Robert "Rocky" Rochford served for more than 30 years in the U.S. Navy, according to his campaign website. He and his wife of 32 years, Andrea have called Hillsborough County home since 1989. "Although the Navy has stationed us across the globe, we love Tampa Bay and are thrilled to have permanently dropped anchor," his website said.
Rochford reportedly was the Commodore for Navel Beach Group One from 2016-2018. He has a Masters degree from the U.S. Naval War College as well.
According to his campaign site, some of the key issues Rochford is focused on are the following:
- The economy
- The border
- National security
- Human trafficking
- Protecting children
- Family values
- Capitol police in Tampa
- Fighting for Tampa Bay
- Election integrity
For more on Rochford and his platform, click or tap here.
