This candidate did not respond to the News Collaborative of Central Florida questionnaire. Using the candidate’s website and social posts, we have tried to provide answers to our questions.
Party: Republican
Age: 56
Campaign website: voteforjorgemalavet.com
Education: He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of the State of New York, Regents College in 1998, a graduate degree from Troy University in 2005, and a law degree from Barry University in 2014.
Occupation: Retired Naval Officer and former manager with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s southeast region.
Hometown: Orlando
TOP ISSUES: What are the three most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them?
On his campaign website, Malavet says he would “champion policies that strengthen families, ensure affordable and dependable work, support schools that value character and excellence, and support a lawful immigration system that welcomes those who pursue the American dream while keeping our state and communities secure. “
HOME RULE: In recent years, the Florida Legislature and the governor’s administration have acted more than 50 times to take away the ability of local governments to make decisions about everything from the use of plastic straws or gas-powered leaf blowers to the height and density of buildings when it comes to certain affordable housing developments. Explain why you support state preemption of cities and counties to govern themselves? Or, if you don’t support preemption, please explain why you don’t agree with the measures?
We could not find any statements from Malavet about home rule.
RURAL BOUNDARIES: In the legislature, would you vote to protect local government’s efforts to establish rural boundaries to limit development in certain local areas
We could not find any statements from Malavet about rural boundaries.
TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX: Do you support expanding the eligible uses of the Tourist Development Tax under state law? If so, how would you allow local governments to use the TDT (i.e., for public infrastructure, transit, affordable housing, public safety)? If not, why not?
We could not find any statements from Malavet about TDT.
VACCINES: Florida is currently fifth in the nation for measles cases because of declining vaccination rates among children. The Florida surgeon general recently introduced a new rule that would allow parents to opt out. It eliminates vaccine mandates that aren’t required by law and allows parents to opt out of four vaccines (Hib, Hepatitis B, chickenpox and pneumococcus) for “moral and ethical reasons”; and opt out of the tracking database. Herd immunity requires 92-95 percent community vaccination rates to keep dangerous diseases under control. Where do you stand on maintaining vaccine mandates for public/private school entry? Do you believe that vaccines cause autism? Do you believe that the number of vaccinations a newborn/infant receives is a contributor to autism?
We could not find any statements from Malavet about vaccinations.
HOPE FLORIDA: What specific actions will you take regarding the findings from the grand jury report on the Hope Florida controversy, and will you pursue the recovery of disputed funds?
We could not find any statements from Malavet about Hope Florida.
VOTING RIGHTS: What will you do to protect voting rights and election integrity?
We could not find any statements from Malavet about voting rights.
AFFORDABILITY: The University of North Florida’s public opinion poll shows Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with the affordability issue in your district?
On his website, he lists a strong economy and affordability as a priority. “Drawing on 30-plus years of resource management expertise, Jorge will work to cut red tape for small businesses, and promote affordability by supporting better wages, lower taxes, reliable infrastructure, and insurance reform to keep costs down for families.”
PROPERTY TAX: Please vote yes or no on the proposed elimination of property taxes and explain your position.
We could not find any statements from Malavet about Amendment 3.
UTILITY COSTS: Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? And what should the Legislature do about it?
We could not find any statements from Malavet about utility costs.
EDUCATION ISSUES: What is the single biggest issue government should address when it comes to public education in Florida?
On his website, he lists this about education: “I believe education should be rigorous, merit-based, and accessible to every student willing to put in the effort. That means expanding pathways to success through affordable and flexible options, strengthening apprenticeships and workforce training aligned with family-supporting wages, and maintaining performance-driven school standards that empower teachers and help students reach their full potential. If we invest in character, discipline, and critical thinking, we expand economic mobility and keep our communities competitive. Access to opportunity should be earned through effort and merit, not by mandates or shortcuts.
IMMIGRATION: Do you agree with the current federal and state governments’ approaches to immigration enforcement? Why or why not?
Malavet says on his website that he supports “a lawful immigration system that welcomes those who pursue the American dream while keeping our state and communities secure. “
ABORTION RESTRICTIONS: Do you believe abortion restrictions in Florida should be more strict, less strict or stay the same?
We could not find any statements from Malavet about abortion rights.
ENVIRONMENT: What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in your district?
We could not find any statements from Malavet about the environment.
This Voter Guide was produced by the News Collaborative of Central Florida, a collective of independent local news outlets and aligned partners working toward a more informed and engaged Central Florida. Questions for the candidates were created by members of the collaborative and shared with candidates to answer. Attempts were made to contact all candidates to answer our questions – many responded but some did not. If a candidate did not respond, we have done our best to provide answers to our questions based on candidates’ websites, social media posts or public comments. For more information about the News Collaborative of Central Florida, click here.