Karl Cieslak
Democrat | Florida
Candidate Profile*
Liberal (Conditional)
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Karl Cieslak
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2024
Election
General
Race
State Rep., Dist 54
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Everglades University, Tampa, Dual MBA HR and Project Management Concentrations, 2022
Everglades University, Tampa, Bachelors in Hospitality Management, 2020
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
Resurrection Episcopal Church, Senior Warden
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
ENDORSEMENTS*
LIBERAL (6)
*Democratic Veterans Caucus of Florida
Florida Planned Parenthood PAC
Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida
*VOTEPROCHOICE
Florida NOW (National Organization of Women)
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (8)
Florida Planned Parenthood PAC
Democratic Veterans Caucus of Florida
Democratic Public Education Caucus of Pasco County and Florida
Florida National Organization for Women (NOW)
Plant City Area Democrats
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Dawn Douglas (2024)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
I believe decisions about abortion should be made by women in consultation with their doctors. Elective abortions should be allowed when a woman determines it’s best for her health and well-being. I also support exceptions for rape, incest, and when the mother’s life or health is at risk. Additionally, I advocate for access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare and family planning services to reduce the need for abortions overall.
Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.
Disagree
I disagree because while safety standards are important, requiring in-person consultations creates unnecessary barriers to care. Telehealth has been proven safe and effective for providing access to chemical abortion drugs, ensuring both safety and convenience for patients. Reporting outcomes can help improve care, but excessive restrictions should not be used to limit access to reproductive healthcare.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Disagree
I disagree because Planned Parenthood and other providers offer essential healthcare services beyond abortion, such as cancer screenings, contraception, and prenatal care. Restricting their funding would harm access to these critical services for millions of people, particularly low-income individuals. Federal and state funds already do not pay for abortions, except in limited cases, so removing funding would only reduce access to vital healthcare.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Disagree
I disagree because while I believe in compassionate end-of-life care, "aid in dying" laws can be complex and raise ethical concerns. It is essential to focus on providing comprehensive palliative care, mental health support, and ensuring patients and families have access to the resources they need to make informed decisions. We must prioritize dignity and autonomy while safeguarding vulnerable populations from potential misuse.
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Agree
I agree because free enterprise and private property rights are important for a thriving economy. However, they must be balanced with regulations that protect consumers, workers, and the environment to ensure fairness and prevent exploitation. A productive economic system should provide opportunities for everyone, not just the wealthy, while promoting innovation and competition.
What is your position on the minimum wage?
I support raising the minimum wage to reflect the cost of living, reduce poverty, and support families. Increases should be gradual to allow businesses to adjust and flexible for regional differences.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
Yes
I agree because considering environmental and social factors, like ESG ratings, helps ensure that public investments align with long-term sustainability and ethical standards. These criteria promote responsible business practices, reduce risk, and support positive societal outcomes, ultimately benefiting communities and the environment. However, investments should also focus on maximizing financial returns for public benefit.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Government should only close churches in extreme circumstances, such as public health emergencies or imminent threats to public safety. Any closures must be temporary, justified by clear evidence, and applied equally across all institutions to protect public health and safety while respecting religious freedom.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Did not answer
HEALTHCARE
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
Did not answer
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Did not answer
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Did not answer
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Did not answer
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Did not answer
EDUCATION
The state should fund education by allowing dollars to follow the child through programs which protect parents' freedom to choose their child's school – public, private, or homeschool.
Did not answer
VALUES
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Did not answer
Parents should have the right to make decisions for their minor children.
Did not answer
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Did not answer
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Did not answer
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
Did not answer
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Did not answer
States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.
Did not answer
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Did not answer
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Did not answer
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Did not answer
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Which comes closest to your view? (Select all that apply) A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost. C) Stricter environmental laws undermine U.S. energy independence and deter development of reliable electricity sources. D) Climate change is real and requires urgent policy action.
Did not answer
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Did not answer
ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
Did not answer
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
Did not answer
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
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When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
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CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Did not answer
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Did not answer
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Did not answer
