
Susan Rochelle Leff
Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
EDUCATION
Saint Petersburg Jr. College, Clearwater, FL, AA Mass Communications, 1982-1988
University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, BA Communication, 1988-1991
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
my local synagogue, Volunteer, 2018-2026
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Florida House of Representatives District 59, 2026-2026
ENDORSEMENTS
LIBERAL (1)
Center for Freethought Equality
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
Susan Rochelle Leff (2026)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (3)
Largo/Mid-Pinellas Progressive Political Committee (2026)
Local, County, and District Democratic Organizations (2026)
Susan Rochelle Leff (2026)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE*
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Disagree
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
This between a woman and her Doctor. And, if it medically necessary.
Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.
Disagree
The beginning of life varies between individuals and various religions. Politics should NOT dictate an individuals personal choice.
The lives of human embryos created through artificial methods ought to be protected from purposeful destruction.
Disagree
Again, an individuals personal choice.
The Comstock Act, which bans interstate transportation of abortion-inducing drugs, should be enforced.
Disagree
ECONOMY
What is your position on the minimum wage?
We need the minimum wage increased to correspond with the cost of living.
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Agree
List your top 3-5 priorities to eliminate government waste.
Increase transparency and accountability. Eliminate wasteful spending and government inefficiency. Prevent corruption and protect taxpayer dollars.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
The separation of church and state protects everyone’s freedom to practice a religion—or none—without government interference. No single faith should dictate laws or personal freedoms. As a candidate for Florida House District 59, I will defend religious liberty, equal rights, and policies based on the Constitution, fairness, and the public good. Our government must serve all Floridians equally.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Agree
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.
Every Floridian deserves affordable, quality healthcare regardless of income, employment, age, or preexisting conditions. Government-funded coverage should be available to anyone who wants or needs it, while private options remain available. I support expanding public coverage, reducing costs, protecting patients, and keeping healthcare decisions between patients and medical professionals.
The government should keep a database of people with various ongoing medical illnesses to assess the economic burden of treatment.
Strongly Disagree
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Agree
I recognize the serious military, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and economic threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party. I support strengthening national security, protecting American technology and businesses, securing our supply chains, and holding foreign governments accountable for cyberattacks and unfair trade practices. We must protect American interests while maintaining diplomacy, promoting fair trade, and avoiding discrimination against Chinese Americans.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Yes, the United States’ relationship with Israel is important. It supports regional security, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism, technological cooperation, and economic ties. The partnership also helps address shared threats while advancing diplomacy and humanitarian goals. It should remain strong while encouraging accountability, protecting civilians, and supporting a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
IMMIGRATION
I support the existence of sanctuary cities to protect undocumented persons.
Agree
I support sanctuary cities because I believe everyone deserves dignity, safety, and fair treatment, regardless of immigration status. Families should not live in constant fear of separation or be afraid to report crimes, seek medical care, or cooperate with law enforcement. I support protecting immigrant communities, respecting due process, and allowing local governments to establish policies that promote public safety, compassion, and trust.
EDUCATION
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Strongly Disagree
I strongly oppose eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. Education is the foundation of our children’s future. Federal oversight helps protect equal educational opportunities, civil rights, special education services, and funding for disadvantaged students. Eliminating the department could widen inequalities between wealthy and underserved communities. Every child, regardless of ZIP code or family income, deserves access to a quality education.
Foreign governments should be prohibited from funding American education.
Agree
I support prohibiting foreign government funding that threatens the independence, integrity, or security of American education. Our schools and universities must never be influenced by foreign political agendas. All foreign funding should be fully disclosed, closely monitored, and subject to strict oversight. We must protect academic freedom, American students, and national security while allowing legitimate educational and research partnerships.
VALUES
Government should recognize and support the fundamental right and essential duty of parents to direct their child's health and educational well-being.
Agree
I agree that parents have the fundamental right and responsibility to guide their children’s healthcare, education, and overall well-being. Parents should be actively involved in decisions affecting their children. However, these rights must be balanced with protecting every child’s health, safety, and access to quality education. I support parental choice, collaboration with educators and medical professionals, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Attempts to physically or socially transition a child to the opposite sex constitute child abuse.
Disagree
I disagree. Child abuse involves harm, neglect, or exploitation, and gender transition should not automatically be classified as abuse. Every child deserves compassion, dignity, and protection. Decisions involving a child’s gender identity and healthcare should be approached carefully, with parental involvement, qualified medical guidance, and consideration of the child’s individual needs, safety, and well-being.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Strongly Disagree
I strongly disagree. Marriage is a fundamental right that should be available to all consenting adults, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Religious beliefs deserve respect, but no single religion should dictate our civil laws or deny others equal rights. I firmly believe in marriage equality, individual freedom, and the separation of church and state. Love, commitment, and equality should never be restricted by religious doctrine or government discrimination.
I support the expansion of gambling in my state.
Disagree
I oppose the expansion of gambling in Florida without strong safeguards and demonstrated public benefits. While gambling may generate revenue and jobs, we must consider the risks of addiction, financial hardship, and harm to families. I support strict regulation, consumer protections, and responsible oversight. Economic development should strengthen our communities without placing vulnerable Floridians at greater financial risk.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
My spiritual beliefs are rooted in my Jewish heritage and the values of compassion, kindness, honesty, integrity, and respect for all people. I believe in treating others with dignity, helping those in need, and standing up against injustice. Faith is deeply personal, and I respect everyone’s right to their own beliefs. My guiding principle is to treat others as I would want to be treated and to serve my community with empathy, fairness, and understanding.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
I believe requiring photo identification is a reasonable measure to help protect election integrity and public confidence in our voting system. However, every eligible American must have equal access to the ballot box. Government-issued photo identification should be free, easily accessible, and available without unnecessary barriers, particularly for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income voters. Protecting election security and voting rights must go hand in hand.
EQUALITY
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Disagree
I disagree with awarding reparations solely on the basis of race. However, I recognize the lasting harm caused by slavery, segregation, and systemic discrimination. I support addressing documented historical injustices through fair, accountable policies that expand educational opportunities, affordable housing, economic mobility, and equal access to resources. We must acknowledge our history while working toward equality and opportunity for all Americans.
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.
Disagree
I disagree with a blanket ban. I support fairness in women’s sports and privacy, dignity, and safety for everyone. Policies involving bathrooms, locker rooms, shelters, and prisons should consider individual circumstances, legitimate safety concerns, and applicable laws. We must protect women’s rights while treating transgender individuals with respect and ensuring no one faces discrimination or unnecessary harm.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Strongly Agree
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
I support a diversified energy mix—nuclear, solar, natural gas, and battery storage—to meet rising electricity demand while prioritizing affordability, grid reliability, energy independence, and environmental protection.
ABOUT YOU
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?
Moderate
I consider myself a moderate because I believe in practical, common-sense solutions rather than rigid political ideology. I support affordable healthcare, quality education, equal rights, religious freedom, fiscal responsibility, and government accountability. I believe in evaluating each issue independently, listening to different perspectives, and finding solutions that serve all Floridians, regardless of political affiliation.
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
no
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
no
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
What should be the goal of the criminal justice system?
I believe the criminal justice system should protect public safety, uphold the rule of law, ensure fairness, and hold offenders accountable while protecting individual rights. Justice should focus on appropriate punishment, rehabilitation, reducing repeat offenses, and providing second chances when warranted. We must address the root causes of crime, support victims, and ensure equal treatment under the law, regardless of race, income, or background.
Government has a responsibility to protect children from sexual exploitation during online activities.
Strongly Agree
I strongly agree that government has a responsibility to protect children from online sexual exploitation, abuse, and trafficking. Every child deserves a safe digital environment. I support stronger safeguards, accountability for online platforms, effective law enforcement, and education for parents and children about online dangers. Protecting our children must be a priority while respecting privacy, constitutional rights, and individual freedoms.
Sharia law should not be accepted or incorporated in any form within the legal framework of the United States.
Agree
I agree that our Constitution and American laws must remain the foundation of our legal system. No religious law, including Sharia law, should override constitutional rights or be imposed by government. However, I firmly support religious freedom and everyone’s right to practice their faith voluntarily, provided it does not violate the law or infringe upon the rights of others. The separation of church and state must apply equally to all religions.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I support responsible gun ownership and the Second Amendment while prioritizing public safety. We need universal background checks, safe firearm storage, stronger enforcement against illegal gun trafficking, and restrictions on firearm access for individuals legally determined to pose a serious threat. I support red flag laws with strong due process protections. We must protect constitutional rights while working to prevent gun violence and keep our communities safe.
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