State Representative, District 65
November 3, 2026 · State House District 65; Florida · State house district · general
How do we calculate vote impact?
Vote impact = representation (how much weight one vote carries here, the smaller the district's population, the higher the representation) + decisiveness (how likely this race is to be close, based on past results and number of candidates).
Representation: Average · 58 out of 100
This district is mid-sized for its type, so each vote carries average weight. About 187,834 people live here.
score = 100 × ln(largest population ÷ this district's) ÷ ln(largest ÷ smallest), rounded to 2 decimals = 100 × ln(221,815 ÷ 187,834) ÷ ln(221,815 ÷ 167,065) = 58.66, comparing state house districts in FL (grades: 66+ high, 33+ average, otherwise low)
Decisiveness: Unknown
No past results for this contest yet.
Average representation + unknown decisiveness → Average vote impact.
Some data is missing, so this rating is based on partial information and capped at "High".
This office is responsible for:
- Voting on state laws and the state budget
- Representing their district in the statehouse
- Serving on committees that shape bills before final votes
- Helping district residents deal with state agencies
Affected Areas: Environment and Public Health, Reduce Wealth Gap, Anti-Corruption, Government Efficiency, Healthcare Affordability, Government Spending Reduction, Public Safety and Crime Control, Housing Affordability, Social Programs and Welfare, Public Education Quality, Gun Control, Women's Reproductive Rights, Election Integrity, Personal Income Tax Reduction, Data Privacy, Civil Rights, Corporate Accountability, Public Infrastructure
Candidates
Ben Braver
Democratic · declared
Ben Braver is the Democratic nominee for Florida House District 65 (Hillsborough County) in the 2026 general election, challenging Republican incumbent Karen Gonzalez Pittman. A teacher and union member, he previously ran for the Florida Senate (District 23) in 2024 and lost. He has not held elected office.
Karen Gonzalez Pittman
Republican · Incumbent · declared
Karen Gonzalez Pittman is a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives for District 65 (Hillsborough County), first elected in 2022. A business owner and educator, her prime-sponsored bills have focused on health-care coverage and education; her 2024 biomarker-testing coverage bill was enacted.
Records: Healthcare Affordability 1 for
Election sources
Source: dos.elections.myflorida.com