Doug Bankson, of Apopka, is a 63-year-old incumbent Republican candidate for the Florida House of Representatives District 39. He began his first term in 2022. Bankson is the founder and senior pastor of Victory Church World Outreach Center in Apopka. Prior to serving in the State House, Bankson served as Apopka City Commissioner and vice mayor.
As the incumbent, he has signed, enacted,and/or adopted bills for anti-human trafficking, the School Chaplins act (which authorizes school districts and charter schools to adopt a policy allowing volunteer school chaplains into schools), the Florida Seal of Fine Arts Program, a pregnancy and parenting resources website and more. He supported House Bill 1639, which attempted to require certain applications and licenses to indicate a person’s sex, rather than gender.
Bankson said he believes in “faith, family and freedom.” Economically, he said on his website that he plans to address the rising cost of living, lower taxes, find solutions to the housing crisis and maintain a balanced budget. He said he aims to ensure parents have a voice in education and that there are ample opportunities for learning regardless of a student’s background. He also said he wants to protect Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka.
Bankson is endorsed by several current and former Apopka elected officials, and the Orlando Regional Realtor Association. Learn more.
Over the course of Bankson’s 2024 campaign, he has raised $143,690.24 and spent $23,288.50, according to Transparency USA.
Bankson did not submit a video or participate in OCN’s candidate Q&A.