Branden Scrivener, a healthcare worker running without party affiliation, is seeking Florida's 12th Congressional District seat in the Nov. 3 general election. The other candidates in the race are Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican) and Kimberly Overman (Democratic).

Asked why he is running, Scrivener said in our candidate questionnaire, "I'm tired of waiting for change. We are promised change every cycle, yet the same systemic issues remain. Both major parties receive funding from the same special interests, and both have created the current system we're in."

Candidate information

Age: 27, according to Scrivener

Family: "I'm married to my beautiful wife and have two wonderful young children. They are a big reason I am doing this. I cannot rely on the current government to provide a stable future for my kids. I come from a family of healthcare workers, not anyone with any sort of political connection or background," Scrivener said in our questionnaire.

Education: "Bachelors in Human Service Generalist. Through my education I was able to work with Catholic Charities, Tampa Crossroads, Department of Families, and the Flagler County Education Foundation," Scrivener said in our questionnaire. He holds a high school diploma from Sunlake High School, an associate degree from Hillsborough Community College (2022) and a bachelor's degree in human services from Indian River State College (2025), according to Ballotpedia.

Party affiliation: "No Party Affiliation. Down with the two party duopoly!" Scrivener said in our questionnaire.

Previous elected office: None. "This is my first time running for public office. I'm doing this because no one else was," Scrivener said in our questionnaire.

Experience and public service

Occupation and work history: "I've worked as a Case Manager Assistant for the last four years. I connect patients with local resources and have worked directly with insurance companies trying to get care covered," Scrivener said in our questionnaire. He listed internships at Catholic Charities, Tampa Crossroads, Department of Family Services and the Flagler County Education Foundation. His principal campaign committee, Citizens for Branden Scrivener, filed a statement of candidacy with the FEC on Jan. 25, 2026.

On the issues

Top priority — proportional representation: "The House has been capped at 435 representatives since 1929 when a bill was passed to cap it. … Prior to 1929 the House grew with the census, and 1 representative represented 300,000 constituents. Today, 1 representative represents 700,000. Your voice is simply not being heard," Scrivener said in our questionnaire.

Healthcare: "Working directly with insurance companies has shown me first hand that the insurance industry needs reform. I am personally witnessing more denials, more self pay patients, and more patients unable to afford the care they need. I support universal healthcare as detailed by many progressive Democrats," Scrivener said in our questionnaire.

Cost of living: "We must eliminate clear monoplanes in the business space. Five billionaires should not have control over a majority of our everyday living. … I'd also push to end the War in Iran and our support of Israel. The money currently funding those things would then be placed in programs designed to strengthen/ help the working class and reduce our debit," Scrivener said in our questionnaire.

Immigration: "We must abolish ICE. … Of COURSE I support a strong boarder and the deportation of illegal criminals. What I don't support is an agency that sees people as an 'it' not a person," Scrivener said in our questionnaire.

Voter sentiment: Asked what he hears from voters, Scrivener said, "Voters have lost faith in the two party system. They want new ideas and for a 'real person' to be in office. … Many tell me they are scared to outwardly support me due to repercussions from their party."