Kelly Skidmore

Kelly Skidmore is a Democratic politician currently serving as a member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing District 92. Born on December 20, 1962, in Cleveland, Ohio, she has had a long-standing career in public service and advocacy, particularly in the areas of healthcare and legislative policy. Skidmore's political journey includes previous terms in the Florida House and attempts to secure a seat in the Florida Senate. She is known for her work on issues related to pain management and healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Early life and career

Kelly Skidmore was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and relocated to Florida in 1972. She completed her secondary education at Deerfield Beach High School. Following her graduation, Skidmore began her professional career in public service, initially working as a legislative aide to then-State Senator Ron Klein from 1996 to 2005. This role provided her with valuable experience in the legislative process and helped shape her understanding of state governance.

After her tenure as a legislative aide, Skidmore took on a leadership position as the vice-president of Advocacy and Public Policy for the Florida Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. In this capacity, she focused on advocating for individuals affected by arthritis and related health issues, further solidifying her commitment to healthcare advocacy. Skidmore is married to Ray Skidmore, and together they have one daughter.

Legislative service

Skidmore's political career in the Florida House of Representatives began in 2006 when she ran for the 90th District seat after incumbent State Representative Irving Slosberg opted to pursue a Senate seat. In a competitive Democratic primary, Skidmore faced several opponents, including Len Turesky, Sheldon Klasfield, and Harvey Arnold. Her campaign was marked by endorsements from significant organizations, such as the AFL-CIO and prominent figures like former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno. Despite facing challenges regarding the portrayal of her legislative experience, Skidmore won the primary election with a narrow margin, securing approximately 29% of the vote.

In the general election, Skidmore was unopposed, which allowed her to assume office without contest. She was re-elected in 2008, again without opposition, as Slosberg chose not to challenge her in the primary. During her time in the legislature, Skidmore focused on various issues, particularly those related to healthcare. She collaborated with fellow State Representative Kurt Kelly to sponsor legislation aimed at combating abuses in pain clinics, which included the establishment of a statewide database for pain medicine prescriptions. Additionally, she proposed measures to restrict convicted felons from owning pain clinics and to limit the quantity of prescription painkillers that physicians could prescribe.

In 2010, Skidmore sought to advance her political career by running for the Florida Senate in the 25th District, which included areas from West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale. She won the Democratic primary unopposed and faced Republican State Representative Ellyn Setnor Bogdanoff and independent candidate Miranda Rosenberg in the general election. Skidmore's campaign emphasized her support for liberal social policies, including her opposition to restrictions on abortion and her advocacy for ending the state's ban on gay adoption. Despite significant support from the Florida Democratic Party, Skidmore was defeated in the general election, receiving approximately 38% of the vote compared to Bogdanoff's 58%.

Following her defeat in the 2010 election, Skidmore transitioned from her role in the Florida House and was appointed as the executive director of Broward Days, an organization that represents the interests of Broward County in legislative matters. This position allowed her to continue her involvement in public policy and advocacy.

Policy focus and district

In her current role as a member of the Florida House of Representatives, Skidmore represents District 92, which encompasses the Boca Raton area. Throughout her legislative career, she has maintained a focus on healthcare issues, particularly those affecting vulnerable populations. Skidmore has been an advocate for expanding healthcare access and improving the quality of care for individuals facing health challenges.

Her previous experience in the Florida House and her work with the Arthritis Foundation have informed her policy positions, particularly regarding pain management and healthcare reform. Skidmore has consistently emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of Floridians, particularly in the context of healthcare access and affordability. She has also expressed a commitment to developing educational programs that align with the needs of Florida's businesses, aiming to enhance workforce development and economic growth in the state.

In her district, Skidmore's advocacy has included efforts to make Florida a hub for global marine research, reflecting her interest in environmental issues and sustainable practices. Her legislative priorities demonstrate a comprehensive approach to governance, focusing on both immediate healthcare needs and long-term economic and environmental sustainability.

As a currently serving member of the Florida House, Skidmore continues to navigate the complexities of state politics while advocating for policies that align with her values and the needs of her constituents. Her background in legislative affairs and public policy positions her as a significant figure in Florida's political landscape, particularly within the Democratic Party.