Deva Simmons
I · U.S. House, FL-18 · not rated
A retired Polk County educator and former elections outreach specialist running with no party affiliation in FL-18, she campaigns on public education, affordable healthcare, wages and voting rights. Asked in iVoterGuide’s 2026 general-election questionnaire whether the U.S. relationship with Israel is important, Simmons answered: “The relationship between the United States and Israel has historically been important for security, economic, and strategic reasons. However, our relationship should not prevent the United States from making independent decisions based on American interests, constitutional principles, and the protection of innocent lives. We should support our allies while also pursuing diplomacy and working to prevent unnecessary escalation and prolonged conflict.”
Not rated: her one statement on Israel, the 2026 iVoterGuide answer quoted above, calls the relationship historically important and says it should not stop the U.S. from making its own decisions on American interests, constitutional principles and “the protection of innocent lives”; it names no policy on aid or weapons and does not mention Gaza or Palestinians. Her campaign site (home, Meet Deva, issues) and her 2026 Ballotpedia survey never mention Israel, Gaza, Palestine or foreign policy. Counter-case: a thin 2, reading “the protection of innocent lives” as concern for civilians. Unrated until a position on aid, weapons or Gaza is stated.
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elect26 places 2026 midterm candidates on a six-tier spectrum, from 1 (most pro-Israel) to 6 (most critical of Israel).