Yen Bailey
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Yen Bailey (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Florida's 2nd Congressional District. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Bailey completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Yen Bailey was born in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. She earned a bachelor's degree from Tulane University and a law degree from Florida State University. Her career experience includes working as an attorney. She has worked with the Guardian ad Litem program representing the best interests of abused and neglected children and as an ethics attorney with the Florida Bar.[1][2]
Elections
2024
See also: Florida's 2nd Congressional District election, 2024
Florida's 2nd Congressional District election, 2024 (August 20 Republican primary)
Florida's 2nd Congressional District election, 2024 (August 20 Democratic primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House Florida District 2
Incumbent Neal Dunn defeated Yen Bailey in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 2 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Neal Dunn (R) | 61.6 | 247,957 |
 | Yen Bailey (D)  | 38.4 | 154,323 | |
| Total votes: 402,280 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Yen Bailey advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 2.
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Meghann Hovey (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 2
Incumbent Neal Dunn defeated Rhonda Woodward in the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 2 on August 20, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Neal Dunn | 82.7 | 69,113 |
 | Rhonda Woodward | 17.3 | 14,456 | |
| Total votes: 83,569 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
The Holmes, Washington, Jackson, Bay, Gulf, Gadsden, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, and Walton County Democratic Executive Committee State Committee members selected Yen Bailey to replace Meghann Hovey as the party's nominee after Hovey withdrew from the race.[3][4]
Endorsements
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Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Bailey in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
NOTE: Bailey's campaign on September 10, 2024, added additional information to her original survey response on raising revenue.
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Yen Bailey completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bailey's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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A Tallahassee-based attorney and Tulane University and Florida State University Law School graduate, Yen has dedicated her career to public service. She served as a Senior Attorney for the Guardian ad Litem Program and spent over 13 years as an ethics attorney at The Florida Bar. Committed to her family, Yen stepped away from her law career at the Bar to care for her elderly father. Yen is a proud wife and mother. She cherishes time with her husband, Steve Bailey, a lawyer and professor at Florida State University and former Army Green Beret, and their two teenage sons. Yen Bailey is the Democratic candidate for Florida’s Second Congressional District.
- Yen is a strong advocate for protecting women's reproductive rights, positioning herself as a defender of personal freedoms in the face of increasing restrictions across the country.
- Affordability and Working Families: Recognizing the struggles of everyday Floridians, Yen Bailey supports policies aimed at improving quality of life. This includes fighting for affordable childcare, paid parental and family leave, healthcare access, and measures to combat price gouging.
- Florida’s environment is integral to its identity and our culture. The environment in Florida is under attack by the Republican-controlled state government, with drilling in the Apalachicola River basin, and a newly proposed plan to completely commercialize our state parks with hotels, golf courses, and other artificial recreational activities. This would completely destroy our natural environments. Yen is going to make a point to draw attention to these highly unpopular plans, which are detested across the political spectrum.
Yen is personally passionate about defending the rights of those who are most vulnerable, protecting democracy by ensuring everyone has a voice, especially at the ballot box, and developing and supporting policies that allow the American dream to be an attainable goal for all.
The most important characteristics for an elected official include integrity, ensuring honesty and transparency in decisions, and accountability, taking responsibility and being answerable to the public. Empathy is essential, as officials must understand and address the needs of their constituents. A clear vision for long-term community improvement is also crucial, alongside fairness, treating all individuals with respect and impartiality. Competence is key, with the ability to make informed decisions, while resilience allows officials to handle challenges and criticism with focus. Courage is necessary for standing up for what’s right, even when it’s unpopular. Collaboration is important for working effectively with others, and dedication to public service ensures that the official prioritizes the community’s welfare over personal gain.
I am someone who believes hard work, honesty, and integrity are keys to success and building trust.
The core responsibilities of an elected official include representing their constituents by listening to their needs and advocating for their interests. They must craft, debate, and vote on laws that improve quality of life while balancing local and national priorities. Oversight is key, ensuring laws are fairly implemented and government agencies are held accountable. Public engagement, through open communication and transparency, is essential. Lastly, they must uphold high ethical standards, acting in the public’s best interest and maintaining integrity in their decisions.
I would like to be remembered as someone who worked to tirelessly to help others.
The U.S. House of Representatives is unique as the chamber closest to the people, with members directly elected to two-year terms. Its 435 members represent districts based on population, ensuring broad representation of diverse regions. The House holds exclusive powers, including originating revenue bills and initiating impeachment proceedings. Its majoritarian structure, led by the Speaker of the House, gives the majority party significant control over the legislative agenda. These qualities make the House a dynamic institution focused on responding to the needs and interests of the American public.
The greatest challenge for the United States over the next decade will be to lessen the divide in our country.
Compromise is essential for effective policymaking, as it allows diverse perspectives to come together to create balanced, inclusive solutions. By finding common ground, lawmakers can address the needs of all communities, fostering progress and stability in a way that benefits the greater good.
[I would support using revenue-raising measures to promote policies that benefit the public good. For example, we can close tax loopholes for corporations and the wealthy, ensuring they pay their fair share, and use those revenues to invest in affordable healthcare, lowering prescription drug costs, investing in infrastructure and job creation, and modernizing immigration. Expanding access to affordable childcare, paid family leave, and addressing housing and property insurance costs would also be top priorities. Additionally, we can create tax incentives that encourage responsible corporate behavior, such as paying fair wages and adopting sustainable practices. By leveraging our revenue-raising power thoughtfully, we can create a more equitable and prosperous society while addressing pressing issues like climate change, economic inequality, and access to affordable healthcare.]
If elected, the power to originate revenue-raising bills would be key to advancing my priorities. I would focus on directing funds toward affordable healthcare, lowering prescription drug costs, investing in infrastructure and job creation, and modernizing immigration. Expanding access to affordable childcare, paid family leave, and addressing housing and property insurance costs would also be top priorities. This power would allow me to ensure that federal spending aligns with the values of fairness, opportunity, and support for working families and underserved communities.
As a representative, I believe the U.S. House’s investigative powers must be used to serve the people by holding government institutions and private entities accountable. Congress should focus investigations on issues that directly impact Americans' everyday lives, including ensuring transparency in government spending, addressing corporate price gouging, investigating unethical practices in healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, and safeguarding our democratic processes. Investigations should be conducted with integrity and fairness, aiming for constructive solutions rather than political theater. I will work to ensure these powers are used to bring transparency, accountability, and justice to the forefront.
Ethics, Judiciary, Oversight and Accountability
Financial transparency and government accountability are essential for building public trust, preventing corruption, and ensuring the efficient use of resources. When governments openly disclose how taxpayer money is spent, it reduces the risk of misuse and promotes responsible budgeting. Transparency empowers citizens to participate in decision-making and hold officials accountable, aligning government priorities with public needs. Strong accountability mechanisms, such as independent oversight bodies, provide necessary checks on power, ensuring the integrity of public institutions. Additionally, transparent governance fosters economic stability by boosting investor confidence and promoting sustainable growth.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign website
Bailey's campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
AFFORDABILITY AND PROPERTY INSURANCE Skyrocketing property insurance and the escalating cost of living are placing severe financial burdens on hardworking families. Addressing the affordability crisis is crucial. Additionally, Florida’s homeowners insurance crisis requires a comprehensive federal solution. A federal policy for natural disasters would stabilize the insurance market, providing reliable and affordable coverage for homeowners. By advocating for policies that address the root causes of high living costs and working to reduce property insurance rates, I aim to ensure that the American Dream remains within reach for everyone. REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS Decisions on reproductive health including contraception, IVF, and abortion should be made by a woman with her family and doctor, not by politicians. Florida’s six-week abortion ban and similar laws across the country threaten women’s lives and infringe on fundamental freedoms. As your representative, I will fight to protect access to contraception and IVF and restore access to safe and legal abortion care. Every Floridian deserves the freedom to make private healthcare decisions without political interference. These medical options are crucial for women facing health risks and those wishing to expand their families. SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE As a caretaker for my elderly father, I know first-hand the importance of preserving and enhancing Social Security and Medicare, as these programs are essential for our seniors and future retirees. Many seniors have declining facilities and little support but are expected to navigate complex systems in order to obtain essential care. I will work to make the Medicare system more simple, transparent, and easily navigable. AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE Affordable healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Access to quality care should not depend on income, job, or location. We must prioritize community health over the profits of insurance companies and pharmaceutical giants. While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) made significant progress, we need to strengthen and expand it to ensure everyone has access to necessary care. Many families in our district still face tough choices between paying for medications and other basic needs. I am committed to building on the ACA's progress, lowering prescription drug costs, protecting Medicare and Medicaid, and ensuring affordable, comprehensive healthcare for all. VETERANS We owe our nation’s strength to the service of veterans like my husband and many of our family members. To honor their sacrifices, we must ensure they receive comprehensive care. I will work to enhance healthcare services for veterans, including access to dental, vision, and mental health care. Additionally, I am committed to addressing veteran homelessness and expanding mental health resources. I will also advocate for stable pensions and affordable housing, so veterans can retire with the peace and security they deserve. Our veterans have protected our freedoms, and it is our duty to protect and serve them in return. EQUALITY My family’s journey to the U.S. was rooted in the belief that America offers opportunity to all, no matter where they come from. This belief drives my commitment to ensuring every person—regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, or background—has a fair chance to succeed. I know what it feels like to be part of a community that is often overlooked, which is why I’m dedicated to breaking down the barriers that marginalize so many. From expanding access to education and healthcare to promoting fairness in the workplace, I will fight for policies that uplift everyone. My story is one of resilience and hope, and I want to ensure that every family has the same opportunities mine had. Together, we can build a future where our diversity is our strength, equity is a reality, and inclusion is a standard. When we lift each other up, our entire nation thrives. WORKING FAMILIES Every family deserves a fair shot at achieving the American Dream, but today, rising costs and systemic barriers are holding too many people back. I’m running to change that. I will fight for affordable childcare, so parents can build careers without being weighed down by expensive care costs. I will champion paid parental leave because no parent should have to choose between their family and their job. I will work to make affordable housing and healthcare a reality, ensuring that no family has to sacrifice their well-being to stay afloat. Education must be a pathway to opportunity, not a source of lifelong debt, which is why I’ll push for affordable education so every student can pursue their dreams. I will take on price gouging and corporate greed to lower the cost of essential goods. My campaign is about creating real opportunities for working families and making sure that every person, in every community, can thrive. A FAIR TAX SYSTEM It’s unacceptable that working families in North Florida are forced to choose between necessities like food and housing while billionaires build luxury mansions nearby. Our region is filled with hardworking people who deserve better. Our tax code should prioritize the well-being of every citizen by ensuring access to healthcare, housing, retirement, and security for all. I am committed to ending the influence of big money in politics, lowering taxes on the middle class, making corporations pay their fair share, and closing tax loopholes that benefit only the ultra-wealthy. North Florida deserves an economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few. Together, we can build a brighter future for all our communities. DEMOCRACY My deep love for America and belief in democracy compelled me to run for Congress. Unlike my extremist opponent, who has denied the 2020 election results and spread conspiracy theories, I am committed to restoring trust in our election process. My opponent supports bills that restrict voting rights and refuses to stand up to oil, insurance, and telecom lobbies. We must eliminate corruption, protect voting rights, and promote civil discourse. I am dedicated to reducing government waste, removing corporate influence from elections, and expanding voter rights. We deserve a government that is responsive, works for us, and upholds high standards for all. ENVIRONMENT North Florida's unmatched natural beauty, from the Gulf Coast's clear waters to the Apalachicola River Basin's unique ecosystems, drives tourism and agriculture. However, climate challenges like sea-level rise are threatening our coasts with flooding and erosion, affecting habitats, property values, and infrastructure. Increasingly frequent harmful algal blooms, exacerbated by agricultural runoff and rising water temperatures, are devastating marine life and harming tourism and fishing. The Apalachicola River Basin, crucial for wildlife and the seafood industry, faces risks from potential oil drilling, which could contaminate this vital ecosystem. I am committed to opposing oil drilling in this region and focusing on sustainable practices and clean energy. We must also build climate-resilient infrastructure, such as improved electrical grids and stormwater management systems. With climate change already impacting Florida, we need decisive action to protect our environment and communities. By investing in clean energy and preserving our natural beauty, we can secure a sustainable future for all. IMMIGRATION We often penalize people for seeking the very essence of the American Dream. Our immigration system is broken, and it’s time for a comprehensive, bipartisan solution that reflects our values as a nation of immigrants. I fully support securing our borders to ensure our national security, but that’s only one part of the solution. We must also fully fund and modernize our immigration court system to manage this foundational source of labor, innovation, and American ideals humanely and efficiently. Addressing immigration issues in North Florida requires a nuanced approach that considers both the needs of the local economy and the rights and well-being of immigrant communities. Balancing enforcement with compassion, and creating pathways for legal status, is key to ensuring the region remains vibrant and inclusive. It's time for Congress to come together and enact bipartisan immigration reform that recognizes the critical role immigrants play in our economy and communities while ensuring our laws are fair, just, and uphold the best of what America stands for. GUN SAFETY I stand firmly for common-sense gun safety measures that protect our communities while respecting responsible gun ownership. We need to close loopholes in background checks, implement red flag laws to prevent those who pose a danger to themselves or others from obtaining firearms, and ensure that assault weapons and high-capacity magazines stay out of civilian hands. It's time to take meaningful steps to reduce gun violence, protect our schools and public spaces, and save lives while upholding the rights of law-abiding citizens. Together, we can build a safer future for our families and our communities.[5] |
” |
| —Yen Bailey's campaign website (2024)[6] | ||
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 9, 2024
- ↑ Ballotpedia's Elections Team, Email communication with Yen Bailey, September 10, 2024
- ↑ Florida Politics, "Yen Bailey named Democratic nominee in CD 2," July 29, 2024
- ↑ Florida Department of State, "Campaign Documents Search," accessed August 27, 2024
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Yen Bailey's campaign website, "Issues," accessed September 24, 2024
