Name: Gretchen L. Feng
Campaign website: electgretchen.com
Date, place of birth: Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, June 14
Education: University of WI/Oshkosh, (Psychology), Palm Beach State College, (Legal Studies/Paralegal Certification) CSI Academy of FL,(Private Investigation), Dias Protective Services, (Security Officer “D” & “G” licenses), Citizens Criminal Justice Academy, The Leadership Institute, (Campaign Management)
Occupation: Associate, NTG Consultants, Inc.
Work history for the past 15 years. List in reverse chronological order.
1998-2025 Taplin & Associates, (Real Estate Law), which became NTG Consultants, Inc. (legislative and regulatory consulting)
1990-2009 Damsel & Gelston, P.A. Insurance Defense and Law Enforcement Defense
I worked between Damsel & Gelston and NTG Consultants from 1998-2009.
Why are you running, and what specifically makes you the better candidate?
Since I have been in the legal and political world all of my adult life, I see how things have continually degraded and divided. I believe in transparency, audits, character, integrity, honesty, and truth. I have been a republican since birth and have always believed in those principles. I was not able to delve into the world of politics when I was younger as I was a competitive equestrian and traveled during the summers. The last straw came when I saw how Donald Trump was vilified, slandered, threatened, and attacked during his campaign and Presidency in 2016 and then in 2024. Obviously, something had to change. I knew I couldn’t make a difference by myself but I certainly could be involved with the cause. My husband worked for the President back in the 90’s when he was married to Marla Maples. At that time, Mr. Trump was always very nice and also very generous to us. I liked him from the start.
My main goal is to help the people of this district or just people in general in any way I can. I have been speaking to many along the way and have had no problem handing out my personal phone number, (although I got odd looks for that), I want to be available to talk to at all times. When there is an issue I want to be there to help and possibly find a solution.
I know Mr. Maples has friends that are already in Tallahassee and helping him to the extreme. I also know that in his current position as Councilman in Lake Clarke Shores, he has had one item to vote on and that was taxes. He voted to raise them. He was a democrat up until 2016 when he became an independent and in 2018 became a republican. He was endorsed for county commission by the same people that endorsed disgraced gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum. He says he’s an outsider but I think that is not quite the truth.
I know a lot of people in Tallahassee through my job at NTG Consultants and I chose to run for this seat because my family is from there and it is the area I’ve been in for the past 40 years. I’ve signed a Good Governance Guarantee for audits, affidavits, and transparency solutions for all government entities to ensure public trust and a U.S. Terms Limit Pledge promising to co-sponsor, vote for, and defend the resolution applying for an Article V convention for the sole purpose of enacting term limits on Congress. I heard it from Anna Paulina Luna that when a person has the same seat for over ten years, corruption is bound to occur. Maybe it is a pipe dream, but I want fairness, transparency, and the will of the people to be first and foremost. My love and law and country makes running for office feel right to me.
Describe one action you would support that would reduce property insurance premiums in Florida.
CFO Blaise Ingoglia had a press conference a couple of weeks ago where he said the millage rate could be cut .55% right now with no consequence whatsoever.
28% of new home costs are impact fees charged to builders. Ingoglia stated that through a recent audit for 2024-2025, $344M was found to be overspending in Palm Beach County. This was found to be the highest in FL with a 58% increase in the budget. The main cause being government growth. $900M went into the growth of only 88,000 people.
If we could cut the waste and fraud spending, earmark that money for lowering not only property tax premiums but all taxes. Once the legislature passes an amendment to this effect, the Governor has no veto power over it.
The Legislature in 2026 will consider several property tax reduction proposals. One would eliminate property taxes on all homesteaded properties. Would you support or oppose this and why?
I know property taxes are much too high. They were originally put in place to have everyone who bought a piece of property on any particular piece of land to “chip in” to pay for water, infrastructure, roads, and various communal needs according to the income they earned, which I understand. Today, it is a funding source for education, first responders, libraries, parks, local government operations, and roads and infrastructure, which is not fair to those who don’t use or have a need for most these services. Therefore, yes, I would support elimination of property taxes on homesteaded properties or at least lower them dramatically.
The Legislature in 2026 will consider a bill (HB 133) allowing 18-year-olds to buy rifles and shotguns. The age was raised from 18 to 21 after the Parkland shooting. Would you vote for or against this bill and why?
I am a gun enthusiast and have several of them. Although I do believe Amendment 2 is extremely necessary, I’m not sure I can get on board with an 18-year-old purchasing a firearm. At that age, and even 21, the part of the brain that makes decision runs more on emotion than fact. That part of the brain matures at age 25. A lot of what is happening today stems from emotion. I would have to vote no on this bill. I believe 18 is too young.
Governor Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo support eliminating all childhood vaccine mandates in Florida. Do you agree or disagree and why?
If a physician can’t tell you what is in the vaccine and why, and specifically give the side effects of said vaccine, I believe the decision should be left up to the parents. I agree with the Governor.
Do you support or oppose an effort to redraw boundaries for Florida congressional districts in 2026, and why?
From what I understand, redistricting goes on every time power goes from one party to the other. I have lived in the same place for ten years and have now been in three districts. I’m a Republican so I guess if they want to do it, so be it. Just so they know it will probably happen again at some point.
House District 87 hugs the coastline. How will you support climate change adaptation in the multiple coastal municipalities in your district?
We need to strengthen the infrastructure which includes looking a measures like elevating or flood-proofing homes, we need to protect our mangrove shorelines, plant more, engage in coral reef restoration work, improve drainage systems, regulate fertilizer pollution and septic systems, and advocate for upgrades to flood control structures.
The Legislature in recent years has added many new exemptions to the public records law to keep information secret, such as for state university presidential searches. Would you have voted for or against this bill and why?
In this political climate, I believe the shielding of public officials and their families is necessary. I would not have advocated for this before, but I think it is necessary now. This prevents threats and harassment. It is also necessary for victims of criminal actions to prevent them from abuse and harassment.
Describe in detail one economic, social or demographic factor about your district that sets it apart from all others.
District 87 has a strong economic base with a high median income that is nearly double the FL average and more than 1.5 times the U.S. average. It is known for having affluent communities. 39.5% of the workforce is in high-earning sectors such as management, professional, real estate, finance, healthcare, and high-end services. There is no industrial or agricultural land in this district. This district faces a high cost of living. Affordability is a concern for residents in the broader Palm Beach County area. The area exhibits highly educated, predominantly white, and a politically conservative leaning.
Have you been arrested, charged or convicted of a crime, had an adjudication withheld or had a matter sealed or expunged? If yes, please explain.
No
Have you been a plaintiff or defendant in a civil action, including bankruptcy or foreclosure, or had a restraining order issued against you? If so, please explain.
I was the defendant in a foreclosure action after my husband died in 2010. The foreclosure failed.
I am now the plaintiff in a civil case of falling down the stairs of my apartment building due to rain and the steps being wet and slippery. I crushed by left elbow and sliced a muscle. I only want my hospital bills paid for by the complex.
