Casello v. Feit: Here are the candidates running for Florida House District 90
The Florida House spent this past year running through hours of debate on topics like abortion, parental rights in education and immigration. Now it's time for voters in state House District 90 to weigh in.
The district is a square block encompassing Boynton Beach and Delray Beach. It is bordered by Lantana, suburban Boynton Beach and Boca Raton to the south.
Joe Casello, the incumbent Democrat who was a firefighter for more than 30 years, served on the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Subcommittee, the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, the Pandemics & Public Emergencies Committee, the Ways & Means Committee and the Joint Select Committee on Collective Bargaining.
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Keith Feit brings forth his educational experience to back up his capability to hold office, saying he is no stranger to diverse opinions and can effectively collaborate to get a job done.
Casello voted with the House Democratic minority against legislation relating to abortion restrictions, critical race theory and restrictions on classroom instruction on gender identity and sexuality.
Feit said that he would support bills enhancing parental rights in education, banning critical race theory and prohibiting abortion.
During the session, Casello also successfully passed his bill giving more legal protections to firefighters, but he was relatively unsuccessful in some of his attempts toward local construction or public improvements for the district.
Casello said he would work to protect the vulnerable community of this district to impacts of climate change and sea level rise, and he would work in appropriations to reinvest tax dollars back to residents of the county.
Feit said his local focus would be on promoting equal educational opportunities, supporting law enforcement and reforming the cost of living, including gas taxes and property insurance.
The Palm Beach Post performed a criminal background check on every candidate. The Post is reporting any criminal charges filed and the outcome of the cases since January 2012, even when they did not result in a conviction.
Joe Casello (D) Incumbent
Age and residence: 70, Lake Worth
Top campaign priorities: Casello said his top campaign priorities includes promoting affordability for homeowners' insurance and housing costs and ensuring public safety measures.
Professional history: Casello was a firefighter for almost 32 years in Worcester, Massachusetts, and moved to Florida in 2009.
Political background: Casello was a Boynton Beach city commissioner starting 2013 and was elected to the Florida House in 2018.
Education: Casello received his associate's degree from Quinsigamond Community College, went to technical school at Worcester Industrial Technical Institute and vocational school at Worcester Vocational Trade School.
Criminal history: None.
Endorsements: Casello is endorsed by Florida AFL-CIO, Florida Professional Firefighters, Sierra Club of Florida, Palm Beach County Firefighters, Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association, Police Benevolent Association, Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, SEIU, Florida Planned Parenthood PAC, Everglades Investment Trust, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, Fraternal Order of Police and Palm Beach County's National Organization for Women.
Finances: Casello's campaign contributions total above $36,000. Most of his donations are $1,000 donations from his endorsements.
Keith Feit (R)
Age and residence: 47, Boynton Beach
Top campaign priorities: Feit said his campaign priorities include promoting parental rights in education, reforming the educational system, reducing crime, strengthening law enforcement, enforcing immigration laws, securing the border, preserving constitutional rights and solving problems related to the economy and inflation.
Professional history: Feit has been employed at The Weiss School in Palm Beach Gardens since 2020. He was a university school assistant professor in FAU's K-12 schools from 2008 to 2020.
Political background: Feit was involved in the Bush-Quayle 1992 campaign and the Jeb Bush 1994 and 1998 campaigns for Florida governor.
Education: Feit went to Florida Atlantic University for a bachelor's in biological sciences, a master's of education and a doctorate in educational leadership.
Criminal history: None.
Endorsements: Feit is endorsed by the Republican Liberty Caucus of Florida, Stand for Health Freedom, Guardians of American History, BlakPAC, Florida Federation of Republican Women and the Hispanic Vote of Palm Beach County.
Finances: Feit's campaign contributions total more than $23,000 as of Oct. 11. His largest donations come from the Republican Party of Palm Beach County, which includes two donations of $2,500.
Stephany Matat is a journalist at the Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at smatat@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Democratic incumbent faces GOP newcomer in Florida House 90
