Protecting Seminole County’s rural boundary is a key issue in the political campaigns of John Lowndes and H. Alexander Duncan, the two candidates vying for the Democratic nomination in the race for the Florida Senate’s District 10 seat.
Read more 2026 Voters Guide: Rafael A. Lebron for Osceola County Commission District 4
The winner in the Aug. 18 primary will face incumbent Jason Brodeur — a Republican seeking his second term — in the general election on Nov. 3.
In 2004, Seminole voters approved by a large margin a measure establishing the county’s rural boundary, which covers roughly the eastern third of Seminole, east of the Econlockhatchee River, in an effort to preserve the area’s rural character and control urban sprawl. Development is limited to one home per five acres or one home per 10 acres.
The area, however, came under attack at this year’s Legislative session, when Brodeur backed an amendment to a bill filed by a South Florida Republican that would effectively tear down those development restrictions and undercut local governments’ control of rural areas. The amendment would have compensated landowners with tax dollars if their efforts to build at a greater density in the protected area were turned down.
The amendment was not approved by the state Senate, but it’s likely to come back next year — which is one of the reasons Lowndes and Duncan both decided to run for the state Senate seat.
“The people of Seminole County have been very clear: Everything east of the rural boundary is to remain rural and low density,” said Lowndes, 62, who has served as Maitland’s mayor since 2021. “It’s not just a smart growth issue, but it’s an environmental issue . … The rural boundary is a gem that should be preserved. It’s one of the things that makes Florida such a unique place.”
Lowndes is an attorney for the non-profit Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium in Anchorage, Alaska. He also has served on Maitland’s city council.
Duncan, 46, was born and raised in Geneva, a small rural community tucked between the Black Hammock Wilderness Area and Lake Harney. He currently works as a consultant.
“I am definitely committed and dedicated toward protecting the rural boundary,” he said. “It is the number one issue. But it’s consistently under threat. … It comes down to a game among elected officials and lobbyists and corporate interests that are battling the will of the local voters.”
Besides the rural boundary, Lowndes said he supports the state expanding access to health care for more residents, as well as the expansion of Medicaid.
“Even people with [medical] insurance are having a difficult time keeping with the costs,” he said.
The two candidates blasted current state legislators who pass new laws every year that take away the power of city and county governments, or home rule.
Read more 2026 Voters Guide: Nate Douglas for Orange County Commission District 7
For example, legislators recently limited what restrictions cities or counties can impose on vacation rental homes to prevent them from turning into party houses, or whether a municipality can prohibit firearms at a children’s park.
“We’re looking at a situation where ultimately cities and counties face the prospect of having very little authority to determine their own futures,” Lowndes said. “The best government is closest to the people. That’s local government. If you don’t like your tax rate, or the potholes in your road, then every Tuesday or Monday night you have the ability to address your neighbors who sit on the City Council.”
Duncan agreed that “home rule is slowly being dissolved.”
Besides protecting the environment and preserving rural areas, Duncan said among his other top campaign issues are government accountability and transparency, not just in the Senate district 10 but in local governments across the state.
“I want to make sure that working people have greater access to elected officials,” Duncan said. “Greater transparency and access will increase accountability in our government officials.”
Duncan added he wants to make it easier for other Florida counties to set up rural boundaries, similar to Seminole’s. He also wants the state to preserve more natural lands.
Lowndes listed his net worth at nearly $4.2 million as of Dec. 31, according to financial disclosure forms filed with the state. He did not list any liabilities. He had a reported income of $245,897, which includes his annual stipend of $7,800 to serve as Maitland’s mayor.
Lowndes will step down as Maitland’s mayor on Nov. 2 to comply with Florida’s “Resign to Run” law, according to a letter he sent to state elections officials.
As of July 24, Lowndes’ campaign raised $58,897 in contributions, nearly entirely from individual donors.
Duncan listed his net worth at $1,000 as of Dec. 31, and an annual income of $6,000, according to state financial forms.
As of July 17, his campaign raised $2,193, all contributions from individual donors.
State senators serve four year terms and earn $29,697 annually. Senate District 10 covers all of Seminole and a portion of Orange County including Maitland and Winter Park.
Read more 2026 Voters Guide: Roberta Walton Johnson for Orange County Clerk of the Court