Allek Pastrana

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Allek Pastrana
Image of Allek Pastrana
Elections and appointments
Last election

August 20, 2024

Education

High school

East Ridge High School

Bachelor's

Capella University, 2014

Personal
Birthplace
Lorain, Ohio
Profession
Information technology professional
Contact

Allek Pastrana (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Florida's 7th Congressional District. He lost in the Democratic primary on August 20, 2024.

Pastrana completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Allek Pastrana earned a bachelor's degree from Capella University in 2014. His career experience includes working as a senior cyber engineer.[1]

Elections

2024

See also: Florida's 7th Congressional District election, 2024

Florida's 7th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 20 Democratic primary)

Florida's 7th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 20 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Florida District 7

Incumbent Cory Mills defeated Jennifer Adams in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 7 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Cory Mills
Cory Mills (R)
 
56.5
 
233,937
Image of Jennifer Adams
Jennifer Adams (D) Candidate Connection
 
43.5
 
179,917

Total votes: 413,854
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 7

Jennifer Adams defeated Allek Pastrana and Tatiana Fernandez in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 7 on August 20, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jennifer Adams
Jennifer Adams Candidate Connection
 
62.6
 
23,191
Image of Allek Pastrana
Allek Pastrana Candidate Connection
 
21.2
 
7,844
Image of Tatiana Fernandez
Tatiana Fernandez Candidate Connection
 
16.2
 
5,982

Total votes: 37,017
Candidate Connection = 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.

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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 7

Incumbent Cory Mills defeated Michael Johnson in the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 7 on August 20, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Cory Mills
Cory Mills
 
80.9
 
43,096
Image of Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson Candidate Connection
 
19.1
 
10,188

Total votes: 53,284
Candidate Connection = 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.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

To view Pastrana's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Pastrana in this election.

2022

See also: Florida's 7th Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Florida District 7

Cory Mills defeated Karen Green and Cardon Pompey in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 7 on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Cory Mills
Cory Mills (R)
 
58.5
 
177,966
Image of Karen Green
Karen Green (D)
 
41.5
 
126,079
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Cardon Pompey (No Party Affiliation) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
10

Total votes: 304,055
Candidate Connection = 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.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 7

Karen Green defeated Al Krulick, Tatiana Fernandez, and Allek Pastrana in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 7 on August 23, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Karen Green
Karen Green
 
44.9
 
23,051
Image of Al Krulick
Al Krulick Candidate Connection
 
21.0
 
10,787
Image of Tatiana Fernandez
Tatiana Fernandez Candidate Connection
 
20.0
 
10,261
Image of Allek Pastrana
Allek Pastrana Candidate Connection
 
14.2
 
7,289

Total votes: 51,388
Candidate Connection = 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

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 7

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 7 on August 23, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Cory Mills
Cory Mills
 
37.9
 
27,757
Image of Anthony Sabatini
Anthony Sabatini Candidate Connection
 
23.7
 
17,332
Image of Brady Duke
Brady Duke
 
15.3
 
11,221
Image of Ted Edwards
Ted Edwards Candidate Connection
 
5.8
 
4,259
Image of Russell Roberts
Russell Roberts Candidate Connection
 
5.5
 
4,031
Image of Erika Benfield
Erika Benfield
 
5.4
 
3,964
Image of Scott Sturgill
Scott Sturgill
 
4.2
 
3,094
Image of Al Santos
Al Santos Candidate Connection
 
2.1
 
1,504

Total votes: 73,162
Candidate Connection = 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

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Allek Pastrana completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Pastrana's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

As a paternal figure, a sibling, and a spouse, I am driven by a deep desire to witness positive transformations in the world. With three younger sisters and a daughter looking up to me, I naturally assume the role of the vigilant older brother, always ready to protect and care for my loved ones just as I will with your family. My character is defined by traits such as dependability, persistence, and a strong advocacy for holding elected officials accountable for their actions.

In today's society, the need for individuals who embody integrity and reliability is more critical than ever. By consistently demonstrating these qualities, I aim to set a positive example for those around me, inspiring them to also strive for excellence in their endeavors. Whether it's guiding my siblings through life's challenges or instilling important values in my daughter and son, I take great pride in being a source of strength and support for my family.

In a world where the actions of elected officials can have far-reaching consequences, it is essential to hold them to a high standard of accountability. By actively advocating for transparency and ethical behavior in government, I seek to contribute to a more just and equitable society for all. Through my perseverance and dedication to this cause, I hope to inspire others to also take a stand and demand integrity from those in positions of power.

  • I want to work on the economy by: 1. Stop the taxation of Social Security benefits. 2. Legalization and taxation of cannabis. Reports indicate that Florida is missing out on over $100+ million annually. This revenue could be utilized to enhance the wages of educators and emergency responders. 3. Addressing the crisis in insurance and housing will be one of my top priorities. Ensuring the protection and housing of families is crucial. It's important to remember that being without a home should not be punished. 4. Eliminate the burden of student loan debt. The pause on student loan debt during the pandemic should lead to its complete eradication.
  • I will champion access to affordable healthcare and keep the government out of the patient room and the bedroom HER BODY / HER CHOICE I will champion Roe into the 28th Amendment Being the senior sibling to 3 sisters, I'll persistently fight for their rights! If I'm this defensive of my sisters, imagine how I'll guard your families!
  • We need to improve our support for our Veterans. I commit to providing complete assistance in ensuring Veterans receive proper care for their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. The shift to civilian life is challenging for many, and some wounds may not be visible. It is essential always to guarantee that Veterans have access to the necessary support and resources.

I will persist in supporting reproductive freedoms for my daughter, sisters, and women throughout the United States because every individual should have autonomy over their own bodies.

My dad, he has shown me why education is important, and instilled in me the values of family, love, care, and what is truly important, family.

Consistency, dedication, resiliency, authenticity, diligence, trustworthiness, accountability, compassion, enthusiasm, and tenacity

A person who actively engages with communities, listens attentively to their concerns, and effectively advocates for change in the nation's capital, Washington D.C.

The lasting impression I hope to create is one of empathy, someone who advocated for the legalization of Roe v. Wade and pushed for its incorporation as the 28th constitutional amendment.

9/11, I was in high school and I remember turning on the television in our classroom as soon as the 2nd plane hit the tower.

Eckerds and I had the job for about 3 months back in high school.

Favorite book series are Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Game of Thornes

It is difficult to name just one.

My weight, due to traveling for work I have gained 100 pounds. I was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and if it weren’t for my insurance, I would not be able to afford the $1,200 a month Ozempic shot that has changed my life.

Since taking this life-changing medicine, I have managed to lose 50 pounds and have become more active with my 2 fantastic kids, Mia and Matteo.

My story is not unique, multiple constituents in Congressional District 7 have told me they sometimes have to pick between taking the medicine they need to survive or putting food on the table.

One of the three goals I plan to accomplish when in office is to reform our healthcare system into a Medicare for All system, where individuals receive the healthcare they need without being financially burdened. Healthcare should not be tied to your employment.

1. The House's two-year terms mean members are frequently accountable to the electorate, making it more responsive to public opinion and changes in the political landscape.
2. Because representatives serve smaller geographical areas compared to senators, they are often seen as more accessible to their constituents.
3. The House has the exclusive power to originate revenue bills, giving it significant influence over the nation's fiscal policy.
4. The House has the sole power to impeach federal officials, including the president, vice president, and other civil officers.

No, an individual with a vision for transformation, aiming to create a beneficial influence not just in their local area but across the country, is destined for success in the realm of politics.

To mitigate our dependency on conventional fossil fuels, it is vital to invest in renewable energy sources. Additionally, tapping into the unique potential of each region's resources is equally crucial. By doing this, not only can we achieve sustainability in our energy consumption but also pave the way for a greener and healthier planet.

Elections are term limits. We the people have the voice to elect representatives. There should be no lifetime appointments in our government like the Supreme Court.

Let's join forces to analyze, evaluate, and reconcile diverse viewpoints for a shared understanding. Cooperation fosters unity amidst differences. We must compromise as long as my values are not disregarded.

We must understand the audience

       Identify key legislators: Determine which legislators have the most influence on the legislation.
Understand their priorities: Research their voting records, public statements, and constituent concerns to understand their priorities and values.
Anticipate their objections: Consider potential arguments against your position and develop counterarguments.


Building Relationships

       Personal connections: Develop relationships with legislators and their staff through meetings, phone calls, and emails.
Constituent outreach: Encourage constituents to contact their representatives in support of your position.
Coalition building: Partner with other organizations or groups that share your goals.


Effective Communication

       Clear messaging: Develop a clear and concise message that highlights the benefits of your position.
Data-driven arguments: Use facts, figures, and expert testimony to support your position.
Storytelling: Share personal stories or anecdotes that illustrate the impact of the issue.
Compromise and negotiation: Be willing to compromise and find common ground with other legislators.

This is part of my agenda, cutting federal spending by auditing the Pentagon, eliminating the taxation of Social Security, and nationwide legalization and taxation of cannabis. Reports indicate that Florida by itself is missing out on over $100+ million annually. This revenue could be utilized to enhance the wages of educators and emergency responders, reduce our nation's debt, and go back into a surplus.

1. Oversight of the Executive Branch
2. Inform Legislation
3. Educating the Public
4. Protecting Constitutional Principles

Progressives for Democracy in America (Central Florida Chapter), Florida Rising, Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida, Vernon Burton - Lake Helen Mayor, Matt Grocholske - Activist

Appropriations, Armed Services, Ethics, Foreign Affairs, Judiciary, Oversight and Accountability, Rules, (Science, Space, and Technology), Veterans' Affairs, Ways and Means

Promoting financial transparency and ensuring government accountability are fundamental aspects of my agenda. It is imperative to prevent any unnecessary or extravagant expenditures.

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.



2022

Candidate Connection

Allek Pastrana completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Pastrana's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

I'm of Puerto Rican descent, born in Ohio, and grew up in Orlando. My journey into politics is an unorthodox one. My background is in technology, from information security to cryptocurrency, we need leaders who will make decisions based on the facts provided and understand technology. It is time for Floridians to elect someone who doesn't back down, doesn't cower, has a backbone, and someone who will always lead by example. We, as United State citizens, are tired of all the partisan bickering and need to elect leaders who know how to work together. When I become your next U.S. Representative for District 07, I promise to work for all Floridians, do what is right, and always put country over party!

  • Minimum wage should be a livable wage.
  • Healthcare should not be tied to employment, it is a human right, and we can pay for it!
  • It is time we legalize marijuana nationwide, tax it like beer and cigarettes, and remove individuals from the prison system who are being held for non-violent marijuana offenses.

Our economy, education, healthcare, and marijuana legalization.

One who never lies, wishful thinking, I know, but I am never afraid to say "I do not know" to an answer then lie to the people.

An elected official should lead by example, always, and put country over party every single time.

I can read the room, address individuals holding different titles, and acceptable to criticism.

To be truthful, be kind, and to listen to the people. Someone who doesn't back down, doesn't cower, has a backbone, and someone who will always lead by example.

Someone who isn't afraid to work with people from across the aisle.

A positive change for generations to come and hopefully inspire the next round of citizens to make positive changes.

No, this allows new ideas to enter the system and move the country forward.

Yes, we report to the people and they determine if we are doing a good job.

There should be term limits on congress, the supreme court, federal court system and the entire federal system in general.

There should be no lifetime appointment anywhere in our federal system.

Mandatory retirement after 20 years holding a position.

Yes, there should be compromise as long as it doesn't go against what you stand for.

We must legalize marijuana and tax it to raise money for healthcare and education for all. There is a cost to these programs and this is one step to accomplish those goals.

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

Pastrana's campaign website stated the following:

Accountability

No one is above the law. Every individual who is either an elected official, appointed to a position or employed by the United States government, regardless of capacity or political affiliation, has to be held accountable for their actions!


Economy

Our economy requires every taxpayer to pay their fair share! I believe that we shouldn't tax success. We must raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour! The minimum wage should be a livable wage.

We need legislation to do the following:

  • Have every taxpayer pay their fair share
  • I am open to a discussion on changing our tax brackets
  • Legalize and tax marijuana
  • No more bailouts to companies
  • Block companies from manipulating their stocks by conducting stock buybacks


Education

I support an education system, where higher education is free to anyone, regardless of income. We should allow people who want to succeed, the ability to attend a 4-year university or technical school, of their choice, free of charge. When people succeed, the United States of America succeeds!

We need legislation to do the following:

  • Legalize and tax marijuana
  • Reduce military spending


Environment

I fully support the Green New Deal, investing in renewable energy solutions, and limiting our dependency as a nation on fossil fuels.

Congress has to establish laws, with the guidance of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in order to restore the EPA enforcement capabilities.


Gun Reform

I'm a PRO 2A candidate that believes in gun reform. There should be 0 loopholes in obtaining a gun.

We need legislation to do the following:

  • Raise the age to 21 in order to buy a gun
  • Ban semi-automatic rifles
  • Ban high-capacity magazines
  • Stronger background checks


Healthcare

I fully support Medicare for All. Healthcare should not be tied to employment, it is a human right, and we can pay for it! No matter your disability, no matter your preexisting conditions, this human right should be available to all.

We need legislation to do the following:

  • Legalize and tax marijuana
  • Reduce military spending


Immigration

We are a country of immigrants. I believe in legal immigration and I believe in circumstances where people are seeking asylum and make the difficult decision to leave their homes to travel to the United States of America.

We need immigration reform as a nation in order to be more efficient, more reliable, and more welcoming.

We should not be separating families at the border, have to remove the cages, and stop the inhuman treatment of immigrants.


LGBTQ+

As an LGBTQ+ ally, I believe everyone should have the ability to pursue love and happiness without discrimination. I will always support and stand with anyone who decides to follow their hearts. LOVE IS LOVE!

I will continue to show my support at rallies and provide FREE DAD HUGS to all!

I fully support any legislation on protecting marriage equality!


Marijuana

It is time we legalize marijuana nationwide, tax it like beer and cigarettes, and remove individuals from the prison system who are incarcerated for nonviolent marijuana offenses.

Multiple states have already legalized marijuana, it is time for marijuana to become federally legal in the United States of America.


Religion

We are a county of multiple backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions.

I will always support your right to pick and choose your own religion, I believe religion shouldn't be in politics and government.

Religion is a personal choice and thus kept as such.

Religion should be "I can't do X because it is against my religion" and NOT "You can't do X because it is against my religion."


Statehood

I believe Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia should become the 51st and 52nd states of the United States of America. I believe that it should be up to the residents of Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia if they want to become a state.

Since I am Puerto Rican, I understand the challenges of what becoming a state brings to the island. I believe that the residents of Puerto Rico should have representation in Congress to hold their own elected officials accountable and to have a stepping stone for future change. I am open to a multi-year federal tax pause until the economy can fully recover.

I support any territory under the United States of America to become a state, gain its independence, or maintain the status quo based on the residents of said territories.


Student Loans

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, federal student loan repayments have been on pause for over 2 years.

It is time to eliminate the student loan debt in this nation.

I fully support wiping away all student loan debt.


Supreme Court of the United States

I fully support expanding the court. I plan to start the impeachment process of sitting judges based on ethical standards and lying to the American people.


Term Limits

I fully support applying term limits to Congress and the Supreme Court of the United States!

Both bodies should be limited to no more than 20 years of service. I’m open to discussion on lowering the maximum time someone in Congress or SCOTUS can hold a seat.

When you apply term limits, you allow new ideas, new innovations, new processes to enter thus making the United States of America even stronger.


Voting Rights

Voting rights is a fundamental right in our nation that should only be restricted when you're incarcerated. Once released, your voting rights should be restored immediately, without delay or cost.

We need legislation to do the following:

  • If we, as Congress, decide to require an ID to vote, I will only support the bill if every state issues free voting IDs, there shouldn't be a cost of entry to vote
  • Restore the voting rights of felons, as soon as they are released, without delay, and without cost to the individual
  • Make sure laws aren't racially motivated to limit voter access


Women's Rights

I'm a PRO Choice candidate and believe in Women's rights including women's access to safe abortions!

HER BODY, HER CHOICE! I will continue to support Women's rights at rallies and will help any women who is seeking access to a safe abortion.

I support any legislation that is in favor of Women's rights.[2]

—Allek Pastrana's campaign website (2022)[3]

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.


Allek Pastrana campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024* U.S. House Florida District 7Lost primary$41,503 $40,350
2022U.S. House Florida District 7Lost primary$14,695 $12,586
2022U.S. Senate FloridaWithdrew primary$0 N/A**
Grand total$56,198 $52,936
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on January 20, 2022
  2. Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  3. Vote Allek, “Platform,” accessed August 16, 2022


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Neal Dunn (R)
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Anna Luna (R)
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