GREEN COVE SPRINGS — Judson Sapp has a simple reason for running to fill Bobby Payne's seat in the Florida House of Representatives.

“Having kids is what inspires me — I have a 9-year-old and a six-year-old — and I have seen the state of affairs and where the country is going, and I have seen a loss of some of our state rights. Our business rights are being taken away. Unnecessary regulations have burdened small businesses. I want my kids to have the same opportunities I had," Sapp said. 

Sapp lives in Green Cove Springs and runs for the District 20 seat, comprising southern Clay County and three other adjacent counties. Payne is leaving the House after reaching his term limit.

Sapp has been the CEO of W. J. Sapp and Son, Inc. for 14 years. The company based in Baldwin is a full-service railroad contractor that services Southeast Florida. 

Railway routes galvanized Florida's early development and may also play a larger part in the state's future. Sapp is looking optimistically toward Brightline, a high-speed inter-city railway connecting Miami to Orlando.  He said it's excellent when private industry can facilitate a need and hopes the railway route makes its way to Jacksonville as long as "private industry is leading and taking the steps."

Infrastructure is the focal point of Sapp's campaign. 

"It is the most important issue for those paying attention,” he said. 

“Given both my district and the state of Florida, infrastructure needs must be addressed. We’re building, but we’re not keeping up with that. That is something absolutely on the state level we can help solve,” he said. 

All four sheriffs in District 20 have endorsed Sapp. Most notable is Sapp's relationship with Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook. Their altruistic work with the Signal 35 charity fund has donated money to two beneficiaries since its inception in 2023. 

“We have been blessed to only need to use funds twice. You pray you never have to use it. But eventually, tragedy strikes. We raise money when we need to. We have had amazing support from the community.”

The first beneficiary was Nancy Scherer, the first woman deputy in Clay County. Another was a spouse of a Green Cove Springs Police Department officer receiving cancer treatment. 

During his youth, Sapp earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He enjoys the outdoors and fishing with his children at his second home in Putnam County. 

If elected, Sapp said he is most excited about serving the community. 

“There’s been a long line of great public servants and you have to have a servant’s heart to do this. I am excited to deliver needs to the people," Sapp said. 

He will be facing Jamie Watts during the Republican primary on Aug. 20. Watts is the Mayor of Welaka Town Council in Putnam County. The primary winner will face Palatka Democrat Tony Connolly  in the General Election on Nov, 5.

Editor's note: Clay Today's request to Jamie Watts' campaign for an interview went unanswered.