FL · Candidate
Deva Simmons
INDCandidate
On the ballot Nov 3, 2026: U.S. House · Florida's 18th District
Biography
Deva Simmons is a retired educator running with no party affiliation in the general election for Florida's 18th District. She is a Brooklyn native who has lived in Polk County since 2002 and describes more than two decades in education. Her campaign materials emphasize public education, teacher pay and affordability.[1]
Simmons was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, moved to Florida in 1995, and has lived in Polk County since 2002.[1] She graduated from Erasmus Hall High School, earned a bachelor's degree from Columbia College in 1990, and received a graduate degree from Adelphi University in 1995.[1] She has worked in education for more than two decades as a teacher, mentor, and advocate for students and families, and is listed as retired as of 2026.[1]
Simmons has served on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Lakeland and has volunteered with the AGB Museum of Art, kidsPACK, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and Polk County Schools.[1]
- 1.Deva Simmons · Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey Candidate's own words
Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21.
