Republican, But Not MAGA? | Wancito Francius on QNA

**Can an elected official put community interests ahead of political party?** On this episode of *QNA: Questions Need Answers*, Munch sits down with Wancito Francius, Republican candidate for Florida House District 108, for a candid conversation about political identity, community representation and the policies he says he would pursue in Tallahassee. Francius shares his journey from immigrating to South Florida from Haiti and working as a dishwasher to attending Miami Dade College and Florida International University, becoming a business owner and getting involved in local civic issues. A major portion of the conversation focuses on his political evolution. Francius previously ran for office as a Democrat but now identifies as a conservative Republican. He explains why he changed parties, describes himself as a “common-sense Republican” and discusses several areas where he says his personal positions differ from parts of the Republican platform. Munch presses him on what that political identity means in practice. The conversation explores Francius's proposals involving second chances for formerly incarcerated residents, employment and entrepreneurship, property-tax relief for seniors, assistance for families raising children with autism and affordable housing. They also debate development and displacement in communities like Liberty City, the relationship between Tallahassee and local governments, property taxes, homestead exemptions and the cost of homeowners insurance. The discussion becomes especially candid when Munch challenges Francius on whether reducing property taxes could weaken the local services residents depend on. Rather than avoiding the disagreement, both continue the conversation and explain their different perspectives. The episode ultimately raises a larger question about political polarization: can people with different party affiliations work together around issues that directly affect their communities? **Topics include:** Florida House District 108, party politics, Republican and Democratic politics, political identity, returning citizens, criminal-record reform, entrepreneurship, property taxes, affordable housing, development, displacement, homeowners insurance, autism services, local government and community representation. *QNA: Questions Need Answers* features honest conversations about community, culture and politics designed to encourage informed community dialogue.