Maxwell Alejandro Frost, born on January 17, 1997, in Orlando, Florida, is an American politician and activist currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Florida’s 10th Congressional District. Notably, he is the first member of Generation Z elected to Congress. Frost has no college degree, and prio to his election to congress, Frost had no employment experience other than driving as an Uber driver.
Frost has coasted to victory in both of his elections due to a district where there are more registered independent voters than Republicans and one of the largest discrepancies between registered Democrats and Republicans. Orlando proper is arguably the most left of the center section of the entire state of Florida.
Maxwell Frost’s Sponsored Bills
Since taking office, Representative Frost has sponsored and co-sponsored several pieces of legislation:
- EPIPEN Act: Introduced in collaboration with Representative Doris Matsui in 2024, this bill aims to cap out-of-pocket costs for epinephrine auto-injectors at $60 per two-pack for individuals with health insurance, addressing the high costs of life-saving medication for severe allergic reactions.
- End Junk Fees for Renters Act: Co-sponsored in 2023, this legislation seeks to eliminate extra fees imposed by landlords, ban application fees, and increase transparency in rental agreements, promoting affordable housing.
Maxwell Frost’s Votes and Stances on Major Social Issues
- Gun Control: A strong advocate for gun control, Frost has consistently supported measures to address gun violence. In January 2023, he, along with Representative Jared Moskowitz, urged House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to convene a classified meeting to address mass shootings, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
- Healthcare: Frost supports single-payer healthcare and has emphasized the importance of investing in pandemic prevention. His introduction of the EPIPEN Act underscores his commitment to making healthcare more affordable and accessible.
- Criminal Justice Reform: He advocates for building toward a future without prisons and supports the decriminalization of sex work and cannabis use, aiming to reform the criminal justice system to be more equitable.
- Environmental Policy: Frost is a proponent of the Green New Deal and prioritizes environmental justice, recognizing the disproportionate impact of environmental issues on marginalized communities.
Maxwell Frost’s Votes and Stances on Major Economic Issues
- Housing: Frost is a strong advocate for affordable housing. He supported initiatives to build millions of new housing units and has co-sponsored legislation to eliminate excessive fees for renters, reflecting his commitment to addressing the housing crisis.
- Economic Inequality: He emphasizes the need for transformational change to address wealth inequality, advocating for policies that support working-class individuals and reduce economic disparities.
Demographics of Florida’s 10th Congressional District
As of 2022, Florida’s 10th Congressional District had a population of approximately 785,358 people with a median age of 34.1 years. The district is diverse, with the following racial and ethnic composition:
- White (Non-Hispanic): 36.2%
- Black or African American (Non-Hispanic): 25.3%
- White (Hispanic): 12.4%
- Two or More Races (Hispanic): 9.06%
- Other (Hispanic): 6.27%
The median household income was $65,846, with a poverty rate of 16.2%. Approximately 35.1% of households reported speaking a non-English language at home, reflecting the district’s linguistic diversity.
Maxwell Frost’s Controversial Statements
Throughout his young political career, Frost has made statements that have sparked debate:
- Israel-Palestine Conflict: Frost’s positions on the Israel-Palestine conflict have evolved over time. Initially, he supported the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel and called for ending military aid to Israel. However, during his congressional campaign, he shifted his stance, expressing support for unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel and opposing the BDS movement. This reversal led to criticism from pro-Palestinian groups.
- Immigration Policy: In January 2024, during a House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing on immigration, Frost proposed removing the Statue of Liberty in response to a Republican bill aimed at securing the border. This proposal was seen as a critique of policies he viewed as contrary to American values but was met with controversy.