Meet Jim

About Jim Brenner

Jim is running to advocate for new solutions to the challenges facing coastal Broward County, and wants to bring fresh, people-centered leadership to Tallahassee. With his diverse background in public policy, international development, and community advocacy, Jim Brenner is well prepared and committed to creating meaningful change for South Florida residents and in particular the residents of our coastal district.

Jim’s career in politics and advocacy began in 1982, after graduating from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. He started as a speechwriter for Michael Dukakis during his re-election campaign for Massachusetts governor and connected with John Kerry, who became lieutenant governor. In 1984, he joined Kerry’s team as his economic policy advisor and later served as a legislative assistant when he entered the U.S. Senate, focusing on tax, trade, small business, housing, and banking policies.

Jim returned to Boston in 1990, where he gained private-sector experience as a real estate institutional investor, pioneering public-private partnerships and advocating for policy reforms to lower capital costs for affordable housing. During this time, Jim married and raised two children in Weston, Massachusetts. His children were privileged to attend one of the finest public schools in the United States, reinforcing his belief in the importance of excellent public schools. He also remained active in political campaigns, including John Kerry’s 2004 presidential bid

Following Kerry’s defeat, Jim focused on working in West Africa, where he served on the board of a private bank in Ghana, invested in affordable housing projects, and co-founded a sustainable housing initiative in Liberia.  

Jim relocated to South Florida a decade ago, drawn by his love of the tropics. He became involved in his 274 Unit Condo Association in Fort Lauderdale and was elected its President in 2022.  As a Condo owner, he has seen first hand the state’s failure to regulate the insurance industry and how it is affecting homeowners like him. Jim has become a vocal advocate for homeowners and condo owners rights. His experience in both the public and private sectors has given him a unique perspective on how to address these complex economic issues, such as skyrocketing insurance rates and unaffordable property assessments. 

Jim has also become involved locally with leading advocacy organizations. In 2024, Jim joined the Executive Board of the Dolphin Democrats, the oldest LGBTQ+ organization for Democrats in South Florida. This role further solidified his commitment to advocating for our community and fighting for the rights and well-being of all Floridians. He is also a strong supporter of women’s reproductive rights, consumer protections and climate resiliency policies.