Background
Stewart, Linda was born on April 17, 1948 in Dallas, Texas, United States. Daughter of Robert Lewis and Helen (Stell) Lowrance.
politician Member of the Florida House of Representatives
Stewart, Linda was born on April 17, 1948 in Dallas, Texas, United States. Daughter of Robert Lewis and Helen (Stell) Lowrance.
Bachelor in Microbiology, University Texas, 1970; Master of Business Administration in Finance, U. Houston, 1978.
In 1998, Stewart unsuccessfully ran for the Orange County Commission against incumbent Commissioner Clarence Hoenstine and Mary Wilson, Juan R. Bruno, and Anthony Rizzuto, receiving 21% of the vote. Stewart ran against Hoenstine again in 2002, and defeated him in a one-on-one contest with 51% of the vote. She was elected to a second and final term on the Commission against Jennifer Thompson, JP Quinones, and Martin Collins in 2006, again receiving 51% of the vote.
Following Rich Crotty's inability to run for another term as Mayor of Orange County, Stewart ran to succeed him in 2010. When districts were reconfigured in 2012 and incumbent State Representative Scott Randolph decided to seek the Chairmanship of the Florida Democratic Party rather than seek re-election, Stewart ran to succeed him. She was unopposed in the Democratic primary, and faced former State Representative Bob Brooks, the Republican nominee, in the general election.
A contentious general election ensued, with Stewart attacking "Brooks' support for school vouchers and his conservative social politics, saying he's too far right for a district trending Democratic." The Orlando Sentinel endorsed Stewart over Brooks, praising her for the fact that she "distinguished herself for her leadership on two critical issues for Central Florida, growth management and diversifying the region's economy." Ultimately, Stewart narrowly defeated Brooks, winning with 52% of the vote, and was sworn in later that year to her first term.
Member Texas Association for Hospital Finance Administration, Pilot International (secretary 1991-1996).
Married Carroll Ray Stewart, Junior, July 7, 1973. Children: Robert Sean, Stephen Ray.