Meet The Candidate

Susan R. Leff is a lifelong Floridian, community advocate, and candidate for the Florida House of Representatives District 59.

Susan was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and adopted into a loving family when she was just five days old. She often says she has only ever known one mother and one father, and she thanks God every day for the family she was blessed with. The values her parents instilled in her—faith, gratitude, compassion, and service to others—continue to guide her life and her campaign today.

Susan grew up in Florida and spent part of her childhood in New York City, giving her an early appreciation for the diversity and opportunity that make America strong. She graduated from Largo High School, St. Petersburg Junior College in Clearwater, and from the University of South Florida in Tampa, where she was selected by the Senior Class Committee to speak at graduation.

During her college years, Susan was deeply involved in student government at both St. Petersburg Junior College and the University of South Florida. She also worked while attending school and participated in numerous community political town halls and civic meetings. Susan represented the University of South Florida in Tallahassee to advocate for fair distribution of Florida Lottery education funds, demonstrating her commitment to public service early in her life.

Service to community and country runs deep in Susan’s family. Her father, a child of the Great Depression, served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. Her mother was a gifted pianist who performed at Carnegie Hall and believed deeply in sharing opportunity with others. While studying music, she often shared her own piano with fellow students who could not afford one so they could practice and pursue their dreams. She also instilled in Susan a lifelong appreciation for music, the arts, and the importance of generosity and community.

Both of her parents were active in civic and charitable organizations, including the Lions Club, Jewish Federation, the NAACP, and the Jacksonville School for the Blind. Their example of community involvement and public responsibility had a lasting impact on Susan.

Professionally, Susan has spent more than 40 years working in marketing, sales, and business development, consistently earning recognition as a top performer and producer. Today, she works in networking and consulting, helping others build connections and opportunities.