From Spaceship Earth to the State Capitol
David Wayne Gizmo Wexler’s
Journey to Transform Florida
I was born on April 20, 1978, in Miami-Dade County, Florida, a place rich in culture, contrast, and complexity. Even as a child, I felt different. I’ve always seen the world through a lens of deep empathy and forward-thinking vision. I wasn’t just curious, I was called to make things better.
That calling began to take shape in fifth grade at Floranada Elementary School. The spark? My school principal, Marcia. Under her leadership, Floranada was honored as a National School of Excellence in 1987-1988. But more importantly, she believed in me. Because of her, I was able to attend our school’s end-of-year field trip to Epcot Center, a memory that would shape the rest of my life.
Spaceship Earth was the first attraction I experienced. It wasn’t just a ride, it was a revelation. It told the story of human communication, of how our connections shape civilization. As a child with a passion for meaning and systems, it was the perfect symbol. And right behind that great silver geosphere, I fell in love with something simpler, too: the smell of popcorn from the wagon near the Stargate Restaurant. That moment, Spaceship Earth and the popcorn wagon, sparked a vision within me. I wanted to work at Disney. I wanted to be part of something bigger.
In 1994, I made that vision a reality when I was hired at Disney's Magic Kingdom in Outdoor Foods. My very first role? The popcorn wagon on Main Street, near the main entrance. It wasn’t just a job. It was the start of a purpose-driven career rooted in service, structure, and imagination.
By 1997, I had received the Partners in Excellence award and launched my own computer support business. My talents in technology and systems design continued to evolve until, one day, during a meeting with Alan, Vice President of Infrastructure Operations and Service Delivery for The Walt Disney Company, I heard the term that truly described what I do: Solutions Architect.
I had spent decades building systems, writing policies, and solving problems that others couldn’t. And I did it not for glory, but for people. I understood how the right framework could support a better life.
But not all stories follow a straight path. In July 2015, everything changed. My family and I endured trauma, sustained and devastating, that lasted through July 2023. The pain of those eight years left permanent marks. We survived, but we were changed. And through that hardship, something else emerged: resolve.
I began to see clearly what I had only sensed before, how broken our systems really are. The State of Florida faces complex, deeply rooted issues. From technology failures, data misuse, and broken procedures to abuses of power and outdated policies, these aren’t just technical problems. They’re political failures, ones that affect many Floridians who may not even realize how deeply their lives are impacted.
As a Solutions Architect, I’ve spent over 30 years creating policies, designing systems, and bringing structure to chaos. But time and again, I’ve searched for leaders who understand both the legal frameworks and technological realities of our time, and I’ve come up empty. That’s why I’ve made the decision to step outside my comfort zone and run for Governor of Florida.
This campaign isn’t about me, it’s about us, I'm a Floridian too. It’s about holding power accountable, fixing what’s broken, and restoring integrity to systems meant to serve people. It’s about building a Florida where everyone, not just the wealthy or connected, has the opportunity to thrive.
You have been blessed with the gift of life, and with blessings come responsibility. I need everyone’s help to make this vision a reality. Visit GIZ4GOV Campaign page, and together, we can create a Florida where everyone has the opportunity to shine.
My vision for Florida is one of transparency, efficiency, and compassion. I bring not only a deep understanding of how things should work, but firsthand knowledge of what happens when they don’t. With courage, clarity, and conviction, I’m ready to lead.
From that first ride through Spaceship Earth to this very moment, I’ve followed a path guided by purpose. Now, it’s time to bring that purpose to Tallahassee and serve the people of Florida with the heart of a visionary and the mind of a problem-solver.