Scott Powers
Orlando Democrat Susannah Randolph has picked up another labor endorsement in her primary race for Congressional District 9, this time the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
The Teamsters ranks of 1.4 million members no longer are limited to dock workers, but include a diverse range of people such as costumed characters at Walt Disney World, car rental employees and convention center employees in the Orlando market.
“As a community organizer, Susannah has been a leading advocate for providing our working families with fair wages and better working conditions,” Local 385 Teamsters President Mike Stapleton stated in a news release issued by Randolph’s campaign. “Susannah will be a key ally in Congress where she will continue to lead the effort to protect workers’ rights and expand the middle class. We are proud to support her.”
Randolph is in a Democratic primary battle with state Sen. Darren Soto of Orlando, businesswoman Valleri Crabtree of Kissimmee, Dr. Dena Minning of Orlando and former state Rep. Ricardo Rangel of Kissimmee. All hope to succeed incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson of Orlando, who is running for the U.S. Senate rather than for re-election.
“For more than a century, the Teamsters have worked to make life better for millions of hardworking Americans,” Randolph stated in her press release. “This union has an incredible legacy — from helping workers fight for fair wages and health care, to advocating for better working conditions and leave policies. I am honored to earn this endorsement. I look forward to working with the Teamsters to defend workers’ rights and build a stronger middle class.”
