Mitch Perry
Lois Frankel has become the latest South Florida Democratic member of Congress to endorse Patrick Murphy‘s candidacy for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in 2016.
“It has been an honor to serve in Congress with Patrick Murphy, who shares my commitment to improving Florida by protecting hardworking American families, preserving Social Security and Medicare, and fighting for equality and women’s rights,” she said in a prepared statement released Monday. “I am proud to support his campaign for U.S. Senate, where I know he will continue to be a strong Democratic leader and advocate for our community.”
In a tweet, Murphy wrote, “So honored to receive the endorsement of @LoisFrankel. I look fwd to continuing to work w/ her for our state.”
It was a nice birthday present for Murphy, who turned 32 Monday. Since he announced his candidacy a week ago, Murphy has been endorsed by three of his (more liberal) South Florida Democratic colleagues in the Florida congressional delegation. The others are Ted Deutch and Alcee Hastings. He also received the endorsement on Wednesday from the party’s 2014 gubernatorial candidate, Charlie Crist.
Frankel has been a mainstay in South Florida Democratic politics for decades. A former state legislator who became the first female minority leader in the state House, she became mayor of West Palm Beach in 2002, and was elected to Congress in 2012.
