Phil Ammann
State Sen. Joseph Abruzzo is supporting Palm Beach County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay in her bid for Florida’s 18th Congressional District.
McKinlay, elected in November, is running for the seat held by Congressman Patrick Murphy, the Jupiter Democrat seeking Marco Rubio’s U.S. Senate seat. If elected, McKinlay will become one of a handful of working single mothers in Congress.
“Melissa and I share a common passion for helping people who need a hand up,” said Abruzzo, a Democrat from Wellington, in a prepared statement Thursday. “Her common sense and compassionate approach to public service is exactly the kind of voice we need in Washington.”
Abruzzo represents Senate District 25, which covers the eastern section of Palm Beach County.
In the past, Abruzzo and McKinlay have worked together to bring state money for development, infrastructure essentials, jobs and economic opportunities for the Glades region.
“Melissa has a servant’s heart, but she combines that with a willingness to work hard for the people she represents,” Abruzzo added. “I’ve watched her feed the poor, walk the toughest neighborhoods, and work nights and weekends to get the job done.
“She will make a great member of Congress, because she won’t rest until she finishes her task.”
McKinlay’s public service career includes beinga a state legislative chairwoman for the Florida Junior League, where she pushed for laws requiring car seats for vulnerable children.
While working in the Palm Beach County legislative office, she helped secure millions of dollars for lake and river clean up, as well as access to health care for homeless youth.
Other Democrats seeking Murphy’s seat include Palm Beach County Commissioner Priscilla Ann Taylor and John Xuna of Stuart. Five Republicans have also filed campaigns for the CD 18 seat.
