Phil Ammann
Plantation-based author and child advocate Lauren Book has made it official: She’s begun her long-awaited candidacy for Florida Senate with a list of high-profile endorsements.
Book, 30 and a former teacher, is CEO of Lauren’s Kids, a nonprofit foundation to educate children, parents, and teachers about preventing childhood sexual abuse. She is running as a Democrat to replace term-limited state Sen. Eleanor Sobel in District 33.
In a prepared statement Tuesday, Book, daughter of prominent Tallahassee lobbyist Ron Book, said she is running to “expand her advocacy to a new level” by influencing policy for children and families as a member of the Florida Legislature. For six years, Book was a target of childhood abuse at the hands of a nanny. Since then, she turned her experiences into an educational movement to help prevent child sexual abuse.
“After more than two decades working to raise awareness and change laws to protect children,” Book said. “I hope to expand my advocacy and represent the voters of Broward County – in whatever shape this district ultimately takes.”
Book’s multipronged campaign will include intensive door-to-door and neighborhood contact with voters, reminiscent of her 1,500-mile “Walk In My Shoes” journey across Florida, a yearly event that also advocates for child protection.
“It is my goal to knock on every door in this district and meet every voter so that I may hear their voices and know their concerns,” she said.
While opening her campaign account, Book announced a notable list of local friends and supporters.
According to Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, “Lauren Book’s fearless leadership in advocating on behalf of sexual assault survivors and children makes her a true asset to our South Florida community.”
“Lauren Book has been an amazing advocate for children,” Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said. “She has created educational programs that help give kids the tools they need to protect themselves from sexual predators. Her insight and experience would make Lauren an incredible advocate for children in Tallahassee.”
State Senator and Minority (Democratic) Leader Pro Tempore Oscar Braynon noted Book’s “strong backgrounds” of service, advocacy and leadership.
“Democrats like Lauren are what south Florida’s next generation of leaders look like,” Braynon said.
Broward County Vice Mayor Marty Kiar said he is “thrilled” to endorse his friend.
“Lauren is a strong, wonderful, dedicated and passionate person who has made a true positive difference in the lives of countless people throughout our country and beyond,” he said. “I am excited that Lauren is going to take her passion and dedication to the Florida State Senate.”
Also on the list is Fort Lauderdale Mayor John P. “Jack” Seiler, who said Book “understands what it means to give back to her community, to work hard for the benefit of others, and to passionately pursue a better tomorrow for those less fortunate.”
Seiler praised Book for successfully overcoming tremendous obstacles in her own life, and positively affected and improved the lives of other victims in the process.
“With her experience, expertise, work ethic, and big heart, Lauren will certainly be a public servant who listens, who learns, who cares, and who will definitely make a difference.”
