The Florida Education Association announced Wednesday it is supporting St. Petersburg attorney Ben Diamond in the House District 68 race.
“The Florida Education Association is proud to endorse Ben Diamond in his race for the Florida House,” said Joanne McCall, president of FEA. “Ben has been working in his community to address some of the most pressing education issues Pinellas County faces. Additionally, his experience in Tallahassee will make him a knowledgeable and effective advocate for strengthening our public schools. We can count on Ben to stand up to special interests and fight for our teachers and students.”
Diamond said he was honored to get the FEA’s endorsement. “There is no issue more important to Florida’s future than improving our public education system,” he said in a statement. “Funding for our public schools will be one of my top priorities when I get to Tallahassee.”
Diamond is running against former Defense Department analyst Eric Lynn in the Aug. 30 Democratic primary.
The FEA is considered one of the most influential unions in the state, and undoubtedly was a prize that both Diamond and Lynn wanted to snag.
The winner will face Republican JB Benshimen in November.