Eight grassroots leaders give thumbs up to Gwen Graham

Democrat Gwen Graham is adding eight new endorsements Friday in her quest to become the state’s next governor.

The endorsements announced by her campaign include a host of young and engaged grassroots leaders from across the state.

“I wake up every day focused on one mission: fighting for our shared values,” Graham stated in a news release issued by her campaign. “The passion and support of grassroots leaders from across Florida are fueling our fight, and I’m proud to have the support of these dedicated Democrats.

Graham is in a race for the Democratic primary for the 2018 election with Winter Park affordable housing developer Chris King and Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum. The one major Republican candidate is Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam.

“After almost twenty years of Republican rule, our state is running out of time, Democratic National Committeeman and former Florida Democratic Party Vice Chair Alan Clendenin. “For too long, the politicians in Tallahassee have ignored the major challenges our state faces. I’m proud to support Gwen Graham in her campaign to renew our public schools, protect our precious environment and build an economy that works for every Floridian.”

Former Chair of the Jacksonville Planning Commission Lisa King said: “Gwen Graham is committed to protecting our state’s clean air and water. Florida is Florida because of our beaches and rivers, forest and springs. As governor, Gwen will fight to protect our natural treasures for generations to come.”

FDP Committee on Clubs Chair Beth McMillen said: “Florida’s environment is vital to our very way of life in this state — and no candidate understands that better than Gwen Graham. After watching Gwen rally the Florida delegation to restore the Apalachicola Bay and spend a Workday highlighting the threat of algae in our waters, I know Gwen will fight to save the Indian River Lagoon and all of Florida’s natural treasures.”

The list of new endorsements also includes:

– Former Florida Young Democrats Treasurer Andrew Bell

– Brevard County Democratic Veterans Caucus Chair John Frazier

– Former Florida Young Democrats President Shannon Love

– State Committeeman John Parker

– Democratic Progressive Caucus founding member and former Wakulla DEC Chair Rachel Pienta

– American Muslim Democratic Caucus Miami-Dade Regional Director Duysevi “Sevi” Miyar