Ryan Nicol
David Richardson has pulled in another endorsement in his bid for Florida’s 27th Congressional District, this time from the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus.
“David has been a champion for equality in the Florida House and has distinguished himself working to hold the Florida prison system accountable and protecting the environment,” said Caucus President Terry Fleming. “Florida needs a fighter like David Richardson to represent us in Congress.”
It’s another step forward for Richardson’s campaign. The current state representative is competing against four others for the Democratic nomination in CD 27.
The seat is one the Democrats have their eye on, as longtime Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen announced she would not seek re-election following the end of her current term. That’s given the Democrats an opportunity to flip the seat. The Cook Political Report currently rates the seat as “leaning Democratic.”
Richardson, one of the first openly gay representatives elected to the Florida House, thanked the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus in a statement following the endorsement.
“It is an honor to be endorsed by the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus,” said Richardson. “I have made it a priority to fight for the rights of the LGBT community — a community that has been long overlooked and discriminated against by policymakers.”
He also took shots at the Donald Trump administration, a move Democrats are sure to echo throughout the 2018 midterms.
“In Congress, I will oppose Trump and Pence’s backwards ideas, co-sponsor Equality Act, and co-sponsor the Student Non-Discrimination Act. I am proud to have members of the LGBTA community standing behind me in this race.”
Florida primary voters will head to the polls on August 28 to select their nominee in CD 27. Matt Haggman, Michael Hepburn, Kristen Rosen Gonzalez and Donna Shalala are also running for the Democratic nod. That will be followed by the general election on November 6.
