Drew Wilson
Boca Raton Democrat Tina Polsky rolled out five more endorsements Monday in her bid to replace retiring state Rep. Joe Abruzzo in House District 81.
Topping the announcement was a nod from incoming House Democratic Leader Kionne McGhee, followed by Palm Beach County Commissioners Mary Lou Berger and Melissa McKinlay, Royal Palm Beach Rep. Matt Willhite, and former Palm Beach County Commissioner Burt Aaronson.
“I’m excited by the prospect of Tina joining the Democratic Caucus in Tallahassee as we continue our fight to implement an agenda benefiting the people — not the special interests. I look forward to working with her to fight for world-class healthcare, excellent public schools and universities, and high-paying jobs for all Floridians,” McGhee said.
McKinlay added: “Palm Beach County needs Tina’s leadership in order to ensure our many diverse communities remain exceptional places to live, work, raise children, and retire. I’m endorsing her candidacy because I know she has what it takes to deliver substantive results.”
The new backers join U.S. Reps. Ted Deutch and Alcee Hastings, several western Palm Beach County elected officials and Abruzzo, who offered his support to Polsky a month ago.
“This is my first run for office and I consider myself truly blessed to have earned the backing of such a wide-ranging and well-respected group of public servants. I’ll be fortunate to have them not only as colleagues, but also as mentors and partners in the mission to improve life for everyone in our state.”
Polsky faces Mindy Koch in the Democratic primary for the solid-blue seat.
HD 81 covers a portion of Palm Beach County including the communities of Belle Glade, Pahokee and Parkland.
The primary election is Aug. 28.
