Ryan Nicol
Former University of Miami President Donna Shalala has been endorsed by a pair of state Democrats as she seeks a move to Congress.
State Reps. Joe Geller and Javier Fernandez say they’re backing Shalala in the crowded Democratic primary in Florida’s 27th Congressional District.
“Donna Shalala has the leadership and progressive values we need in Washington,” said Geller, who represents House District 100.
“She has the experience and expertise to shake up Washington and get things done for the people of South Florida. As the former Ranking Member on the K-12 Subcommittee in the Florida House of Representatives, I admire her track record and her long fight for our children, and I look forward to working with Donna to improve our education system and implement policies that put our kids first.”
Shalala is competing with four others for the nomination. Former Knight Foundation Program Director Matt Haggman, former University of Miami academic Advisor Michael A. Hepburn, state Rep. David Richardson, and Miami Beach Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez are also running.
“No one fights harder than Donna Shalala, and I had the opportunity to witness that as a University of Miami law student and on the campaign trail for my special election,” said Fernandez, who serves House District 114.
“While we walked the neighborhoods, we discussed the issues facing our communities, from health care to sea level rise, and from gun reform to immigration reform. What I soon realized was Donna has the experience South Florida deserves and the knowledge to get things done.
“We are facing challenging times, and as a father I know we need leadership who will fight for our kids – whether at the border or at our schools. Donna is the progressive leader that is ready to fight and stand up for us on day one.”
Shalala is seeking to replace outgoing U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who is not pursuing re-election. Her retirement has opened up the race for Democrats, with watchers rating the race as “leaning Democratic.”
“It is a great honor to receive both Rep, Geller’s and Rep. Fernandez’s endorsements,” said Shalala.
“It is humbling to simultaneously receive the support of both an experienced, veteran lawmaker like Joe Geller and of Javier Fernandez, one of the great young talents of our local Democratic Party. We are all united by a strong commitment to progressive values, and I am happy to count them as both supporters and friends.”
Nine Republicans and one nonaffliated candidate are also in the CD 27 race. The primary will be held on Aug. 28.
One comment
VALERIE WEATHERS
July 19, 2018 at 5:55 pm
Sounds very impressive. She has my attention.
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