Drew Wilson
Tampa Rep. Sean Shaw announced Tuesday that he’d earned the backing of the statewide branch of the Service Employee International Union announced.
“The members of SEIU Florida strongly endorse Sean Shaw for Florida Attorney General because of his long record as a watchdog for the public who champions the rights of everyday Floridians,” said SEIU Florida State Council President Monica Russo. “As Attorney General, Sean will ensure justice and accountability in our courts and safety in our communities. We can count on him to take swift and decisive action in putting the people of Florida first.”
SEIU Florida is a labor union that represents over 55,000 active and retired Floridians including healthcare professionals, public employees, and property service workers.
Past union endorsements for Shaw, a Democrat, have come in from the Florida Education Association and the Florida Police Benevolent Association. The former insurance consumer advocate has also locked up the support of three State Attorneys and former Governor and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham.
“I am excited by SEIU Florida’s decision to endorse my candidacy. This race has always been about returning power to the people of Florida, the very people that SEIU Florida represents,” Shaw said. “I have pledged since day one to fight for the rights of all Floridians and that’s exactly what I’ll do as Florida’s next Attorney General. I look forward to working with SEIU Florida to amplify our message and turn out voters in the primary and general election.”
Shaw faces Odessa attorney Ryan Torrens in the Democratic primary, though Shaw is far ahead in fundraising.
As of July 20, Shaw had brought in nearly $839,000 between his campaign and political committee, Sean Shaw for Florida, and had about $424,000 on hand.
Torrens, through the same date, had raised just shy of $125,000 for his campaign and had $7,250 in the bank.
The winner of the Democratic nomination will go up against the winner of the Republican primary between former circuit court judge Ashley Moody and Pensacola Rep. Frank White in the Nov. 6 general election.
