Scott Powers
The Service Employees International Union of Florida is backing Democratic House candidate Anna Eskamani in her run for Florida House District 47, her campaign announced Tuesday.
The union typically endorses Democrats and Eskamani’s path to the general election was cleared last week when her Democratic primary challenger Lou Forges dropped out. She will face either Stockton Reeves VI or Mikaela Nix in the Nov. 6 election.
“We are school support staff, county and municipal workers, we work in Florida’s nursing homes and hospitals, and we are janitors, landscapers, adjunct professors, fast food workers and security officers. We believe we share a common vision for Florida – one in which working families have economic security, rights and a legacy for the next generation,” Monica Russo, Florida’s SEIU president, stated in a news release issued by Eskamani’s campaign. “With ongoing attacks on union rights and the rights of poor and working people at every level of government, our members are standing up to fight and support candidates like you who they believe will stand alongside them and champion their issues.”
Eskamani, Reeves and Nix each seek to succeed Republican state Rep. Mike Miller, who’s running for Congress. The district covers north and central Orange County through downtown Orlando to the south suburbs of Belle Isle and Edgewood.
“I am humbled to have the endorsement of SEIU,” Eskamani stated in a news release. “As a working class daughter of immigrants, I know what it’s like to grow up with starvation wages, not knowing if bills will paid on time. Workers are the backbone of our country, and I envision a world where workers, business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs can each achieve the American dream, and contribute to a diversified economy. Our campaign is about the people of Florida, and we will never leave anyone behind.”
This past weekend, Anna also received the endorsement of Vamos4PR Action, which noted her long history of advocacy, and her support of local Puerto Rican community members, especially of those who came to Florida after the damaging impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
