Ryan Nicol
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Florida has thrown its support behind Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in her campaign against incumbent U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo.
“Debbie Mucarsel-Powell has a keen perspective on the needs and challenges of working people, and she has spent her life’s work on expanding access to quality healthcare for Floridians, especially those who need it most,” said SEIU Florida State Council President Monica Russo.
SEIU is a labor union representing workers from multiple sectors. The organization serves “over 55,000 active and retired Floridians including healthcare professionals, public employees, and property service workers,” according to its website.
Russo added: “Debbie is the type of voice we desperately need in Washington to fight to protect our rights and represent our families, and SEIU Florida is pleased to endorse her candidacy.”
Mucarsel-Powell is one of two Democrats vying for the nomination in Florida’s 26th Congressional District. Former naval officer Demetries Grimes is also seeking the Democratic nod.
Curbelo has represented CD 26 since he defeated Joe Garcia, the incumbent Democratic representative, in 2014.
The race is one that election watchers are keeping a close eye on. Despite the seat being held by a Republican in Curbelo, Hillary Clinton won the district by more than 16 percentage points in 2016.
That, combined with Democrats leading the generic congressional ballot, has led analysts to rate the race as a toss-up.
