Scott Powers
Democratic Florida House of Representatives candidate Anna Eskamani has received the endorsement of the Orange County Firefighters Association in her quest to be elected in House District 47, her campaign announced Monday.
“After much careful thought and consideration, our board decided to endorse you based on your strong leadership characteristics, determination and willingness to serve all citizens equally. We have shared our concerns with you regarding the health and safety of our firefighters and are confident you will be able to be our voice in Tallahassee,” Andre Perez, president of the labor union, also known as the International Association of Firefighters Local 2057, stated in a news release issued by Eskamani’s campaign.
Eskamani, an Orlando nonprofit group executive, also has received the endorsements of the Orlando Professional Firefighters Local 1365, and the Florida Professional Firefighters labor groups.
She is unchallenged in the Aug. 28 Democratic primary. Two Republicans, Winter Park businessman Stockton Reeves VI and Orlando lawyer Mikaela Nix, are vying to meet her in the Nov. 6 election. They seek to replace state Rep. Mike Miller, a Republican from Winter Park who is running for Congress rather than seeking reelection.
The district covers much of north and central Orange County.
“I deeply admire and respect the work of our public safety workers. Firefighters are real life superheroes, and I am committed to ensuring that all public safety workers and emergency responders are protected with strong pensions, fair wages, and good benefits that include support for PTSD. Firefighters also need legislation that would recognize cancer as an occupational hazard, and I look forward to working across the aisle to ensure cancer benefits to those firefighters afflicted with the disease.”
