Ryan Nicol
United Teachers of Dade (UTD), a union with more than 30,000 members, is backing Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in the Democratic primary for Florida’s 26th Congressional District.
Mucarsel-Powell is competing with former naval officer Demetries Grimes for the nomination. The CD 26 seat is currently held by Republican Carlos Curbelo.
“We believe Debbie will make a difference in Congress by fully funding our public schools, supporting educational policies that put our students first and working to improve the lives of working people,” said UTD president Karla Hernandez-Mats.
“Every day, our teachers are working to improve the lives of over 350,000 children in Miami-Dade County. They deserve a representative who will fight for better schools and to ensure every student has a chance to fulfill their potential.”
The endorsement comes as Mucarsel-Powell launched her first TV spot of the cycle, which puts a spotlight on her immigrant roots and the diversity of the CD 26 community.
The district covers Monroe County and portions of Miami-Dade County. Analysts such as the Cook Political Report and Larry Sabato rate the race as a toss-up.
The CD 26 primaries will take place Aug. 28, followed by the general election Nov. 6.
