Scott Powers
The Democrats’ Florida House Victory political committee is backing Brendan Ramirez in the three-way Democratic primary to run in House Disrict 30.
The endorsement, from the campaign arm of the Florida House Democrats, comes in a highly-contested primary that includes a sitting city councilwoman from Maitland who’s been campaigning for six months, and a cyber-security expert who’s been running for nine months. Ramirez, of Orlando, entered the race in late June.
Ramirez, who runs a mental health care clinic, faces Maitland City Councilwoman Joy Goff-Marcil and Clark Anderson of Winter Park, in a party battle for a shot at Republican state Rep. Bob Cortes.
Anderson expressed mild frustration Friday that the party was weighing in a few days before the primary after, he said, he had received assurances early on that it would treat all candidates fairly. Goff-Marcil’s campaign declined to comment.
It’s not been a good week for either of them; earlier this week a political committee backed by New York billionaire George Soros jumped in, backing Ramirez.
One reason the party might be getting behind Ramirez: an internal poll conducted by Change Research early this month showed Ramirez leading Cortes by seven points.
“Brendan Ramirez understands the importance of expanding health care resources for hard working families,” incoming Florida House Minority Leader Kionne McGhee stated in a news release issued by the Victory Fund. “His record of delivering critical mental health resources to Floridians is needed in Tallahassee.”
Democrats hold a two-point voter registration advantage in the district, which covers south-central Seminole County and north-central Orange County. Florida House House Victory stated in the news release that it has identified the seat as one that can be flipped to Democrats.
“I’m thrilled to have earned the support of Florida House Victory,” Ramirez stated in the news release. “I’m committed to fighting for affordable healthcare, housing, and stronger environmental protections for the families of House District 30. Now more than ever, this district deserves someone they can count on.”
