Drew Wilson
A few hours after the polls closed in Tuesday’s primary election, Ruth’s List Florida sent out an email touting “historic victories” for women candidates it supported across the state.
Ruth’s List, co-founded by former CFO Alex Sink, works to elected pro-choice women in Florida. And while they didn’t score a victory in the top-billed race of the evening — the group supported Gwen Graham for Governor — more than two dozen Ruth’s List-backed candidates claimed victory last night.
“Ruth’s List has invested years recruiting and training Democratic pro-choice women to seek and serve in local office. We are building the bench of the next generation of leaders in Florida. Last night we helped elect a record number of women up and down the ballot all across the State,” said Pam Goodman, president and CEO of Ruth’s List Florida.
The top win cited by the group was Nikki Fried’s dominant victory in the three-way Democratic primary for Agriculture Commissioner. Goodman said Fried, an attorney and medical marijuana advocate, can expect “heavy investments” in her general election battle against Republican nominee Matt Caldwell, who scored a 8-point win in the four-way GOP battle to succeed Adam Putnam.
“Florida needs her and knows it’s time to end 20 years of Republican rule,” Goodman said.
In the state Senate, Ruth’s List backed Gainesville physician Kayser Enneking for SD 8, a pivotal seat being targeted as part of Florida Democrats’ strategy to flip the state Senate, where Republicans hold a 23-16 majority.
Enneking scored an 18-point win despite a late-in-the-game “dark money” campaign that Ruth’s List said was designed to elect the weaker opponent, Olysha Magruder.
“Dirty tricks from the Republican play book are sadly part of politics in Florida. Voters know it and won’t stand for it. We look forward to picking up this long held Republican seat in the fall with a pro-choice health care expert,” Goodman stated.
In the state House, the group celebrated primary wins by women who moving on to general election battles in the fall. Victors getting a shout out: Dotie Joseph in HD 108, Joy Goff-Marcil in HD 30, Cindy Polo in HD 103 and Tracey Kagan in HD 29.
“Ruth’s List is thrilled tonight and tomorrow will get back at it. Floridians are ready to fight for a clean environment, a fully funded public education system and the health care we all deserve. These women candidates will be elected, with our efforts making significant contributions in the Fall and a new day will dawn in Florida” Goodman concluded.
A full list of Ruth’s List-backed candidates is available on the group’s website.
The general election is Nov. 6
