Janelle Irwin Taylor
Ruth’s List Florida is endorsing Jane Castor for Tampa Mayor, the advocacy group announced Monday.
“Jane Castor is an active volunteer in her community and a dynamic leader who supports gender equality, women’s reproductive rights, and health care for all,” said Pam Goodman, President of Ruth’s List Florida. “The Ruth’s List community — now tens of thousands of members strong — is excited to support her candidacy.”
Ruth’s List is a dedicated to recruiting and helping to elect Democratic women. The group does not endorse male candidates and Castor is the only female candidate in the race. Still, the endorsement is a boost.
Since 2008 the group has helped secure nearly 120 victories among women it has endorsed and has raised more than $5 million to support women seeking elected office in state and local elections.
“I’m proud to accept their endorsement and the endorsement of the tens of thousands of their members and supporters who believe like I do, that Florida’s leaders should stand up for women and families, advocate for improvements to transportation and transit, and make sure everyone receives the same opportunities in all of our neighborhoods,” Castor said.
The endorsement comes just after Castor received the endorsement (called a “recommendation”) from the Tampa Bay Times Friday. Her list of endorsements also includes Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez, Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik, and the local and state Police Benevolent Associations.
Castor served six of her 31 years with the Tampa Police Department as its first female chief.
Castor is running against six others in the race to succeed Bob Buckhorn as mayor. That field includes former Hillsborough County Commissioner Ed Turnachik, retired judge Dick Greco Jr., philanthropist and retired banker David Straz, Tampa City Council members Harry Cohen and Mike Suarez and small business consultant Topher Morrison.
Election Day is March 5 with a runoff between the top two vote-getters April 23. The Tampa municipal election also includes all seven City Council seats — four of which are open.
