Equality Florida makes first 2020 endorsement, backs Shevrin Jones bid in SD 35

Stop the gun violence: Shevrin Jones will meet with DeSantis administration top officials to discuss a proposed study on gun violence in minority communities. Image via Facebook.

Equality Florida Action PAC, a group which seeks to support candidates who back the LGBTQ movement, is endorsing Democratic Rep. Shevrin Jones as he pursues a move to the Senate.

A release from the group says this is its first endorsement of the 2020 cycle.

“Rep. Shevrin Jones’ campaign for Senate District 35 is unequivocally the top state legislative priority of Equality Florida Action PAC in the 2020 election,” said Joe Saunders, Senior Political Director for Equality Florida.

“We know that when our community has a seat at the table, the lives of all LGBTQ Floridians improve. We’re going to use every tool, engage every donor, and rally every troop we have to help Shevrin Jones make history. It’s time for an authentic and passionate champion for our families in the Florida Senate. This is the year we’re going to make history and change the Florida Senate forever.”

Jones is one of six candidates currently pursuing the SD 35 seat. The most recent candidate, retired firefighter Wilbur Harbin, joined the contest earlier this week. Harbin and Jones are also competing for the Democratic nomination against former Sen. Daphne Campbell, Miami Gardens City Councilman Erhabor Ighodaro and former Rep. Cynthia Stafford.

Serial candidate Josue Larose has filed to run as a Republican.

Jones remains ahead of the field in terms of fundraising and will look to emphasize his experience in the state House as he attempts to win the SD 35 seat.

The West Park Democrat released a statement Thursday alongside the endorsement.

“I am so proud to receive the endorsement of Equality Florida Action PAC,” Jones said.

“I have spent my career fighting against discrimination and standing up for Floridians who have been pushed to the margins. As a member of the Florida House, I’ve worked every day to stand up for our state’s most vulnerable. As a Sen., I’ll fight even harder to make sure every family has a pathway to opportunity — regardless of who you are, what your ZIP code is, what language you speak or who you love.”

The SD 35 contest will be open in 2020, as Sen. Oscar Braynon II is term-limited. The district covers portions of Broward and Miami-Dade counties including Miramar, West Park, Miami Gardens and Opa-locka.