Drew Wilson
Democrat Allison Tant is vying to succeed Rep. Loranne Ausley in House District 9 and Leon County Superintendent of Schools Rocky Hanna is in full support.
“Allison Tant has been a fierce champion for our public school system for many years now. I will be extremely proud to see her passion and advocacy for our children put to use in the Florida House,” Hanna said Wednesday.
“Students, parents, teachers and school personnel will have a strong leader fighting for our schools with Allison Tant as our next state representative. I wholeheartedly endorse Allison and her education platform. It will be an honor to campaign alongside her over the course of the next year.”
Hanna’s nod adds to the list of endorsements for Tant, who also has the support of Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, the state’s top elected Democrat.
“I’m proud to have the support of my good friend and our Superintendent, Rocky Hanna. He has been a loyal and dedicated public servant, whose mission has been to make sure our school system can reach its full potential,” Tant said in a news release.
“I intend to be an active partner with him as we lift up all our children and bring more parents together to build a strong public school system for Leon County families.”
Tant is the front-runner in the HD 9 race. She could face a primary challenge, however.
Arnitta Jane Grice-Walker, who challenged Ausley in the 2016 Democratic primary, opened a campaign account last week. She received 12 percent of the vote in a three-way race three years ago.
As of June 30, Tant had raised more than $193,000 in hard money and another $15,600 through her political committee, People First Leadership. She has about $206,150 on hand between the two accounts.
HD 9 covers the bulk of Leon County and has a has a built-in advantage for Democrats. About 46 percent of HD 9’s registered voters are Democrats compared to a 35 percent share for Republicans.
Ausley won the seat by 12 points in 2016 and went unopposed last cycle. HD 9 is open in the 2020 cycle due to Ausley’s decision to run for state Senate.
