Anne Geggis
Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book is taking a last lap in the state’s most-watched Primary battle with a large contingent of her fellow Democratic Senators from around the state by her side.
The night before, Sens. Lori Berman, Janet Cruz, Shevrin Jones, Tina Polsky, Bobby Powell, Darryl Rouson, Linda Stewart, and Vic Torres gathered for some team-building.
“When it comes to the @FLSenateDems, it’s all for one & one for all,” Book tweeted. “Grateful for the love & support of my Caucus. I am honored to lead this incredible group of change-makers.”
Redistricting produced the rare sight of a legislative leader challenged by a member of her own party in Senate District 35. Book is facing her first ballot challenge since she first was elected to the Senate in 2016, as she faces former Broward County Commissioner Barbara Sharief.
Book and her supporters started the day greeting voters at the Cooper City Community Center. She planned to move onto the Century Village Clubhouse in Pembroke Pines by 9 a.m., followed by other voting locations later in the day, depending on where the voters are. Later in the afternoon, she’ll be at Davie’s Pine Island Multipurpose Complex, located at 3801 S Pine Island Road.
A quirk of redistricting triggered the Primary, as Book was redistricted into Senate District 32 by four blocks. The district was already represented by incumbent Osgood. So Book moved into SD 35 and was challenged by Sharief, a health care business owner, who has represented the area either on the Miramar City Commission or the Broward County Commission for 13 years.
Book’s campaign will be a wrap with the victory party at Agave Bandido, 14531 SW 5th St., in Pembroke Pines. The expected guests include a large contingent of her colleagues, including Sens. Loranne Ausley and Jones, in addition to others.
Sharief’s campaign said her victory party will be at her offices: 3351 N. University Drive, Hollywood.
