Jacob Ogles
Former state Sen. Annette Taddeo continues to rack up noteworthy endorsements in her bid for Florida Democratic Party (FDP) Chair. Those included support from high-profile politicians like former U.S. Rep. Donna Shalala and influential committee members from Nassau County.
“Annette Taddeo has the mind of a businesswoman and the heart of an organizer, making her exactly what we need to ensure the FDP has the resources and field organizing infrastructure to start winning elections across the state,” said Shalala, who served in former President Bill Clinton’s Cabinet
“I have watched Annette excel and earn the respect of donors all across our nation, especially at a time where they are pulling out of Florida, and have witnessed her ability to bring our party together. Donors trust Annette, because she has a record of building a party that will help propel Democrats forward in Florida. Our next FDP Chair must have the ability to fundraise millions of dollars, build robust relationships with donors both big and small, and create a strong field organizing program that can mobilize our base. Annette is the only candidate ready to get this done.”
Taddeo last year challenged U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar, the Republican incumbent in Florida’s 27th Congressional District. Salazar notably unseated Shalala in 2020.
While Taddeo failed to win the seat back, she raised a significant amount of money despite a late entry into the race.
On Sunday, she also picked up support from both Nassau County State Committeewoman Carla Voisard and State Committeeman Phil Morton.
“This endorsement shows our growing momentum in counties both big and small. I’m grateful to Carla and Phil from Nassau County for their support,” Taddeo said. “I’m ready to work with them and Democrats all across the state to build a more competitive and organized FDP that can win elections. Together we’re going to get this done.”
Karla Hernández-Mats, Charlie Crist’s running mate in the 2022 gubernatorial race, is also endorsing Taddeo.
“A proven leader, the Hon. Annette Taddeo transformed the Miami-Dade DEC by mobilizing grassroots organizers and recruiting and supporting candidates. Annette’s toughness and know-how qualify her as the leader the FDP needs now,” she said.
“Respected as a leader in the Florida Senate, Annette was re-elected in a swing district that voted for Republicans at the top of the ticket. Annette has the critical experience in both federal and statewide campaigns that is critically important. I fully support my friend Annette Taddeo for Chair of the FDP.”
Shalala’s support of Taddeo follows that of sitting U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor, Lois Frankel, Maxwell Frost, Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Darren Soto. Taddeo also has backing from former colleges in the Legislature, including Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book, Deputy Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo, state Sens. Lori Berman, Tracie Davis, Shevrin Jones, Tina Polsky, Darryl Rouson, Linda Stewart, Geraldine Thompson and Victor Torres, and former state Sen. Audrey Gibson.
