Jacob Ogles
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is announcing endorsements from key Black leaders as she seeks the Democratic nomination to challenge U.S. Sen. Rick Scott.
The list includes sitting lawmakers around the state.
“I am honored and humbled to continue to earn the support of Florida’s Black community leaders as we fight for a brighter future together,” the Miami Democrat said. “The Black community has always been a driving force for progress in Florida and around the country.”
State Sens. Tracie Davis and Shevin Jones are among those backing Mucarsel-Powell. Also on board are House members, including state Reps. Bruce Antone, Kevin Chambliss, Ashley Gantt, Angie Nixon, Michele Rayner, Patricia Williams and Marie Woodson.
The list reiterates a formal endorsement from 2022 U.S. Senate Democratic nominee Val Demings, who served with Mucarsel-Powell in the U.S. House and first endorsed Mucarsel-Powell in January.
A number of important elected leaders in South Florida and Southwest Florida also make the list, including Miami-Dade County Commissioner Marleine Bastien, Coral Springs Vice Mayor Joshua Simmons, Florida City Mayor Otis Wallace and former Manatee County School Board member James Golden.
Marvin Dunn, a historian and Florida International University professor emeritus, also endorsed Mucarsel-Powell, as did Daniel Henry, Chair of Duval Dems and a member of the Democratic National Committee.
Mucarsel-Powell is the leading fundraiser in the Democratic nomination to take on Scott and faces South Florida businessman Stanley Campbell, brother of South Florida entertainer and activist Luther Campbell.
She said activating Black voters would be critical for Democrats to succeed in Florida elections in November.
“That’s why it’s so important for us all to come together to defeat Rick Scott,” she said. “He openly attacks diversity, equity and inclusion. And says nothing while extremists attempt to strip away the Black community’s political power by purging people from the voter rolls.
“As a South American immigrant and a Latina, I know our diversity is our strength in Florida. And we deserve a Senator who’s ready to end disparities in healthcare, housing, education and employment opportunities and who will help bring our Black and Latino communities together to protect the freedom, democracy and rights Rick Scott wants to strip away. I’ll be proud to continue fighting for our Black community in the Senate.”
10 comments
PeterH
June 17, 2024 at 9:04 am
This Senate seat is Rick Scott’s to lose. Fun Fact: Rick Scott has never won an election by more than 1.5% points. Actually…… more than ever before Rick Scott refusal to implement border legislation makes him unqualified to represent Florida voters.
Impeach Biden
June 17, 2024 at 9:21 am
Don’t try and turn the chaos at the Southern Border on Scott. Biden started this debacle on day one of his administration when he signed those Executive Orders signaling to the world that you can now enter the United States with no restrictions. They have come by the millions. There are terrorists here now. There will be an attack. It’s just a matter of time and you can thank Joe and his incompetent Border Czar.
PeterH
June 17, 2024 at 10:31 am
Faced with zero options and a Southern border crisis in 2017 ……Trump asked Republican Lindsey Graham to form a bipartisan commission to formulate legislation to solve the infiltration of coached asylum seekers. Trump’s advisor Steve Miller rejected Graham’s proposal because he had a plan of his own ….. the failed child separation policy. COVID saved Trump and successfully forced an end to immigration. But as you well know without COVID …… we fell back on the same policies that are supported by the constitution! Rick Scott, Marco Rubio and all of Florida’s Republican House members rejected THEIR OWN PARTY’S IMMIGRATION REFORM PACKAGE!
Republicans own the immigration mess at the Southern border.
Michael K
June 17, 2024 at 9:20 am
Cue Republican voter suppression efforts to dispatch the election intimidation squad.
Impeach Biden
June 17, 2024 at 9:22 am
Demo ballot stuffers never pass up a drop off box in the middle of the night.
Michael K
June 17, 2024 at 10:26 am
Oh Ms Pushaw, there you go again, making things up.
Proof?
Impeach Biden
June 17, 2024 at 11:05 am
Yet it’s okay for you to accuse Repubs of voter suppression. There was definitely voter harvesting going on in 2020. You want to label me Pushaw, I will call you “Crazy Rebekah”. 🤣
rbruce
June 17, 2024 at 9:28 am
The KKK would be proud of the DNC which is more a segregation party than the Klan ever was.
PeterH
June 17, 2024 at 10:33 am
You’re proof that wingnut nonsense didn’t go away with Qanon crazies!
Ocean Joe
June 17, 2024 at 7:49 pm
Stand back and stand by, right?
Methinks thou doth protest too much.