Ryan Nicol
A group representing Realtors in South Florida and the Treasure Coast is supporting Destinie Baker Sutton as she seeks to succeed Democratic state Rep. David Silvers in House District 89.
The Broward, Palm Beaches and St. Lucie Realtors Association touts itself as being the third-largest Realtor association in the U.S.
Baker Sutton thanked the group for its support in a prepared statement.
“Housing is a critical issue; we are facing challenges with affordability across District 89. It is a testament to our campaign priorities that the premier local Realtor Association in South Florida endorsed our campaign,” Baker Sutton said.
“The best way to address affordability is through conversation with elected officials, community leaders, and the real estate industry to develop policies to increase supply that includes a wide range of pricing.”
The endorsement comes less than a week after Silvers threw his support behind Baker Sutton, endorsing her as his preferred successor.
And that wasn’t a sure thing, as Baker Sutton isn’t the only Democratic candidate running in the HD 89 contest. Nonprofit executive Debra Tendrich is also mounting a bid. But with recent endorsements from major figures such as Silvers and the regional Realtors group, it seems institutional support is coalescing behind Baker Sutton.
Her other backers include U.S. Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Lois Frankel, Miami state Rep. Ashley Gantt, Broward County State Attorney Harold Pryor and West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James, among others.
Baker Sutton is a former prosecutor who announced her run for the seat earlier this year. She has also been the best fundraiser in the contest, adding just under $63,000 as of the latest financial reports, showing activity through June 28. Tendrich has raised just over $33,000, and has added a $1,000 loan as well.
Republican Daniel Zapata, a local private school administrator, has collected close to $16,000.
Baker Sutton also maintains the most cash on hand going forward, holding just under $54,000 as of June 28. Tendrich has just under $11,000 available, while Zapata has just over $8,500.
Baker Sutton and Tendrich will compete against each other in the Aug. 20 Primary. The winner will move on to the Nov. 5 General Election to take on Zapata.
