Jesse Scheckner
An advocacy organization of 53 local unions is backing former Rep. Joe Saunders’ campaign to return to the Legislature.
The South Florida AFL-CIO, which represents more than 239,000 workers, has endorsed Saunders for House District 106.
“Joe is a dedicated advocate for working people and a strong supporter of policies to ensure workers in our state receive the support, fair pay, and benefits they deserve,” South Florida AFL-CIO President Jeffrey Mitchell said in a statement.
The nod joins others Saunders received from numerous current and former elected officials and a passel of labor and advocacy groups, including SEIU Florida, Moms Demand Action and LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.
“I’m so proud to have the endorsement from the hardworking members of the South Florida AFL-CIO,” Saunders said in a statement. “Throughout my career, I have championed the rights of workers because they are the backbone of our community. When elected, I will continue to stand up for working families in HD 106 and beyond, ensuring they receive the support, protection, and opportunities they deserve.”
Saunders represented the Orlando area in the House from 2012 to 2014 as one of Florida’s first openly gay state lawmakers. He now works as Senior Political Director for LGBTQ rights group Equality Florida.
In November, he’ll face two opponents for the right to represent House District 106, which spans a northeastern portion of Miami-Dade County, including Miami Beach.
Also on the Nov. 5 ballot will be his aunt, no-party St. Johns County resident Maureen “Mo” Saunders Scott, and the winner of a Republican Primary between incumbent Rep. Fabián Basabe and lawyer Melinda Almonte.
