Report: From the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida
The following report is from the the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida:
Following the conclusion of the qualifying period in Florida last week, Nikki Fried, Chair of the Florida Democratic Party, proclaimed, “Democrats made history today by contesting every seat in both chambers of the legislature.” Delivering a Democratic full slate is something not achieved in Florida since at least the 1990 election.
Above and beyond the traditional work of state Party staff, this sweeping achievement reflects the tireless work of the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida, 90for90.org, Blue Florida PAC, Southwest Strategies, and other allied groups and individuals. Together they secured the candidacy of 56 of the 140 contenders in this year’s State House and Senate elections. The team also raised more than $65,000 in contributions to the campaign accounts off the candidates.
The group of 56 recruited candidates is approximately the same as the number of districts in which Florida Democrats fielded no candidates in the 2022 election. The Environmental Caucus recruited approximately 23 of the 56 candidates and assisted the recruitment and qualifying of others. The Caucus also recruited one of its former chapter presidents to serve as the Democratic candidate in a previously uncontested US House district. Seven other Caucus county chapter officers are among the group of Florida Legislature candidates.
Almost all of the 56 candidates are running in very red districts. However, their campaigns will boost Democratic turnout in support of President Biden and the Democratic candidate seeking to defeat US Senator Rick Scott. Their campaigns will also lock down Republican time and money that could be used by Trump in other states.
Retaining the 51-49 Democratic majority in the US Senate means that Democrats must defend 22 Senate seats on the 2024 ballot and we must also capture one red state Senate seat to replace the loss of Joe Machin in West Virginia. Texas and Florida are our best shots at flipping a red Senate seat. Running a statewide full slate in Florida is one key element in the plans to defeat Rick Scott while also reelecting Biden/Harris.
Contact or join the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida here.