ABOVE: (L-R) U.S. Reps. Charlie Crist, Stephanie Murphy and Val Demings, photo via each representative’s Facebook page.
The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus released its first round of endorsements in the 2020 election cycle May 18, backing 13 candidates seeking reelection throughout the state.
The caucus represents the interests of LGBTQ Floridians as an arm of the state’s Democratic Party. It currently has 21 statewide chapters, including in Hillsborough, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Polk, Pinellas and Sarasota counties.
The endorsements were made after “a careful review of statements, support and Congressional records,” the caucus shared. The organization is supporting Rep. Al Lawson (CD-5), Rep. Stephanie Murphy (CD-7), Rep. Darren Soto (CD-9), Rep. Val Demings (CD-10), Rep. Charlie Crist (CD-13), Rep. Kathy Castor (CD-14), Rep. Alcee Hastings (CD-20), Rep. Lois Frankel (CD-21), Rep. Ted Deutch (CD-22), Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (CD-23), Rep. Frederica Wilson (CD-24), Rep. Debbie Murcarsel-Powell (CD-26) and Rep. Donna Shalala (CD-27).
“We are proud to endorse Florida’s Democratic members of Congress for reelection,” Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill said in the statement. “All 13 Representatives have furthered the cause of equality for LGBTQ+ Floridians and we thank them for their strong support of our community.
“Our work is not done in the struggle for equality,” he continued. “We need their voices in Congress fighting for us.”
“We’re making this endorsement because we know we can always count on them to support LGBTQ+ equality,” Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Campaign Director Susan McGrath added. “From passing the Equality Act to allowing patriotic trans service members to serve openly to blocking the Trump Administration’s attempts to enshrine discrimination in federal regulations, Florida’s Democratic Congressional Delegation will do what’s right, fair and just.”
You can view their full announcement and learn more about each of the candidates below:
