By Gabrielle Russon
(Source” Florida Politics)
‘It’s crucial to invest in these competitive races.’
The Florida Democratic Party is announcing a list of local city and School Board candidates who will get an extra boost to fight Republicans from the party’s Take Back Local program this election cycle.
“Through Take Back Local, the Florida Democratic Party supports candidates all the way down the ballot,” said FDP Chair Nikki Fried in a statement. “It’s crucial to invest in these competitive races and grow our bench because more than ever, local elections are impacting Floridians’ everyday lives.”
The candidates are:
— Angie Gallo, Orange County School Board, Chair
— Melissa Lopez Marantes, Orange County School Board, District 1
— Gloria Reina O’Neal, Orange County School Board, District 2
— Debbie Jordan, Lee County School Board, District 6
— India Palencia, Lee County School Board, District 6
— Beth Mayberry, Sarasota County School Board, District 5
— Kristine Kraus, Seminole County School Board, District 1
— Autumn Garick, Seminole County School Board, District 5
— Victor Sims, Polk County School Board, District 3
— Chantal Wilford, Manatee County School Board, District 5
— Sue Woltanski, Monroe County School Board, District 5
— Nancy Velardi, Pinellas County School Board, District 2
— John McGovern, Palm Beach County School Board, District 6
— Cathy Moon, Flagler County School Board, District 1
— Mone Holder, Jacksonville City Council, At-Large
— Flo Entler, Sarasota City Commissioner, At-Large
The FDP says it has a good success rate, with Take Back Local candidates winning 76% of the time in the last four political cycles.
The candidates get direct funding, strategic support from the party to help with messaging or voter data, and more resources to help connect directly with voters.
“This cohort highlights school board races that are critical for the protection of public education in our state, which has been systematically attacked by Republicans,” Fried said. “In August of 2024, 9 of our 11 Take Back Local School Board candidates took on Mom’s for Liberty extremists and either advanced to the general, or won their seats in the primary outright. Our Take Back Local candidates will protect public schools and serve their communities for the people, not for profit.”
The Florida Democratic Party’s annual Leadership Blue Weekend begins Friday in Orlando.
Fried said she is confident Democrats will win more in Florida.
“Since 2024, Democrats have flipped more than 30 seats across our state. That is 18 months of steady wins in districts that look nothing alike,” Fried said in a news conference Monday.
