Florida State Senate Moves Closer to Party Parity

Florida’s Democratic Party picked up a crucial seat in the Florida Senate Tuesday in a special election triggered months ago by a Miami Republican’s racist tirade in a Tallahassee bar. Annette Taddeo, in a clear sign of the Democratic Party’s momentum to unseat Republican candidates, beat a Donald Trump protégé in Miami-Dade’s Senate District 40. Taddeo’s approximately 3,700-vote edge was more than enough to best her competition by a roughly 51-47 margin. Taddeo’s victory gives Democrats 16 seats in the 40-member chamber.

Throughout the United States, of the 27 Republican-held state legislative seats that have come open in 2017 to date, Democrats have now flipped almost 30% of them — a remarkable number in any circumstance but especially so when you consider the average Trump margin in these seats in 2016 was 19 points.  So, don’t mistake what we are seeing: Considerable overperformance by Democrats often in heavily Republican areas.  The Democrats’ message is resonating with voters.

Voters Wanted a Champion

“The voters wanted a champion in Tallahassee who will fight for higher paying jobs, affordable healthcare and fully funded public schools and I am honored and humbled that they have placed their faith and trust in me,” Taddeo, said in a statement. “I pledge to work every day for the families of my community and not the special interests.” Cristóbal Alex, president of the Latino Victory Fund which works to elect Democrat and progressive Latino candidates, noted,“The voters of SD-40 recognized Annette Taddeo’s longstanding commitment to her community and deep understanding of the challenges facing working families across South Florida.”

Kim Lorimier, Chairman of the Democrats of Indian River, said, “Annette Taddeo’s victory was clearly a win for working families, something of great importance to us here in Indian River County. We will continue to reach out to our community members and listen to their concerns on the issues that mean the most to them—healthcare, the environment, education, and jobs.”

The Florida Democratic Party characterized this victory as the first of many. State Democratic chairman, Stephen Bittel said, “Democrats across the state are energized and mobilizing to flip Florida blue. After nearly 20 years of harmful GOP policies, voters are ready for a better deal. We are poised to claim the governorship, we are prepared to re-elect Senator Bill Nelson, and we are within striking distance of reaching parity in the upper chamber of the state legislature.”

Building Grassroots Infrastructure

The FDP has made significant strides in building long-term political and grassroots infrastructure that will help Democrats win critical seats at the local, state, and federal level. The Democrats of Indian River are working hard in your neighborhood to elect candidates that share your concerns.

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