This year, the Florida Democratic Party is doing something neither party has done in modern history — contesting every seat. Last Friday marked the deadline to qualify for state legislative races, and Florida Democrats are contesting every seat in both chambers — the first time either major party has done so in modern Florida history.

Here in Indian River County, Democrat Randy Aldieri is challenging Republican incumbent Erin Grall for the Florida Senate seat, while Democrat Joseph Martinez is contesting against Florida House incumbent Robert Brackett.

In the face of Republican extremism, Florida Democrats are refusing to let Florida Republicans walk into office without being held accountable for their actions. Having a Democrat in every race forces Republicans to defend their unpopular policies and gives voters another reason to turn out on election day. Contesting every seat shows clear momentum in our efforts to break the Republican supermajority and take back Florida.