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SEIU endorses 60 statewide candidates, including Charlie Crist and Val Demings

Jordan Kirkland

Services Employees International Union (SEIU), one of the state’s largest professionals and essential workers’ unions in Florida, released a new round of endorsements on Thursday, including support for Democratic U.S. Reps. Charlie Crist and Val Demings.

The political organization, which advocates for issues such as workers’ rights and increasing access to affordable healthcare, released its latest round of endorsements for more than 60 Democrat and Republican candidates running in races across the Sunshine State.

Of note, SEIU is endorsing Crist over Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried in the race to capture the Florida’s Democratic gubernatorial nomination to face Governor Ron DeSantis in November. The public employee union also announced that they are supporting Demings in her U.S. Senate bid to unseat longtime Republican Senator Marco Rubio.

“I’m incredibly grateful to earn the endorsement of SEIU — one of Florida’s largest unions that represents our essential workers on the ground in our hotels, airports, hospitals and more,” Crist said on Twitter. “Together, we’re going to rebuild the middle class and ensure their voices are heard!”

Other notable candidates to earn SEIU’s seal of approval include Democrat Aramis Ayala for Florida Attorney General, Democrat Adam Hattersly for Chief Financial Officer, Democratic U.S. Rep Al Lawson for CD 2, former Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management Jared Moskowitz for CD 23, Democratic State Senator Annette Taddeo for CD 27, and Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book for SD 35.

“This election comes at a critical time for working families and we must elect public officials that believe in protecting workers’ rights and in creating communities where all families and individuals can thrive,” said Martha Baker, RN, President of SEIU Florida’s State Council. “Working Floridians are the backbone of our economy and deserve the ability to support their families and live with dignity. We will continue to support candidates who have stepped-up for the working people of Florida.”

Today’s list of endorsements come on the heels of a prior announcement made last month in which the group backed more than 30 candidates statewide. SEIU endorsements range from Florida Gubernatorial, Cabinet, Congressional, State Senate, and State House to local school board and county commission races.

“Hard-working Floridians – who put themselves at risk every day to provide our healthcare, education, and other daily needs – are struggling to pay their bills and provide for their families. Elected officials must recognize and respect the role essential workers play and honestly address the real issues facing everyday Floridians, such as affordable housing, fair wages, and access to quality, affordable healthcare,” said Roxey Nelson, Vice President of SEIU Florida’s State Council. “Florida deserves better. We need leaders who will invest in improving the quality of life for all, regardless of race, gender, job title, zip code or party affiliation.”