As the progress of LGBT rights continue, the endorsement of Florida’s largest LGBT civil rights organization has become highly coveted.
“We look for two very important facts when endorsing a candidate,” said Stratton Pollitzer, Deputy Director for Equality Florida. “Is this individual an absolute champion for LGBT equality and do they have a strong campaign with a real shot at winning.”
Currently, Equality Florida’s Action Pac has endorsed more than 45 candidates at the state, county and municipal levels. With nearly a dozen openly LGBT candidates running for public office this election cycle in Florida, attitudes are clearly changing in the Sunshine State.
“That in itself represents a sea change,” Pollitzer said.
Here is a list of candidates in South Florida endorsed by Equality Florida’s Action Pac.
Palm Beach County:
Matt Willhite, Florida House of Representatives, District 86
David Silvers, Florida House of Representatives, District 87
Al Jacquet, Florida House of Representatives, District 88
Lori Berman, Florida House of Representatives, District 90
Dave Kerner, Palm Beach County Commission 3
Mary Lou Berger, Palm Beach County Commission 5
Broward County:
Paulette Armstead, Florida House of Representatives, District 92
Ken Keechl, Florida House of Representatives, District 93
Richard Stark, Florida House of Representatives, District 104
Nan Rich, Broward County Commission 1
Stacy Ritter, Broward County Commission 3
Tim Ryan, Broward County Commission 7
Patricia Good, Broward County School Board 2
Rosalind Osgood, Broward County School Board 5
Robin Bartleman, Broward County School Board At-Large
Eleanor Sobel, Mayor, City of Hollywood
Miami-Dade County:
Michael Gongora, Florida Senate District 38
Dwight Bullard, Florida Senate District 40
David Richardson, Florida House of Representatives, District 113
Holly Raschein, Florida House of Representatives, District 120
Monroe County:
Holly Raschein, Florida House of Representatives, District 120
Heather Caruthers, Monroe County Commission
