Florida Democrats Strive To Galvanize Civic Engagement For 2024 Election
With the November 2024 election quickly approaching, Democrats have rallied to field candidates for every state and federal legislative office in Florida.
The initiative, spearheaded by organizations such as the Florida Democratic Party and the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida, aims to expand representation and stimulate voter participation in the sunshine state.
“In 2022, we left seats unchallenged, which resulted in low turnout for Democrats,” said Danielle Hawk, director of candidates and campaigns for the FDP, in an article written by John Kennedy for the Tallahassee Democrat. “When we have candidates running everywhere, we give Democrats in every corner of the state a reason to show up and vote on Election Day.”
During the 2022 election cycle, more than 30 seats went unopposed by Democrats. Ron DeSantis was reelected that year, beating Democrat Charlie Crist by a 19-point margin, one of the largest gaps in the governor’s race in 40 years, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.
DeSantis was also able to flip districts that Biden won, including Miami-Dade, Pinellas, Palm Beach, Duval and Hillsborough counties. Although Miami-Dade County is the largest Democratic County in the state, only 46 percent of registered Democrats casted their ballot, compared to Republicans’ 61 percent, according to reports by NBC 6 and the Tallahasee Democrat.
That year, Republicans solidified the party’s supermajority in the state legislature and gained four seats in the United States House of Representatives.
Democratic grassroots organizations who have successfully pushed for full ballot representation across the country, such as 90 for 90, a Virginia-based voting rights organization, want to do the same in Florida.
“You have to compete,” said Fergie Reid, founder of 90 for 90, in an article published by Florida Politics, a media platform that covers campaigns, policy and elections in the state. “Florida is a gigantic state. You can’t expect to have any type of electoral success if you don’t compete everywhere.”
This spring, the FDP announced recruitment efforts to inspire citizens to run in this contentious political climate. Billboards were put up throughout the state, particularly in Polk, Madison, Miami-Dade and Seminole counties. They read: “You’re already a leader. Run for office.”
The DECF has been contributing to their campaigns and endorsing candidates, further motivated by a recent bill signed by DeSantis that strikes climate change language from state legislation.
Democratic activists like Margie Stein, in conjunction with 90 for 90 and the DECF, have helped field more than 45 candidates and has single handedly guided many through the qualifying process.
These strategic initiatives underscore Florida Democrats’ commitment to amplify their voice in an election that is often referred to as one of the most important elections in history.
If you’re wondering what you can do to contribute, the answer is simple: vote.
Last month, the FDP announced it had successfully fielded candidates in every congressional district in the state.
