SARASOTA – Sarasota Democrats celebrated today the Sarasota County School Board election victories of Liz Barker and Tom Edwards, the primary wins for Manny Lopez for the U.S. House, and Debbie Mucarsel-Powell for the U.S. Senate.
Barker, a mother of four Sarasota County public school students, defeated incumbent Karen Rose with more than 51 percent of the vote, while Edwards beat two other candidates with more than 55 percent of the vote. School Board elections in Florida are non-partisan but have been politicized by Gov. Ron DeSantis and other extreme Republicans in recent years.
“This is a testament to the power of community,” Barker said. “Last night, we put aside our political differences and chose each other, our schools, and our children.”
Edwards, who had been the lone voice for sanity on the board, said in reaction “I have told Sarasota for four years that extremism and is not who we are. Last night’s School Board elections validate our share common values, kindness, respect, and dignity for all… Teachers, students, and families can breathe easier. Congratulations to our entire community.”
Mucarsel-Powell, a Miamian returning to the political arena after serving as the first South American native ever elected to Congress, beat three other candidates for the Democratic nomination to the U.S. Senate with a landslide 80 percent of the vote. She will now face off against Republican Sen. Rick Scott.
“From day one, this campaign has been about so much more than me,” she said on her website. “It’s about protecting our freedoms to make decisions about our own body, earn a good living off of one job, and retire with dignity.
“My mother brought me to this country for the freedom and opportunities that our democracy provides. But extremist politicians like Rick Scott are robbing us of these very freedoms and opportunities… I’m running to represent every single Floridian… This goes beyond Republicans vs. Democrats – we’re all done with extremists who don’t have our backs. We all deserve better than Rick Scott, and in November, we will win.”
Lopez, who defeated Matthew Montavon, will now try to unseat Republican Greg Steube as the representative for the 17th Congressional District in the U.S. House. The district encompasses Sarasota, Charlotte, and a northern sliver of Lee counties.
“Greg Steube has been among the worst of the MAGA Republican extremists in Congress, doing nothing but embarrass this district and his constituents,” Lopez said. “It’s past time that we send him permanently to play with the guns he so loves.”
Sarasota County Democratic Party Chair Daniel Kuether reflected on the significance of the School Board election victories in a message of thanks to his precinct captains and thousands of volunteers.
“Together, we achieved something truly remarkable, securing victories that will make a lasting impact on our community, “ he said. “These wins are a testament to your tireless efforts, your unwavering commitment to our shared values, and the power of collective action. You knocked on doors, made phone calls, engaged with voters, and inspired change. You were the driving force behind these successes, and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together when so many counted us out."
“The road to November is crucial, and with the strength and unity we've shown, I have no doubt that we can continue to make a difference. Let's harness this momentum, build on our successes, and continue to push forward for a brighter, more inclusive future for all in Sarasota County.”
Democrats will also field candidates for other races in the Nov. 5 elections. Drs. George Davis, Dale P. Anderson, Alan J. Sprintz, and Vicki Nighswander are running for the County Hospital Board. Collectively, they have more than a century of experience in medicine, hospital administration, and public health.
Derek Reich, a teacher of government and economics at Sarasota High School, is running to unseat Republican Fiona McFarland as the state House representative in District 73. Nancy Simpson, an urban planning consultant from Sarasota, is running to unseat Republican James Buchanan in District 74.
Barbara Ford-Coates, who has won numerous awards as county tax collector since 1984, is running for re-election against MAGA Republican and outgoing County Commissioner Mike Moran.
The party also has endorsed Shari Thornton, a registered independent, healthcare industry executive for more than 30 years and committed conservationist, for the County Commission seat in District 3. She will run against MAGA-backed Republican Tom Knight.
The Sarasota County Democratic Party (SCDP) is the local committee of the Florida Democratic Party. The mission of the SCDP is to encourage the fullest participation by all voters who believe in true freedom and fairness in our society. We stand up for justice, equality, and opportunity for our citizens and support qualified candidates who will promote these goals.
Learn more at www.sarasotadems.org. Contact Information: daniel.kuether@sarasotadems.org 941-330-9400
