Florida State Rep. Ashley Gantt (D-Miami) announced her campaign on Instagram for State Senate District 34, launching a bid to fill the seat being vacated by fellow Democrat Sen. Shevrin Jones.
The announcement triggers a political reshuffling in South Florida following veteran U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson’s decision to step away from Congress to focus on her 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project mentoring initiative. Following Wilson’s announcement, Sen. Jones declared his intention to run for Wilson’s seat in Florida’s 24th Congressional District, creating the vacancy in State Senate District 34.
Gantt, who currently represents Florida House District 109, rolled out a slate of prominent endorsements alongside her campaign launch.
“I’m proud to be endorsed by members of the Florida Senate Democratic Caucus,” Gantt said on her Instagram post. “These endorsements mean so much to me because they come from leaders who are fighting every day for Florida families — protecting fundamental freedoms, and standing up for our communities.”
“I am honored to have their support and grateful for their confidence in my ability to continue that fight with them in the Florida Senate,” she added in the same post. “Together, we will keep working to build a Florida where every family has the opportunity to thrive.”
In a video posted to Instagram, Gantt formally shared her vision to be the next State Senator for District 34 and paused to pay tribute to the outgoing Congresswoman.
“Congresswoman Frederica Wilson has spent her life fighting for our community as a teacher, as a legislator, and for over 15 years as a fearless voice in Congress,” Gantt said to the camera, highlighting Wilson’s lifelong advocacy for the region.
Because Jones is jumping into the congressional race, Gantt noted that the open Senate seat leaves an opening she is uniquely equipped to step into.
“Our community deserves a bold, pragmatic voice in Florida Senate,” Gantt said towards the end of her campaign announcement video. “Someone who will continue to stand up against attacks on our rights, our schools, our community, and our democracy without flinching.”
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