MIAMI – With Floridians facing an unprecedented affordability crisis, members of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East have endorsed local, state and federal candidates in the 2026 primary election who have pledged to fight for working families.

After reviewing candidate records and taking part in numerous live screenings, 1199SEIU members focused on the candidates’ commitment to Florida family demands such as affordable housing, quality healthcare, good union jobs, safe neighborhoods and accessible childcare, while putting an end to damaging policies that give giant tax breaks to billionaires and big business, menace our immigrant communities and slash essential programs.

“Healthcare workers are energized and leading the fight to build a better Florida for all,” said Coy Jones, 1199SEIU Florida Political Director. “Our members know our vote is our power, and are proud to support a slate of candidates who share our vision, principles and dreams.”

Candidates endorsed by 1199SEIU members include:

Statewide
Angie Nixon – U.S. Senate
Jose Javier Rodriguez – Attorney General
Annette Taddeo – Chief Financial Officer

Miami-Dade County
Vicki Lopez – County Commission, District 5
Danielle Cohen Higgins – County Commission, District 8
Marleine Bastien – County Commission, District 2
Dinah Escarment – Florida House of Representatives, District 108
Lucia Baez-Geller – Florida House of Representatives, District 106
Ashley Gantt – Florida Senate, District 34

Broward County
Mitch Rosenwald – Florida House of Representatives, District 98

Palm Beach County
John McGovern – School Board, District 6
Erica Whitfield – County Commission, District 2
Rudolph Tinker – County Commission, District 6
Lois Frankel – U.S. House of Representatives, District 23
Schnelle Tonge – County Judge, District 12

Orange, Osceola, Seminole & Volusia Counties
Vic Torres – Orange County Commission, District 8
Michael Scott – Orange County Commission, District 6
Kamia Brown – Orange County Commission, District 2
Johanna López – Orange County Commission, District 4
Erik Melear – Orange County Supervisor, Soil & Water Conservation District
Samuel Vilchez Santiago – Florida House of Representatives, District 43
Jose Alvarez – Florida House of Representatives, District 46
Marialana Kinter – U.S. House of Representatives, District 7

Hillsborough & Pinellas Counties
Michele Rayner – Florida Senate, District 16
Amanda Lord – Pinellas School Board, District 6
Gabriel Hament – St. Petersburg City Council, District 2
Linsey Grove – St. Petersburg City Council, District 6

Use your power and vote in the Primary Election on August 18, with early voting August 8-15. Contact your County Supervisor of Elections office for additional dates. Visit 1199votes.org for more information.