DFA Endorses Michele Rayner for Florida’s 13th Congressional District
(Vermont) -- Democracy for America (DFA) endorses Michele Rayner for Florida’s 13th Congressional District ahead of the open 2022 race to fill Rep. Charlie Crist’s seat. If elected, Rayner would be the first openly queer Black women to serve in Congress.
A current Florida state representative and life-long resident, Rayner has an extensive track record of community-centered organizing and served as local council for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund before entering electoral politics.
“Democracy for America is excited to endorse Michele Rayner for Congress. Her experience has prepared her well for this race, and we believe that she can win,” said DFA CEO Yvette Simpson. “We’re proud and excited to close out Pride Month by endorsing another LGBTQ+ candidate. As the first openly queer Black Congresswoman, Michele will bring a fresh perspective and unique lived experiences to Washington, ensuring that all her constituents have a seat at the table.
“Michele is a fierce advocate for criminal justice reform, expanding access to healthcare, and protecting voting rights, all qualities that make her exactly the kind of progressive champion that Floridians need. We look forward to fighting alongside her through next November.”
“I am honored to have the endorsement of Democracy for America in my campaign for Florida’s 13th Congressional District,” said Michele Rayner. “Their commitment to empowering people at the grassroots level reflects the very essence of my campaign. I am in this race to help my community, the community that raised me, here in Clearwater. I know Democracy for America shares my passion for bringing people into the political process and building power from the ground up and I am grateful for their support in this race.”
Democracy for America has 4,269 members in Florida’s 13th Congressional District, 84,027 members in the state of Florida, and more than a million members nationwide.