Forward Florida’s investment will aid voter registration
efforts & target vulnerable GOP-held seats
In recognition of the critical role that the march to a majority in the Florida Senate plays to the future of our state, Senate Victory is proud to announce a $75,000 investment in campaign operations from Mayor Andrew Gillum and Forward Florida for the critical 2020 election cycle.
The $75,000 investment by Forward Florida, made on the Monday before the session fundraising prohibition, will be used to build out early campaign organizations in Senate Districts 9 and 39, as well as for on-the-ground voter registration activities in South and Central Florida.
“With redistricting right after the 2020 election, it is vital that we elect more Democrats to the Florida Senate to ensure that our citizens get the fair districts they deserve,” said Mayor Andrew Gillum. “Senate Victory has a proven track record of success, picking up seats, winning campaigns, and engaging the grassroots. I am excited to partner with Senator Gary Farmer to advance our shared vision of a brighter, more progressive future for Florida.”
Under the direction of Senate Democratic Leader Designate Gary Farmer, the Florida Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, better known as Senate Victory, is the political and fundraising organization of the Senate Democratic caucus that is dedicated to winning campaigns in Florida. To achieve this goal, Senate Victory provides funding to protect incumbent Democratic members and districts and on behalf of candidates in targeted seats currently held by Republicans. Since 2012, Senate Victory has picked up seats in every election cycle, bringing the total number of Democrats in the Florida Senate from 12 to 17.
“We are extremely excited about this initial investment by Mayor Gillum and Forward Florida in the critical campaign and voter registration infrastructure we need to continue the path to parity in the Florida Senate,” stated Leader Designate Gary Farmer. “For the past decade, Senate Victory has been at the forefront of the battle for a more progressive vision for the future of Florida. This partnership will allow us to build on the incredible excitement Mayor Gillum brought to the state in 2018 as we continue to move Florida forward to victory in 2020!”
In 2020, State Senate Districts 9 and 39 represent the top battlegrounds as Democrats look to continue the march towards a majority in the Florida Senate. Both seats are open due to term limits, with District 39 having been won by Hillary Clinton by more than 10% in 2016 and again by Andrew Gillum in 2018. District 9 represented the largest swing towards Democrats from the 2016 election. While Hillary Clinton lost District 9 by 5 points, Mayor Andrew Gillum picked up 50% of the vote in 2018.
