(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . Revolution in the Making: Grassroots Candidates Unite to Transform Florida Politics [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.'] Date: 2024-10-18 In the 2024 election cycle, something extraordinary is happening in Florida’s political landscape. A group of grassroots candidates, driven by a shared passion for positive change, have come together to support each other like never before. It’s not about ego, competition, or petty rivalries—this is a coalition of fighters who are determined to transform the state, driven by a common goal: to get a seat at the table and make real, meaningful progress for Floridians. What makes this movement truly inspiring is its spirit of collaboration. Candidates like Christopher Proia and Phillip Carter, running for Florida State Senate, have joined forces with State House candidates Denise McCleary, Howard Sapp, Cornelius Fowler, Mitchel Schlayer, Kelly Johnson, and Danika Fornear. And they’re not stopping there. Jacquelyn McMiller and Cindy Banyai are running for Fort Myers City Council, and they, too, are part of this incredible community. Together, they are rewriting the script for what politics can be—demonstrating that when people come together with a shared vision, anything is possible. At the heart of this effort is Southwest Strategies, a political consulting company that has become the hub for these candidates to share resources, ideas, and encouragement. It’s a one-of-a-kind political support network, where everyone brings something to the table, pooling their strengths to help each other succeed. They’re making history together in more ways than one. This election cycle marks the first time in 30 years—by either party—that Democrats have fielded a candidate for every eligible legislative seat in the state of Florida. It’s a bold move, and one that sends a clear message: they’re here, they’re ready to fight for their communities, and they’re not going to let anyone fall through the cracks. What’s remarkable about this group is the diversity they represent, both in terms of their backgrounds and the communities they’re fighting for. Chris Proia, for example, is a blue-collar worker taking care of his disabled mother and running to represent District 33. He brings the voice of the working class to the forefront. Cornelius Fowler, an advocate for unions and working people, is fighting for equity in District 77. Danika Fornear, a former alligator wrestler and environmental educator, is running in District 83 with a passion for protecting Florida’s natural beauty and its people. Each candidate has their own point of view, vision, and varied goals for when they are elected, yet these are not career politicians—they are real people who are stepping up to bring real change. And yet, there’s no sense of competition here. There’s no room for jealousy. Instead, they’re building each other up at every opportunity, attending each other’s events, sharing voter outreach strategies, and standing side-by-side at forums and community gatherings. It’s a reminder that politics doesn’t have to be about division. It can be about unity, about finding common ground and lifting each other up for the greater good. These candidates are proving that when you approach politics with integrity and teamwork, it’s not just one of them who succeeds—it’s all of them. The impact they’re making is already palpable. Across the state, voters are seeing this unprecedented unity and feeling hopeful about the future. These candidates are offering something different—an honest, transparent, and determined push to fix what’s broken in Florida’s government. They’re not just looking for a seat at the table; they’re looking to pull up a chair for the people they represent. Together, this unique and powerful community of candidates is breaking down barriers, proving that grassroots movements still have the power to change the game. They’re making history, yes—but more importantly, they’re making a future that’s better for all Floridians. And as they march forward into November, the sense of possibility is as bright as ever. If they can do this together, there’s no telling what they’ll accomplish next. —- Check out their websites! https://www.christopher-proia.com https://www.pcarter4florida.com https://votehowardsapp.com https://www.denise4florida.com https://www.corneliusfowler.com https://www.fornearforflorida.com https://www.pickmitch.com www.votekelly4florida.com www.votemcmiller.com www.cindybanyai.com [END] --- [1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/10/18/2277822/-Revolution-in-the-Making-Grassroots-Candidates-Unite-to-Transform-Florida-Politics?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=more_community&pm_medium=web Published and (C) by Daily Kos Content appears here under this condition or license: Site content may be used for any purpose without permission unless otherwise specified. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailykos/