The Democratic Black Caucus of Florida just voted to endorse Nikki Fried for governor. The Black Caucus, established in 1983, is an official affiliate organization of the Florida Democratic Party formed to increase the power and influence of Black Democrats within the party.
“This endorsement means everything to me, my team, and our supporters fighting to beat Ron DeSantis,” said Commissioner Fried.
“Let me be very clear — Black voters are the backbone of our Party and too many candidates think they can phone it in and call it a day. But that’s not how this works. From day one of my administration, I have broadened the power and influence of Black farmers, business owners, and advocates. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do as the next Governor of Florida.”
The final vote was: Nikki Fried: 67%, Charlie Crist: 25%, Annette Taddeo: 8%.
Fried has been actively campaigning in North Florida, an area of the state that is historically ignored by statewide Democratic primary candidates, despite having Gadsden, Duval, and Leon County‘s wealth of Democratic primary voters and comparatively cheap media markets.
Fried has stood with residents of Tallahassee’s The Meadows, a predominately black mobile home community whose land was purchased by a predatory out-of-town owner, who quickly doubled lot fees and blocked access to a nearby school, forcing most residents to leave. At the appearance, Fried thanked the Capital Area Justice Ministry, the Tallahassee Branch NAACP, and City Commissioner Jack Porter for their advocacy on behalf of the mobile home community as part of her “Lower Costs Higher Standards” housing initiative.
Fried was also a speaker when Congressman Al Lawson rallied supporters at the capitol to oppose Governor Ron DeSantis’ redistricting efforts on Leon County and Jacksonville voters.
Our Tallahassee featured an interview with Fried in December, with Tallahassee’s Jeff VanderMeer, discussing her environmental priorities as Governor.