Progressive Rising Stars in Florida

I would like to introduce myself, my name is Russell Giambrone. I am a strong Progressive, and a past President of Tampa Bay Our Revolution. I am presently a Board member of the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida, Florida Progressive Democrats of America,Democratic Progressive Caucus Tampa Bay, and the Hillsborough Democratic Environmental Caucus.

I would like to give hope to all of the Stogie readers that while it may seem like Florida has become a Red State because of our ultra-right wing Governor Ron DeSantis and his minions in the Florida Legislature, there are a number of bright stars shining in that red night. These lighthouses of hope are young and courageous standing up against the rising tide of authoritarianism. 

Some of these heroes have already been introduced to you in past Stogie blogs and are representing us all in different elected positions across Florida. Elected in either the Florida State Legislature or local Government. Progressives like State Representative Anna Eskamani of Orlando, and Hillsborough School Board member Jessica Vaughn. Both are real protectors of our individual rights and guardians against the ongoing assault of the right, who want to limit our personal freedoms and return our nation to the 1920's, where a woman's place was in the home and people of color or different opinions were silenced.

One of these trailblazers is Maxwell Frost, who is running for the Congressional 10th District in Orlando. A real rising star who was a former Bernie Sanders campaign leader, and has already been supported by the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida and the Progressive Democrats of America. Maxwell has also been endorsed by the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Senator Elizabeth Warren. His website is: www.frostforcongress.com

Rebekah Jones, who had the courage to stand up to DeSantis while managing the Florida Department of Health was ordered by him to restrict the actual Covid 19 data numbers to the public. Ms. Jones, as a Scientist, could not in good conscience follow his orders and subsequently was not only fired from her job but was harassed and even had law enforcement come to her home and point weapons at her children. She is taking on the ultimate example of a Trump minion in Matt Gaetz, in the Congressional 1st District located in the Florida Panhandle. She has been endorsed by the Florida Chapter of the Progressive Democrats of America, Florida Young Democrats, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Rebekah's website is: www.rebekahjonescampaign.com

Right here in Hillsborough County, another former Bernie campaign member, Eddie Geller, is running for the open 15th Congressional District seat. Eddie is a solid Progressive, another young candidate, who is an advocate for Medicare for All, a safe environment, and embraces the Progressive platform. Eddie has been endorsed by the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida, Florida Chapter of Progressive Democrats of America, the Florida Disability Caucus and the actor Dule Hill, known for his roles as Burton Guster on the television show, Psych. Eddie Geller website is: www.eddiegeller.com

The three Progressive champions face tough election battles ahead and can use your support, you can visit their websites to learn more and help their journey to becoming our Representatives in Congress.