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SUNCOAST GROUP ENDORSEMENTS
for U.S. Congress, District 13
As a St. Petersburg native, Eric Lynn understands that the area’s economy depends on the health of our waterways and shorelines, and pledges to defend our state’s ecosystem upon being elected to Congress. On his first day in office, he will file proposed legislation to prevent another environmental disaster like Piney Point, a 2021 event that fueled massive fish kills and significantly hurt tourism.
"I am honored to be endorsed by the Sierra Club. Protecting our environment will be a priority of mine in Congress. This crisis requires an urgent and robust response and on day one I'll be ready to deliver results to protect our wildlife, waterways, beaches, and the Gulf of Mexico."
for U.S. Congress, District 14
Kathy Castor has proven a tireless advocate for smart environmental policies that promote clean air, water and energy for all Americans. She’s a fighter for low-cost clean energy that helps put more money in the pockets of working Floridians rather than boosting the bottom lines of oil companies and investor owned utilities.
"You can count on me to fight for lower cost clean energy in Congress and put more $ in the pockets of working Americans rather than boost the bottom lines oil companies and electric utility monopolies. I am humbled to have the support of the Sierra Club and its Florida grassroots members - we are partners for clean air, clean water and clean energy for all."
for Florida Senate, District 16
While in office, Sen. Rouson has fought to keep Florida safe from fracking and offshore oil drilling. He advocated for renewable energy and sponsored legislation to monitor sea level rise and climate change. With miles of shoreline, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties need leaders like Rouson who are willing to take a hard stand in Tallahassee to fight for smart and equitable legislation that protects beautiful Florida for future generations.
"I am thrilled to be endorsed by the Sierra Club. We share a passion for the environment and the outdoors. Some of my fondest memories are taking my five boys fishing in Tampa Bay. I want them to have the same opportunity with their children."
for Florida Senate, District 18
Two years ago, the St. Petersburg firebrand led a team that helped pass Amendment 2, which increased the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour. Ortiz knows how to get things done and is ready to follow the science to create a cleaner and more sustainable future for Floridians.
"Pinellas County is buoyed by two beautiful bodies of water and dotted with some of Florida’s best public parks and trails. I'm proud to have the endorsement of Sierra Club and am excited to work together to follow the science to a cleaner, more sustainable future for Floridians."
for Florida House, District 58
A strong supporter of Solar 100% net metering, the Dunedin candidate is ready to help steer Florida toward a greener future and confront the challenges of climate change head on.
"Mankind today faces a crisis of unparalleled magnitude. The longer we wait to address it, the harder it will be to solve. I have eleven grandchildren and I fear for the world we are leaving them. We must have the courage to act - now."
for Florida House, District 60
As an environmental scientist and lifelong conservationist, Cross has tirelessly fought to clean up Florida’s waterways, protect wildlife habitats and hold polluters accountable. She will be a voice for the people and an advocate for the planet in Tallahassee.
"It is an honor to receive the Sierra Club endorsement. As an environmental scientist and conservation advocate, I’ve fought to clean up our water, protect habitats, hold polluters accountable, stop destructive tollroads, and address our climate crisis. In Tallahassee, I will be a voice for the people and the planet!"
for Florida House, District 61
Care about the future of Pinellas County waterways? The choice is clear. Vote Janet Varnell Warwick for Florida House District 61. As the St. Pete attorney told @Fla_Pol: “Not a day goes by that I don’t think about what we must do to protect our coast. There are a host of solutions to our ecological challenges, but none is more important or urgent than removing corruption from powerful positions that stand in the way.” We need more leaders in Tallahassee who will stand up for our environment against the powers that be.
"For far too long, or districts waterways and environment has been neglected in favor of private interests. I’m not going to wait till after the election to take action. We must make every day count when it comes to saving the planet, and that’s why I’m grateful for both the work of the Sierra Club and their endorsement."
for Florida House, District 62
Since being elected to the Florida House in 2020, State Rep. Rayner has been one of the strongest advocates for underserved communities. The St. Pete attorney has brought back resources to the Tampa Bay Area communities by making legislative alliances across the aisle while still challenging the Governor and her colleagues in the Florida Legislature. We need firebrands for social justice like Rayner in Tallahassee.
"I am grateful to have the endorsement of the Sierra Club. I look forward to continuing working with them to protect our planet."
for Pinellas Board of County Commissioners, District 2
Re-elect Pat Gerard to the Pinellas County Commission. Gerard has championed smart growth addressing the challenges of the climate crisis while preserving the county’s green spaces as part of the solution. A vote for Gerard is a vote for a more resilient Pinellas.
"I am proud to be endorsed by Sierra Club and to work in partnership with them to preserve and protect our precious environment."
for Pinellas County School Board, District 3
Elect Keesha Benson, a PhD in Social Work and an MBA, to the Pinellas County School Board District 3 to help ensure a future citizenry well-educated in earth science. Dr. Benson believes the school system plays an important role in the future of our environment.
"I believe the school system has an important role in advancing the environmental movement. It can be a vehicle for environmental education for students, a vital part of sustainable community infrastructure, and an important connection between the community, educational workforce, and families to further environmental justice initiatives and values."
for Pinellas County School Board, District 6
As a proud product of Pinellas County public schools, Brian Martin pledges to be an advocate for environmentally responsible policies in school operations as well as a supporter of including environmental stewardship in science curriculum.
for Dunedin City Commission, Seat 2
Robert Walker, a lifelong member of the Sierra Club, will strive to ensure that future generations of Dunedin residents have equitable access to clean air and water as well as safe and healthy neighborhoods.
"I am extremely proud and honored by the Sierra Club endorsement of our Campaign. I have been a lifetime supporter of the Sierra Club and strongly support Sierra Club in their mission to ensure that future generations have equitable access to clear air, and water as well as safe and healthy neighborhoods. As the next Commissioner for the Dunedin City Commission, I will work hard to promote the values that the Sierra Club was founded on."
for Dunedin City Commission, Seat 4
As a current Commissioner, Jeff Gow represents Dunedin on the board of the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) which in 2021 started viewing every initiative through a sustainability lens. He understands that public transit plays a critical role in addressing the woes of the climate crisis as well as reducing the growing area’s traffic snarls. We need leaders like Gow to help keep Dunedin and Pinellas County moving smoothly and cleanly.
"The Sierra Club works tirelessly to protect our environment through education, partnering and advocating. I am proud to receive their endorsement."
for Largo City Commission, District 5
Help keep the city of Largo clean and green! Largo needs a leader like Kai Rush who will be passionate and committed to fulfilling residents’ requests to protect the city’s limited green space during an era of hyper development.
"The people have spoken and they would like us to save as much green space for future generations. I plan to advocate that we save green space for all Largo residents, visitors and animals (pets and wildlife) to thrive in the future. I hope that Largo will be the greenest city in Florida!"
CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG CHARTER AMENDMENTS
STATEWIDE ENDORSEMENTS
for Florida Governor
The difference in Florida gubernatorial candidates couldn’t be starker. While serving as Governor, he led Florida on a path toward reduced emissions and a cleaner Everglades. Advances undone by his successors.
When Tampa Bay was covered in literally hundreds of tons of smelly rotten fish due to the worst red tide in 50 years, Gov. DeSantis refused to declare a state of emergency and downplayed the damages. Meanwhile, then-U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist rallied with area leaders, business owners and environmental groups to encourage DeSantis to issue a state of emergency, which would have helped the area get federal aid for cleanup.
From Tallahassee to D.C. Crist has fought to keep Florida clean. It’s time Florida once again has a Governor who takes the climate crisis seriously. It’s time to put Charlie back in the Governor’s mansion. Vote Charlie Crist for Governor.
"Our Everglades, beaches, water, and our way of life are all on the line this November. We can’t continue sitting on the sidelines when it comes to tackling existential environmental challenges. Alongside the Sierra Club of Florida we are mounting a grassroots movement to change the course of our state and protect Florida’s environment for generations."
for Florida Chief Financial Officer
With Florida’s homeowners insurance market on the brink of collapse, Floridians need a CFO who prioritizes residents over party politics and big donors every step of the way. Hattersley, a former State House Rep and Bronze Star recipient, has a track record of putting others before self-interest and an understanding of the changing environment’s role on Floridians’ financial stability. The stakes could not be higher and time is of the essence. Floridians cannot afford to squander another four years to ineffectual leadership.
"I am excited and honored to have the endorsement of the Sierra Club of Florida. As CFO, having a keen awareness and understanding of the impact of climate, storm, and natural disasters upon the risk, real estate and insurance industries is critical to improving the quality of life and financial stability of all Floridians."
To learn about our endorsement process and legislative priorities, click here.
Paid political advertisement paid for by Sierra Club Independent Action, www.sierraclubindependentaction.org, and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.