Kathy Castor endorses Kyandra Darling to succeed Michele Rayner in HD 62

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor is backing Kyandra Darling’s bid to succeed St. Petersburg Democratic state Rep. Michele Rayner in House District 62.

Castor endorsed Darling, a St. Petersburg-based community engagement leader, over former state Rep. Wengay Newton in the Democratic Primary. Rayner is vacating the seat to pursue a Senate campaign rather than seek re-election, and no Republican has filed for the race.

“Every day in Congress, I fight to lower costs for working families — from addressing the housing crisis to bringing down the price of prescription drugs and defending access to quality, affordable health care. I know how important these issues are for families working hard to make ends meet,” Castor said in a statement.

“That’s why I’m proud to endorse Kyandra in this race. She’s a working mom and a leader who shares my commitment to affordability and expanding opportunity. I know Kyandra will be a strong partner in the Florida legislature, working together to deliver real relief to Tampa Bay families.”

HD 62 spans parts of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties and is expected to remain a Democratic seat. Darling, a fourth-generation St. Petersburg resident, has built her career around community engagement work, partnering with nonprofits and public institutions across Pinellas County and focusing on connecting residents with resources and services.

According to her campaign website, Darling started her career in the office of then-U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist and later worked as a legislative aide to St. Petersburg City Council members Steve Kornell and Lisa Wheeler-Bowman. She left that line of work to enter the nonprofit sector, aiming to address gaps left unaddressed by policy.

Darling is campaigning on a platform aimed at addressing cost of living, protecting freedoms and rights, improvement for local schools, neighborhood safety and access to affordable health care

Darling has outraised Newton. Her campaign has reported $76,726 in donations, and $56,711 in expenditures as of Dec. 31, while Newton reported $19,789 in donations and $8,720 in expenditures during that same time frame. Castor’s endorsement adds to Darling’s early momentum ahead of the Aug. 18 Primary.

“Congresswoman Castor has been a tireless champion for the people of Tampa Bay and a leader who consistently puts families first,” Darling said.

“Her record is remarkable, including passing landmark climate legislation and securing billions in federal funding for our region to address key priorities such as infrastructure, education, and good-paying jobs. I’m grateful for her support and proud to have her partnership as we work to build a future where every family in Florida has the opportunity to thrive.”