Sen. Shevrin Jones just endorsed Brice Barnes’ effort to flip Florida’s 2nd Congressional District blue.
Jones, a Miami Gardens Democrat in line to lead the Democratic caucus in the Senate, announced his support days after the Tallahassee Democrat launched her congressional campaign.
“North Florida deserves a champion in Congress who will always put people first,” Jones said. “I have seen Brice’s work ethic and commitment firsthand and know she has what it takes to do the job. She is compassionate and principled — qualities we sorely need in leaders working on our state’s behalf in D.C. I am proud to support her.”
Barnes oversaw the construction of Independence Landing, where she remains a board member after a stint as President and CEO. The affordable housing community was specifically designed to provide independent living opportunities for people with disabilities, a matter important to her, as her late sister had cerebral palsy and her son has a rare eye condition.
Barnes raised more than $100,000 in her first day as a federal candidate running to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, a Panama City Republican.
She embraced Jones’ support of her candidacy.
“I am incredibly honored to receive the endorsement of Senator Shev Jones, a trailblazer who has spent his career advocating for Florida’s youth. Raising my family here, I saw how the children of Northwest Florida needed representatives like Senator Jones who would fight for their well-being,” Barnes said.
“I watched my parents fight for the Americans with Disabilities Act so my sister, who had cerebral palsy, could have a fair shot. Years later, when my son was diagnosed with a rare condition, I had to navigate a failing healthcare system and take on insurance companies that refused to cover his treatment. Now, I hope to be the representative that my family needed — one who will put families first. In Congress, I plan on championing legislation that provides children and families in Florida with the resources they need to access affordable healthcare and housing.”
