Florida Professional Firefighters union endorses ‘advocate’ Ashley Gantt for SD 34

A major first responder labor union just threw its support behind state Rep. Ashley Gantt’s Senate District 34 campaign.

Florida Professional Firefighters (FPF), the Sunshine State’s largest firefighters union, confirmed its endorsement of Gantt, who is running to succeed fellow Democrat Shevrin Jones.

FPF President and CEO Wayne “Bernie” Bernoska cited Gantt’s “commitment to service, safety, and standing up for working families,” which “reflects the values of the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting people and property in communities across the state.”

“Ashley understands that public safety starts with supporting the professionals who answer the call every day to protect our communities,” he said. “We look forward to working with Ashley as she continues to advocate for the families of South Florida.”

The FPF endorsement adds to others from the Florida East Coast Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the Florida Medical Association, Engage Y’All and Ruth’s List Florida.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme, Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris, North Bay Village Mayor Rachel Streitfeld, Opa-locka Mayor John Taylor, Miami Gardens Vice Mayor Robert Stephens and Miami Gardens Councilwoman Katrina Wilson are also backing her.

Gantt said she is “honored” to have support from FPF “and the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities.”

“Our first responders deserve leaders who will listen, stand with them, and ensure they have the resources and support needed to do their jobs safely and effectively,” she said. “I’m honored by their support and inspired by the courage of the men and women who run toward danger to keep our families safe.”

A lawyer, former public school teacher, and two-term state Representative from Miami, Gantt, 41, launched her SD 34 campaign in late May, shortly before Jones confirmed he was running to succeed retiring Democratic U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson.

Gantt won her House District 109 seat in 2022 by fewer than 500 votes and secured re-election two years later by 24 percentage points.

SD 34 covers a large portion of northeast Miami-Dade, including the municipalities of Bay Harbor Islands, Miami Beach, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Opa-locka and Miami Gardens, the most populous Black city in Florida.

Three others are running: Democrats Shannan Ighodaro and Christine Sanon-Jules Olivo, and Republican Elizabeth Jeanty.

The Primary is Aug. 18, followed by the General Election on Nov. 3.