Aileen Rodriguez touts Democratic support in now-contested Hillsborough County Commission Primary

With Aileen Rodriguez now facing a contested Democratic Primary in Hillsborough County Commission, District 7, Rodriguez’s campaign is announcing a new endorsement while emphasizing her existing support among Democratic officials.

Rodriguez’s campaign released a lengthy list of elected officials, labor organizations and community leaders who it says remain behind her candidacy after former Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Cindy Stuart entered the race, forcing a Primary for the seat. Rodriguez, a former regional director for former Republican U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, quickly vowed to continue her campaign while lamenting Stuart’s entrance into the race just 11 days before the qualifying deadline.

“Over the past year, Rodriguez has earned the support of a broad coalition of Democratic leaders and organizations through her commitment to community engagement, working families, and a forward-looking vision for Hillsborough County. Today, those supporters are making clear that their support remains firmly behind Rodriguez,” the campaign said.

Supporters include U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, state Sen. Darryl Rouson, Florida House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, state Reps. Dianne Hart-Lowman and Michelle Rayner, a majority of Hillsborough School Board and Tampa City Council members, multiple judges, and organizations such as Ruth’s List Florida, The West Central Florida Labor Council, Operating Engineers Local 487 and United Food & Commercial Workers Local 1625.

“I am incredibly humbled to have the continued support of so many leaders, organizations, and advocates that care deeply about the future of Hillsborough County,” Rodriguez said. “Their support reflects what this campaign has always been about: putting people first, listening to our communities, and building a stronger future together.”

The campaign also announced a new endorsement from retired Judge E.J. Salcines, “one of Tampa’s most respected civic leaders and a longtime champion of the Hispanic community.”

Rodriguez said that “as a proud Latina,” Salcines’ endorsement carries special meaning following decades of public service and role in Tampa’s Hispanic community.

“Judge Salcines has spent a lifetime serving our community and creating opportunities for future generations,” Rodriguez said. “His support means a great deal to me, and I am honored to have him join this campaign.”

The campaign said supporters have remained united behind her candidacy despite Stuart’s late entry into the contest.

“This campaign wasn’t built around political connections or political opportunity,” Rodriguez said. “It was built through hard work, conversations with voters, and a commitment to serving our community. I didn’t get into this race because I saw a political opportunity. I got into this race because I saw a community that needed a voice.”

The Democratic nominee will move on to challenge Republican Hillsborough County Commissioner Joshua Wostal, who seeks re-election to the seat and is currently unchallenged in the GOP Primary.