Law enforcement, labor, firefighters back Debra Tendrich for re-election to HD 89

A freshman Democrat who passed one of the 2026 Session’s most celebrated bills is heading into re-election with a broad public safety coalition behind her.

Rep. Debra Tendrich announced this week that her re-election campaign for House District 89 has received endorsements from the Florida Police Benevolent Association, Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association, Florida Fraternal Order of Police, Palm Beach County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Local 2928 and Florida Professional Firefighters.

Labor union AFL-CIO and the Florida Realtors PAC are also backing her.

In an endorsement letter, Fraternal Order of Police District 4 Director Jim Sniffen cited Tendrich’s engagement with law enforcement and her “respect, professionalism, and genuine desire to improve the quality of life for the citizens she represents.”

“Public service requires leaders who are willing to work across differences, seek practical solutions, and remain accessible to the people they serve,” he wrote.

“Representative Tendrich has demonstrated those qualities, and we believe she will continue to be an effective voice for her constituents and a valuable partner in promoting safe and thriving communities.”

Michael O’Brien, First Legislative Vice President of Local 2928, praised Tendrich’s “advocacy for, and understanding of public safety issues is commendable.”

“You have demonstrated that you can lead and are not afraid to do so,” he said. “The residents of the State of Florida are fortunate to have someone like you who is working tirelessly for their interests.”

Tendrich said she is “deeply honored” by the support.

“These are the men and women who put themselves on the line every day to protect our communities, support our economy, and keep Florida moving forward,” she said.

The endorsements follow a notable first term for the Lake Worth Beach Democrat, whose signature achievement this past Session was a sweeping domestic violence reform package that passed both chambers unanimously and was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last month.

The measure, which Tendrich described as turning “pain into policy,” drew on her own experience as a domestic violence survivor who fled from her abuser in 2012 with her daughter and little else. Among its key provisions: enhanced penalties for repeat offenders, increased victim relocation assistance, an electronic monitoring pilot program and expanded protective injunctions covering pets and service animals.

Criminal Justice Subcommittee Chair Danny Alvarez dubbed Tendrich the “honey badger of representatives” for her persistence in getting the bill heard and passed.

Another measure Tendrich sponsored, which was incorporated into a larger bill, strengthened parental rights and education support for students with individualized education plans.

She also passed pension-related legislation supporting West Palm Beach police and firefighters, secured nearly $5 million in state funds for local projects and, in 2025, established Jan. 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida.

HD 89 covers a large inland portion of Palm Beach County stretching east from Greenacres to Lake Worth Beach, north from Atlantis to Cloud Lake and containing Lake Clarke Shores and Palm Springs.

Tendrich won the seat in 2024 with 51% of the vote.

This year, she’s running unopposed, with qualifying ending next week.

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