Michael Kirwan rolls out bipartisan local endorsements in bid to unseat Aaron Bean in CD 4

Jacksonville Democrat Michael Kirwan continues to make his case that he’s the front-runner in a crowded Primary to face U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean in November.

And endorsements are pouring in for the Jacksonville native, a longtime securities lawyer who has served as Chair of the Jacksonville Ethics Commission and President of Scenic Jacksonville.

State Sen. Tracie Davis, former Senate Democratic Leader and current Florida House candidate Audrey Gibson, former state Sen. Tony Hill, Democratic City Councilman Jimmy Peluso, current Duval School Board members Warren Jones and Darryl Willie, and former City Councilmen Howard Dale and Jim Love are all on board.

“Michael has my full endorsement because he’s a leader with a track record of solving problems, not just talking about them,” Davis said. “His financial expertise and deep community roots prove he’s ready to tackle rising costs and bring real accountability to Washington. He’s the only candidate who has the skills, the integrity, and the commitment to give every family a fair shot.”

Some endorsers, like Love and former Duval School Board member Lori Hershey, crossed party lines to back Kirwan.

“I’m a Republican, but I’m supporting Michael Kirwan because I know him. I’ve worked with him, I understand his values, and I trust his ethics,” Love said. “This isn’t about party labels for me. It’s about character and competence. Michael is someone who does what he says he’s going to do; and that’s the kind of person we need representing our district in Congress.”

Jones, a former City Council President before he got elected to School Board, said the “community needs someone in Washington who we can trust to really fight for us and deliver.”

“Michael Kirwan can win this race; and I believe in his commitment to this district and to the people who live here. He listens, he shows up, and he understands what our families are dealing with. I trust him to be a strong voice for our community and to get real results,” he added.

Two former Mayors and City Commissioners for Fernandina Beach, Robin Lentz and Kim Page, are also on board. Former Republican Mayor of Green Cove Springs Sandra Dunnavant and former Democratic Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn also support Kirwan.

The GOP backing is meaningful, given the registration advantage Republicans have. The district, which includes Nassau County, Clay County and some of Duval County, is 41% Republican and 34% Democrat.