More local officials, organizations rally behind Lauren Book’s SD 30 comeback bid

Former Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book is expanding her list of Senate District 30 backers with newly announced support from several local elected officials and notable union and industry groups.

Her campaign this week shared endorsements from Broward County Property Appraiser Marty Kiar, Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Sachs, Broward Commissioner Michael Udine, Boca Raton Council Member Yvette Drucker, Coconut Creek Commissioner Josh Rydell and former state Sen. Kevin Rader.

The Palm Beach chapter of the Florida Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Broward chapter of the Florida AFL-CIO and Associated Industries of Florida have also thrown their support behind her campaign.

Andrew LaFramboise, District 5 Director for the FOP, highlighted Book’s connection to victim advocacy. Book is the founder and CEO of Lauren’s Kids, a South Florida-based nonprofit focused on sexual abuse prevention. She also sponsored and passed several notable bills to better protect potential victims and deliver justice to survivors.

“Public safety has always been personal for Lauren Book. As a survivor of violent crime, she knows firsthand what’s at stake for victims, families, and communities,” LaFramboise said.

“Throughout her career, she’s also been a steadfast friend to law enforcement — showing up, listening, and working alongside the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way every day.”

Andy Madtes, President of the Broward AFL-CIO, cited Book’s commitment to working families and economic opportunity.

“Lauren Book knows that Florida’s economy is built by working people,” he said. “She’s been a reliable partner to workers and their families across the state, and we’re proud to support her campaign for Florida Senate District 30.”

Book, who endured years of childhood sexual abuse and dedicated her life to protecting vulnerable populations, previously served in the Senate from 2016 to 2024, including as Senate Democratic Leader. During her tenure, she championed some of the nation’s toughest child protection and anti-human trafficking laws, helped lead Florida’s bipartisan gun safety legislation, expanded postpartum healthcare coverage, eliminated the tax on baby diapers and adult incontinence products, and expanded mental healthcare for first responders.

In late May, she launched her campaign for SD 30, where she hopes to succeed outgoing Democratic state Sen. Tina Scott Polsky, who has endorsed her.

Others backing her candidacy include U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman, state Sen. Mack Bernard, Broward County Mayor Mark Bogen, Florida Professional Firefighters, Ruth’s List Florida, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida Realtors PAC, Equality Florida Action PAC, Dolphin Democrats, SAVE Action PAC and the LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus of Palm Beach County.

“I’m incredibly grateful to have the support of so many leaders and organizations who have been partners in the work of making our communities safer, stronger, and more affordable,” Book said.

“Everything I’ve fought for — from protecting children and supporting survivors to standing with working families and first responders — has been about making a real difference in people’s lives. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I’m ready to keep fighting for the families of Broward and Palm Beach counties in the Florida Senate.”

SD 30 covers parts of Boca Raton in Palm Beach County and several communities in northeast Broward.

Book faces one opponent in the Nov. 3 General Election: Republican Jerusa Zitta, whom she has significantly outraised.