Robin Bartleman backs Mike Friend as ‘the right choice’ for HD 102

Another member of Broward’s legislative delegation is backing Davie dentist Mike Friend’s bid for House District 102.

Weston Rep. Robin Bartleman, a fellow Democrat, is endorsing Friend in his campaign to replace term-limited Davie Rep. Mike Gottlieb, who has named Friend as his preferred successor.

“Mike Friend has spent his life serving our community, both professionally and personally,” Bartleman said.

“His commitment to public service, healthcare access, and improving the quality of life for Broward families makes him the right choice for House District 102.”

A small-business owner and Davie resident, Friend called Bartleman’s endorsement especially meaningful given her background as a former Broward County School Board member and longtime advocate for children and families.

“Robin Bartleman has dedicated her career to serving Broward County and fighting for students, teachers, and working families,” Friend said. “I am honored to have her support.”

Friend’s campaign has centered on strengthening public education, expanding health care access and addressing affordability for working families across HD 102.

His campaign website lists support from a range of current and former elected officials, including state Reps. Dan Daley, Mitch Rosenwald and Marie Woodson; Broward Property Appraiser Marty Kiar; Broward Commissioners Steve Geller and Nan Rich; Broward School Board Members Debra Hixon and Rebecca Thompson; Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo; Davie Mayor Judy Paul; Cooper City Mayor Greg Ross; Sunrise Mayor Michael Ryan; Sunrise Deputy Mayor Neil Kerch; Sunrise Assistant Deputy Mayor Jacqueline Guzman; Plantation Council member Erik Anderson; Southwest Ranches Council member David Kuczenski; Davie Council member Marlon Luis; Coconut Creek Commissioner Josh Rydell; Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Ben Sorensen; Pembroke Pines Commissioners Michael Hernandez, Maria Rodriguez and Jay Schwartz; and Cooper City Commissioner Ryan Shrouder.

Groups backing Friend include the Florida Justice Reform Institute, Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, Florida Bankers Association, Committee of Florida Agents, Florida Podiatric Medical Association, 314 Action, and Florida Homebuilders Association, among others.

The HD 102 Democratic Primary is competitive. Friend faces Jayden D’Onofrio, a Weston Democrat and civic engagement organizer.

On the Republican side, lawyer Mery Lopez-Palma — whom Gottlieb defeated in 2024 — faces Cooper City Commissioner Jason Paul Smith.

HD 102 covers an inland portion of Broward that includes all or parts of Davie, Plantation, and Sunrise and leans Democratic.

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