LGBTQ+ advocacy group SAVE and its political arm, SAVE Action PAC, have released a new slate of endorsees, following prior lists the organizations released in recent months.
The latest candidates to receive support include John Taylor in House District 109; Gloria Romero Roses in House District 113; and, in the race for Florida’s 20th Congressional District, both U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and her Primary opponent, Elijah Manley.
Notably, SAVE made no endorsement in Miami-Dade County Commission’s District 5 race after completing its review process and determining none of the three candidates — incumbent Vicki Lopez and challengers Rob Piper and Joe Sanchez — aligned with the group’s priorities.
The endorsements, a SAVE press note said, reflect the organization’s commitment to supporting candidates across all levels of government who will defend civil rights, protect LGBTQ+ Floridians and advance fairness and dignity.
“We are not simply responding to the ballot — we are helping shape it,” said Miles Davis, SAVE’s Director of Advocacy and Communications.
“This cycle, we have brought community leaders into the decision-making process, evaluated candidates across every level of government, and determined where SAVE’s political capital, voter outreach, and field resources can make the greatest impact. With six judicial candidates still moving through our process, we are closing out one of the most ambitious endorsement efforts in SAVE’s history and building the operation necessary to make pro-equality voters decisive across South Florida.”
All four of the newly endorsed candidates shared statements to accompany the SAVE nods.
Taylor, who currently serves as Mayor of Opa-locka and is running to succeed Miami Democratic state Rep. Ashley Gantt, emphasized community inclusion.
“Every resident deserves to feel welcomed, respected, and treated fairly,” he said. “SAVE’s endorsement reinforces my commitment to bringing those values to Tallahassee, where I will fight discrimination, expand economic opportunity, and work to make our communities more affordable for the families who call them home.”
Romero Roses, a real estate professional and community activist running for the open HD 113 seat, called SAVE’s endorsement “especially meaningful because the fight for LGBTQ+ equality is personal to my family.”
“For the past 7 months I have spoken to hundreds of voters who just want the freedom to be safe, healthy and prosperous,” she said. “People of goodwill can agree that this should be the case for all Floridians regardless of who they love or how they identify.”
Wasserman Schultz, who was first elected to Congress in 2004 and chaired the Democratic National Committee from 2011 to 2016, highlighted her legislative record on LGBTQ+ interests.
“Across my public service, I’ve proudly stood alongside the LGBTQ+ community and worked to turn allyship into action and results,” she said. “SAVE’s endorsement strengthens my resolve to continue fighting for the Equality Act, protecting transgender Americans, expanding access to healthcare, and defending the dignity and fundamental freedoms of every LGBTQ+ person.”
Manley, who last month notched an endorsement from Democratic U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna of California, spoke of how his lived experience informs his legislative priorities.
“As a Black gay man, earning SAVE’s endorsement in the race for Florida’s 20th Congressional District carries special meaning for me,” he said. “I know firsthand that discrimination does not happen in a vacuum and why lived experience matters in the halls of power. In Congress, I will fight unapologetically for the Equality Act, transgender rights, an end to conversion therapy, and full equality under the law.”
SAVE’s endorsement process includes written questionnaires, community panel interviews, deliberations, and organizational review. The group plans to deploy organizers and mobilize volunteers across Miami-Dade and Broward counties, with a goal of knocking on more than 11,000 doors before the Aug. 18 Primary.
The General Election is Nov. 3.
A full list of SAVE’s endorsees can be viewed here.
