Teamsters, Democratic leaders line up behind Annette Taddeo’s CFO campaign

A local chapter of America’s fourth-largest union and several of Florida’s past, current and future Democratic legislative leaders are backing former state Sen. Annette Taddeo’s bid for CFO.

Taddeo’s campaign this week announced an endorsement from Joint Council 75 of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which boasts about 1.4 million members.

She also recently notched nods from Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman, House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, incoming Senate Democratic Leader Tracie Davis, former House Democratic Leader Kionne McGhee, and former House Democratic Leader Dan Gelber, Miami Beach’s immediate past Mayor.

All want to see her flip the CFO Office blue in November.

“Our members expect the same thing from government that is expected of them on the job: show up, do the work, and be accountable,” Teamsters Joint Council 75 President Josh Zivalich said.

“That’s exactly what Annette Taddeo has done throughout her career. She’ll be an independent watchdog for Florida taxpayers fighting for affordability and against corruption.”

Berman said Taddeo will safeguard Floridians’ interests if elected.

“Annette has the experience, knowledge, and determination to make the Chief Financial Officer’s office a watchdog for taxpayers, a force against corruption, and a fighter for greater accountability. Florida needs that kind of leadership now more than ever,” she said.

Driskell said Taddeo will serve the CFO’s job well because she “understands that government works best when it is transparent, accountable, and focused on the people it serves.”

“The Chief Financial Officer should be one of the strongest voices for Florida consumers, not another politician looking out for special interests,” she added.

McGhee recalled working with Taddeo in the Legislature.

“She brings valuable experience, understands how state government works, and has consistently emphasized accountability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” he said. “I’m supporting Annette in the Primary race for Chief Financial Officer and believe she deserves serious consideration from Florida voters.”

Gelber, meanwhile, praised Taddeo’s dedication to service.

“What has always set Annette Taddeo apart is that she never confuses public office with political opportunity,” he said. “She approaches her job with integrity, independence, and a genuine commitment to serving the people of Florida.”

Others backing Taddeo include Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, former CFO Alex Sink, former Congresswoman and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala, former U.S. Reps. Al Lawson and Kendrick Meek Sr., and several more state and local leaders.

A small-business owner and former Chair of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party, Taddeo made history in 2017 as the first Latina Democrat elected to the Florida Senate. She was born in Colombia and fled to the United States as a teenager after Marxist guerrillas kidnapped her father.

She ran as the Democratic gubernatorial running mate on the 2014 ticket with Charlie Crist, which lost by a single point to Rick Scott. Later, she ran unsuccessfully for Congress and Miami-Dade Clerk.

The CFO heads the Department of Financial Services, overseeing insurance regulation and financial oversight, and also serves as the state’s Fire Marshal. It is one of three Cabinet-level seats in Florida state government.

Former state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia has served as CFO since his appointment last July by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

There are Primaries on both sides of the aisle. On the Democratic side, Taddeo faces U.S. Army veteran Earle Ford, while Ingoglia, a Republican, is set to take on public adjuster Frank Collige.

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