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Standing on her experience as a survivor and career work in public service, the first-time candidate earns nearly $12,500 and leads her team knocking over 1,500 doors in Q1.

OAKLAND PARK, FL — Emily Rodrigues establishes the strength of her candidacy for State Representative with greater fundraising, voter contact, and raised cash-on-hand than all five of the remaining candidates in her race.

“Our campaign is resonating, and I’m proud of the support that I’ve earned from every voter, donor, and volunteer with the confidence in our operation and my leadership,” says Emily, as she tallies over 100 donations, averaging $108 per donation with 3 maxed-out contributions. “My history of working in strategy for nonprofit, private and political clients equip me to run a personal and lean campaign that lets my character and work ethic shine, that sharpens the efficiency of our ground-game, and that prioritizes the needs of my District – from reducing gun violence in our local communities, to undoing DeSantis’ abortion ban that ensnares women statewide. And for all families and everyday workers, the fight to improve affordability is one I continue to have with my work as a nonprofit leader in the district and as a previous aide in the state legislature. Connecting face-to-face with our neighborhood leaders and concerned residents is how we build the trust and respect of the electorate to win in August.”

Showing up for the District and at voters’ doorsteps, Emily has made winning over local, grassroots support central to her campaign. In her first quarter, Emily’s visibility in the community brought fresh eyes to her race as she participated in events for reproductive health, LGBTQ+ rights, and public safety; the latter of which has been the continual focus for faith and neighborhood leaders who are bringing attention to the unfolding gun violence in Pompano Beach, the largest city in District 98 and home to the historically Black “Old Town” neighborhoods of the past 50 years. Conversations with over 1,000 voters captured from routine door-to-door canvassing reveal an additional gap between Tallahassee and everyday Floridians: Rising property insurance and costs of living, the whittling of public education funds, and the shrinking of abortion access and family planning all remain deeply unpopular GOP-backed policies. Emily’s mission to run as a Legislator is summed up in a public post where she promises “to ensure that our communities and families… will have their voices amplified in Tallahassee.”

Raising $12,428 and leading her crowded field in total cycle raised, Emily Rodrigues demonstrates her ability to cultivate support and position herself to be a powerful, local voice for constituents. Nearly 40% of Emily’s contributions come from donors living in House District 98 cities, and her cash-on-hand reserve stacks up to be over $9,000; tapping into a deep, personal network to create new first-time contributors and growing her support of establishment Democratic donors, Emily Rodrigues is creating a broad coalition to prepare for her August 20th Primary. The fundraising and organizational advantage aim to activate the Democratic base, first-time voters and cross-party supporters in a race where Emily winning as the only woman candidate will protect the number of Democratic women lawmakers in Florida.

“We are set up for success. I’m confident and proud to be the candidate that is the hardest working and most knowledgeable of the process, and I’ll be ready on Day 1 to work across the aisle to support good bills. My life has prepared me to advocate for the survivors and victim rights central to my campaign – but my District needs more: Property insurance and the affordability crisis are draining Floridians, and GOP extremists are robbing us of academic freedom and funding in our public education. We are tired and ready for solutions, and I’m determined to get us there: From surviving to thriving.”

Learn more about Emily and her campaign for FL-HD 98 at EmilyForFlorida.com.

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