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<h2>The Primary Election is on Tuesday, August 20th, 2024.</h2>House District 98 covers portions of Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, and Lauderdale Lakes. You can enter your address <a href="https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/FindYourRepresentative" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a> to confirm if you live in our District.<h5>Important Dates:</h5><ul><li>Deadline to register to vote: July 22, 2024</li><li>Deadline to request vote by mail ballot: August 8, 2024</li><li>Early voting period: August 10 – 18, 2024</li><li>Primary Election Day: August 20, 2024</li></ul>For more information, please visit <a href="https://www.browardvotes.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">browardvotes.gov</a>.

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"Growing up in Broward County, I've seen Governor DeSantis and his extremist allies attack our community leaders, public education system, and our futures. Instead of addressing Florida's worsening affordability crises, they have taken away our reproductive freedoms, made it easier for bad actors to buy guns, and prioritized special interests over everyday Floridians. It's clear that Tallahassee has forgotten about us, but I'm dedicated to ensuring our voices are heard. I hope you'll join us in the fight for a future that empowers all Floridians."

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Leading national and statewide Democratic organizations and leaders are standing together to support Emily as the next State Representative for Florida House District 98, located in Broward County.

Emily Rodrigues for State House

State Senator, district 34

Shevrin Jones

STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 44

Rita Harris

STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 104

Felicia Robinson

STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 60

Lindsay Cross

State Representative, district 90

Joe Casello

State Representative, district 13

Angie Nixon

State Representative, district 93

Katherine Waldron

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"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish"— Michelle Obama

<h2>Meet Emily</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/1a4e460e-4d01-4e62-837b-75ef484fe5c9/19d25ae8-b2b8-4582-8425-b3173c0d102b/19d25ae8-b2b8-4582-8425-b3173c0d102b.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C3414%2C3630&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="37" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h4>With a lifelong dream to represent her District, Emily brings direct experience working with the Florida Legislature.</h4>Born and raised in Oakland Park, Emily has called District 98 her home for her entire life. Her passion for advocacy was sparked during her early college years after being sexually assaulted on campus. Through her experiences as a survivor, she has become a dedicated advocate for victims rights who is committed to creating policies that make our state safer for everyone.Emily graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Political Communication at the University of Florida. Her education has provided her with a deep understanding of policy issues and how to use communication strategies to empower communities and facilitate meaningful change.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/1a4e460e-4d01-4e62-837b-75ef484fe5c9/c32eb6fa-b2fd-4a41-bc7f-396122ec0b37/b8bc5125-7bb1-4464-89ee-64b85c0bb715.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4096%2C3608&amp;w=1500" alt="Photo of Emily and friends at a protest for reproductive rights in Broward County, Florida" title="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Emily’s experience working in the Florida Senate and nonprofit sector has equipped her with the skills needed to be a powerful voice in Tallahassee and pass real policy solutions that improve quality of life for all Floridians. While working in the Florida Senate under State Senator Shevrin Jones, she assisted in the passage of several bills and procurement of millions of dollars in state funding, helped resolve hundreds of constituents’ issues, and planned events for community engagement, such as food drives and civic education workshops. With her firsthand experience working in state government, Emily has what it takes to get the job done in a Republican-led Legislature.In her current role at MissionWired, Emily oversees digital strategy for a number of mission-driven nonprofit and political clients, where she has helped Democrats achieve record-breaking fundraising goals. Throughout college, Emily worked at the Central Florida Urban League where she helped connect underserved communities with critical resources to improve economic stability and gained a unique perspective in how nonprofits can work alongside government entities to achieve their missions.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/1a4e460e-4d01-4e62-837b-75ef484fe5c9/9726cd9d-b3b9-48e9-950d-5efef9276922/2d51050f-6293-4fa3-b976-303fd7c3c8bb.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=354%2C0%2C3611%2C3072&amp;w=1500" alt="Photo of Emily speaking at One Billion Rising at the University of Central Florida" title="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed">As a survivor, Emily has publicly shared her story to help raise awareness on the issue of sexual assault on college campuses and empower others who have been victims of sexual violence. Her podcast where she shares her experiences as a survivor has been used by UCF Victim Services as a resource to other victims. Additionally, she was invited to serve as the keynote speaker for One Billion Rising at the University of Central Florida (UCF), an annual mass call-to-action based on the staggering statistic that 1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. During her time as a student, Emily was a founding member of the Copper Knights, a public advocacy-focused student organization at UCF dedicated to making an impact at the state level to protect and aid survivors and reduce the stigma that victims of sex crimes encounter.Now, she hopes to continue her advocacy for survivors in the Florida Legislature, where she hopes to pass Emily’s Plan – a package of policy proposals that can be achieved at the state level to help improve conditions for survivors of sexual violence. In addition to fighting for victims’ rights, Emily is committed to restoring our reproductive rights, addressing the property insurance crisis, protecting public education, and lowering housing costs for Florida’s hardworking families.

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The 80,000 members, retirees, and their families who organize to support workers are now supporting Emily Rodrigues, Democrat for South Florida’s District 98. OAKLAND PARK, FL — Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Florida are championing who they trust to be the next dedicated State Representative to fight for living wages, equality and dignity on the job, and quality affordable healthcare.&nbsp;&nbsp; A union organizer herself, Emily Rodrigues embodies the energy, credentials, and savvy necessary to fight for all Florida workers in Tallahassee.&nbsp; Emily’s pro-worker and organizing ability is rooted in reality:&nbsp; At the private communication firm where she works, Emily helped form their worker’s union in conjunction with national organizers of <a href="https://code-cwa.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" style="color: var(--color-text)">CODE-CWA</a>. Since transitioning to freelance to run for State Representative, Emily’s uses her candidacy to outreach to pro-labor groups and to organize engagement for upcoming Florida ballot initiatives. With her efforts and experience resonating with SEIU Florida, Emily accepts her endorsement, sharing: “I’m honored to have earned the confidence of our local union members in Broward and determined to uplift their voices in the Florida Legislature as we collectively fight for higher wages, improved benefits and working conditions, and increased access to quality affordable healthcare. I first got to know SEIU Florida’s members during my time working in the Florida Senate; in a state where our labor rights have been continuously under fire, their advocacy in Tallahassee is crucial for providing a voice for working Floridians. I have deep gratitude and respect for the thousands of essential workers in District 98 and across Florida – and as their future State Representative, I’m dedicated to ensuring they receive fair wages and are treated with the dignity they deserve.” SEIU Florida endorsing Emily Rodrigues, recognizes her strong alignment with their mission to champion labor and social justice. Representing over 80,000 members, many of whom are essential workers and women of color, SEIU provides critical services across Florida’s hospitals, nursing homes, public schools, community colleges, universities, municipal and county governments, airports, and fast-food establishments. This endorsement underscores their trust in Emily’s ability to advocate effectively for policies that ensure a living wage, job equality, and access to quality, affordable healthcare. SEIU Florida is committed to supporting Emily’s campaign, highlighting the pivotal role of its diverse workforce in strengthening the state’s infrastructure and community welfare. “We need to elect people like Emily Rodrigues to office who will honestly address the real issues affecting everyday Floridians, such as affordable housing, fair wages, and access to quality, affordable healthcare,” said Martha Baker, RN and President of SEIU Florida’s State Council. “Florida deserves leaders who will invest in improving the quality of life for all, regardless of race, gender, job title, zip code or party affiliation.”###

The 80,000 members, retirees, and their families who organize to support workers are now supporting Emily Rodrigues, Democrat for South Florida’s District 98.

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SEIU Florida Declare Emily Rodrigues ‘Union Strong’: Their Pick for Broward’s Next Rising Democrat

Too many of our communities have been plagued by gun violence — enough is enough. Instead of making our communities safer, Republicans passed a permitless carry law, which eliminated background check and safety training requirements. Emily will fight for commonsense gun violence prevention measures, such as universal background checks, assault weapon bans, and community intervention programs.No parent should have to worry about their child being shot while playing outside or going to school, yet that is the harsh reality for many families in our District. Dangerous policies like permitless carry put our public safety at risk by allowing anyone to carry hidden, loaded guns in public without background checks, permits, or training. Emily knows that laws like permitless carry and "Stand Your Ground" only result in more innocent lives lost, and as a Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate, she is committed to advocating for long-term solutions to end the gun violence in our communities.During her time in the Florida Senate, Emily worked directly on a bill to create “The Urban Core Gun Violence Task Force”, which was modeled off the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission to investigate the root causes of the gun violence plaguing our communities and provide strategic recommendations on how local and state government agencies can work together to reduce it.

Too many of our communities have been plagued by gun violence — enough is enough. Instead of making our communities safer, Republicans passed a permitless carry law, which eliminated background check and safety training requirements. Emily will fight for commonsense gun violence prevention measures, such as universal background checks, assault weapon bans, and community intervention programs.

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Gun Violence Prevention

Floridians are suffering from skyrocketing insurance premiums — and lawmakers are not doing enough to stop it. Instead of fighting for Floridians, Republicans have made it harder for you to make claims and used your taxpayer dollars to alleviate financial stress on insurance companies. Emily is committed to fighting for real solutions that reduce costs for our families, and she refuses to be bought off by the corporations driving up premiums.Broward County has some of the highest homeowners insurance rates in the entire nation with average premiums ranging from $11,000-$15,000 annually. Our constituents in House District 98 need immediate relief — especially our seniors on fixed-incomes. Emily will hold insurance companies accountable and advocate for the expansion of programs like <a href="https://mysafeflhome.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">MySafe Florida</a> to help combat skyrocketing premiums.

Floridians are suffering from skyrocketing insurance premiums — and lawmakers are not doing enough to stop it. Instead of fighting for Floridians, Republicans have made it harder for you to make claims and used your taxpayer dollars to alleviate financial stress on insurance companies. Emily is committed to fighting for real solutions that reduce costs for our families.

Property Insurance

‘Emily has already been in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality.’Former legislative aide Emily Rodrigues’ bid to represent Broward County in the House now has the emphatic support of South Florida’s longest-serving organization for championing LGBTQ rights.<a href="https://actionpac.save.lgbt/" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">SAVE Action PAC</a>, associated with Miami-based&nbsp;<a href="https://www.save.lgbt/elections" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">SAVE</a>,&nbsp;confirmed it is backing Rodrigues this week in a glowing endorsement.“For over 30 years, SAVE’s endorsement process has engaged community members to decide which candidates will earn our support. We couldn’t be more excited to turn their decision to endorse Emily Rodrigues into action, and to do what we can to ensure she is elected to the Florida Legislature,” SAVE Executive Director Todd Delmay said in a statement.“Emily has already been in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality, and to see her take her abilities and advocacy to Tallahassee is the kind of shake-up our state needs to make sure we start moving forward again.”The SAVE Action PAC nod joins others Rodrigues received since she <a href="https://floridapolitics.com/archives/660000-emily-rodrigues-runs-to-succeed-patricia-hawkins-williams-in-democratic-primary-for-hd-98/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">entered the race</a> in January. Three Democratic lawmakers — Miami Gardens Sen. Shevrin Jones, Boynton Beach Rep. Joe Casello and Orlando Rep. Rita Harris — have <a href="https://www.emilyforflorida.com/endorsements" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">endorsed her too</a>. So have Ruth’s List Florida, SEIU Florida, Run For Something, Moms Demand Action, NOW PAC and the Broward Young Democrats.Jones, her former boss in the Senate and the first openly gay Black person elected to the Legislature, called Rodrigues “<a href="https://floridapolitics.com/archives/682329-the-real-deal-shevrin-jones-backs-former-aide-emily-rodrigues-for-hd-98/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the real deal</a>.”In a statement, Rodrigues said she’s “seen first-hand the attacks LGBTQ legislators faced, especially if they were women or persons of color.”“Florida’s LGBTQ community (is) looking at our lawmakers for solidarity and solutions, and my next steps for if I am elected will be informed by the gay, lesbian, bi, trans and queer folk who have been in this fight for decades,” she said.“South Florida’s LGBTQ communities have a stake in this; and as the youngest, only Latina, and only openly bisexual candidate in South Florida this election cycle, the freedom to love and be proud of who I am is integral to my candidacy.”Rodrigues, who now works as a digital strategist for nonprofit fundraising portfolio company MissionWired, is one of four Democrats running to succeed term-limited Rep.&nbsp;Patricia Hawkins-Williams.Primary voters will choose between her and U.S. Army veteran&nbsp;Keith Abel, small-business owner&nbsp;Shelton Pooler&nbsp;and Oakland Park Mayor&nbsp;Mitch Rosenwald.There are no Republicans in the race. Whoever secures the most votes by the time polls close on Aug. 20 will win outright.<a href="https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/FileStores/Web/District/DistrictMaps/large/HD_98_Large.pdf" target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer">HD 98</a>&nbsp;covers portions of Deerfield Beach, Lauderdale Lakes, Oakland Park and Pompano Beach.<a href="https://floridapolitics.com/archives/687332-the-kind-of-shake-up-our-state-needs-save-action-pac-backs-emily-rodriguez-for-hd-98/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Read the full article here.</a>

‘Emily has already been in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality.’ SAVE Action PAC, associated with Miami-based SAVE, confirmed it is backing Rodrigues this week in a glowing endorsement.

‘The kind of shake-up our state needs’: SAVE Action PAC backs Emily Rodrigues for HD 98

Every student in Florida deserves a quality education. That's why it's essential that we fully fund our public schools, increase teacher pay, and support programs that increase access to higher education opportunities for our students. Emily is committed to fighting for our public schools in Tallahassee so that every student is provided the tools they need to succeed.A <a href="https://www.nea.org/resource-library/educator-pay-and-student-spending-how-does-your-state-rank" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">recent report</a> from the National Education Association ranks Florida at 50th in the nation for teachers’ salaries. Meanwhile, Republicans have passed a universal school voucher program that uses taxpayer money to pay for kids to attend private schools. This program costs the state billions of dollars annually, which is only making the wealthy owners of these schools richer while our teachers struggle to make ends meet.Additionally, Governor DeSantis has made Florida a hostile teaching environment for many teachers and students by banning books, restricting how Black history is taught in our schools, and passing anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Emily knows that the people of House District 98 are frustrated with how Republicans have been more focused on rewriting history than investing in our kids. We need to prioritize our public schools, raise teacher pay to address the worsening teacher shortage, and create programs that help our youth feel safe and empowered – both in our schools and after school.

Every student in Florida deserves a quality education. That's why it's essential that we fully fund our public schools, increase teacher pay, and support programs that increase access to higher education opportunities for our students. Emily is committed to fighting for our public schools in Tallahassee so that every student is provided the tools they need to succeed.

Protect Public Education

Every Floridian has a right to clean air and drinking water, and it’s imperative that we protect our lands, waterways, and beaches for generations to come. Emily will champion policies that promote sustainable practices, conservation efforts, and renewable energy solutions to help ensure a brighter future for Broward, where both our environment and our economy thrive hand in hand.

Every Floridian has a right to clean air and drinking water, and it’s imperative that we protect our lands, waterways, and beaches for generations to come. Emily will champion policies that promote sustainable practices, conservation efforts, and renewable energy solutions to help ensure a brighter future for Broward, where both our environment and our economy thrive hand in hand.

Protect Our Environment

‘Florida Democrats win when women win.’Broward County native and former state legislative aide Emily Rodrigues’ bid for House District 98 now carries an endorsement from <a target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer" href="https://cawp.rutgers.edu/node/2381">Ruth’s List Florida</a>, a national organization dedicated to electing women who support abortion rights.Rodrigues’ campaign announced the endorsement in a news release noting that “Florida Democrats win when women win,” citing Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried, Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book and House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell as examples.Ruth’s List Florida confirmed the endorsement on X.“Emily’s call to public service is deeply personal as a survivor of sexual assault on her college campus,” the group wrote. “Emily is the only woman running to keep this important Democratic seat.”Rodrigues, 25, vows, if elected, to fight for abortion rights, lower insurance premiums, and affordable housing while defending public school teachers.Her&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.emilyforflorida.com/">campaign platform</a>&nbsp;also includes “Emily’s Plan,” a series of survivor-centered policies. It includes extending and ultimately eliminating statutes of limitations on sex crimes, addressing systemic backlogs of state cases and providing more institutional support to victims of all crimes across the state.During her first year at the University of Central Florida, Rodrigues was raped at a fraternity house. She <a target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nicholsonstudentmedia.com/life/one-among-many-ucf-student-shares-sexual-assault-story/article_a4b76c8e-4f7c-11ea-9a09-5bcb9a7a5b4e.html">kept the incident secret</a> for years but broke her silence after another student was similarly assaulted.She said she is “extremely honored” to have the support of Ruth’s List.“Ruth’s List is the leading political power and vanguard for Democrats in Florida, and it has been the lifeline for women in our state since 2008,” she said. “Strengthening pro-choice women to run for office is how Florida Democrats survive being in the superminority, win races across the state, and thrive for the freedom to be healthy, prosperous, and safe.”She continued, “My deep gratitude for the support Ruth’s List provides to pro-choice Democrats is shared by the sisterhood of candidates I met through the training and resources provided even before my endorsement. The financial and political uplift of Ruth’s List will allow our race to be the focus of a dominating network of pro-women advocates across the country.”The nod from Ruth’s List joins another from <a target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer" href="https://runforsomething.net/">Run For Something</a>, a Washington-based nonprofit focused on electing progressive millennial and Gen Z candidates to local office for the first or second time.Rodriguez, who worked for Miami Gardens Democratic Sen. Shevrin Jones and a nonprofit fundraising portfolio company called <a target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&amp;ai=DChcSEwjyn4rnrbWEAxXjr1oFHYHhD88YABAAGgJ2dQ&amp;ase=2&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA8sauBhB3EiwAruTRJoyHuowWkqQiyy4fkRCBma7rT_A6Bq9LB6bFSDq9YxvgqYYqkSx2QxoCaa8QAvD_BwE&amp;ohost=www.google.com&amp;cid=CAESVeD22f0EB7rF9-oo88CSQR90m3YZI8AhQUp-kKk8sffdiY9q0ujIF_3MmSCwuL1l1X6mtB3yTBHePGG-cvDFqs--WNHhwZs2keTr7fNutMD7Qp40xJg&amp;sig=AOD64_3o_eZjJf0ekr2swHq_SjwVR9fPLA&amp;q&amp;nis=4&amp;adurl&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLqIPnrbWEAxVBQTABHZ4vB4oQ0Qx6BAgFEAE">MissionWired</a> before seeking public office, faces four Democratic Primary opponents. They’re running to succeed Rep. Patricia Hawkins-Williams, who must leave office due to term limits.The candidates include retired U.S. Army veteran Keith Abel, Hawkins-Williams legislative aide Robert Moore, small business owner Shelton Pooler and Oakland Park Mayor Mitch Rosenwald.<a target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/FileStores/Web/District/DistrictMaps/large/HD_98_Large.pdf">HD 98</a> covers Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale Lakes and Oakland Park. The district leans heavily Democratic. So far, no Republican has filed to run there. <a target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer" href="https://dos.fl.gov/elections/candidates-committees/qualifying/">There’s just over a month left</a> to do so and qualify.The Primary Election is on Aug. 20, followed by the General Election on Nov. 5.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://floridapolitics.com/archives/672916-emily-rodrigues-campaign-for-hd-98-scores-ruths-list-endorsement/">Read the full article here.</a>

Broward County native and former state legislative aide Emily Rodrigues’ bid for House District 98 now carries an endorsement from Ruth’s List Florida, a national organization dedicated to electing women who support abortion rights.

Emily Rodrigues campaign for HD 98 scores Ruth’s List endorsement

As a survivor herself, Emily knows there are many barriers preventing survivors of sexual violence from getting the justice and healing they deserve. Emily's Plan is a comprehensive policy package aimed to support survivors by extending statutes of limitations for sex crimes, reducing the backlog for rape kit testing, and providing critical resources to survivors in every part of the state.Data shows that the majority of sexual assaults are not reported to the police, with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.rainn.org/statistics/criminal-justice-system">more than 2 out of 3</a> going unreported. But even for those who choose to report, the vast majority will never see their abusers facing jail time. Emily strongly believes that we must treat survivors with the care and dignity that they deserve. She knows firsthand how difficult it can be for survivors to get the support that they need — and she's dedicated to being a strong voice for victims' rights in Tallahassee so that we can improve conditions for survivors all across Florida.

As a survivor herself, Emily knows there are many barriers preventing survivors of sexual violence from getting the justice and healing they deserve. Emily's Plan is a comprehensive policy package aimed to support survivors by extending statutes of limitations for sex crimes, reducing the backlog for rape kit testing, and providing critical resources to survivors in every part of the state.

Emily’s Plan

Floridians deserve access to quality healthcare. Despite Florida having one of the highest uninsured rates in the country, lawmakers have failed to close the coverage gap. Additionally, maternal health outcomes continue to worsen in our state, which disparately impacts Black mothers. Emily wants to expand Medicaid coverage so working families and mothers can have access to the care they need.

Healthcare Access

Personal health care decisions should be between a woman and her doctor — not politicians. As a pro-choice woman, Emily understands the urgent need to restore reproductive rights for all Floridians so that we can decide what is best for our own bodies.GOP Extremists in the Florida Legislature have continued to chip away at Floridians' reproductive rights every session. With the 6-week abortion ban in effect, women across Florida no longer have the freedom to make personal health care decisions with their doctors — and medical providers can no longer provide their patients with proper reproductive healthcare without fear of potentially breaking the law. Although some families may have the resources needed to travel to another state for care, Emily knows this is not a viable option for most people in House District 98. As the only woman in the race, you can count on Emily to be a strong advocate for our reproductive freedoms by supporting legislation that expands access to reproductive health care and fighting against any bill that aims to restrict it.

Personal health care decisions should be between a woman and her doctor — not politicians. As a pro-choice woman, Emily understands the urgent need to restore reproductive rights for all Floridians so that we can decide what is best for our own bodies.

Reproductive Freedom

The David Hogg-backed group invests in young, progressive candidates, supporting Emily Rodrigues for Florida House District 98 with $100K investment in mail, radio, and digital ads.OAKLAND PARK, FL — Emily Rodrigues, the only Gen-Z candidate running for state office in Broward County, is proud to announce her endorsement from Leaders We Deserve, a grassroots organization committed to electing young progressives to Congress and State Legislatures across the nation."Leaders We Deserve is a gamechanger in politics, and we’re taking their investment to the finish line," said Emily Rodrigues. "I’m deeply grateful to David Hogg and Kevin Lata for recognizing the strength of our campaign and trusting that we have what it takes to win. As a young person who has been personally inspired by the work they’ve accomplished in the past few years, it’s an honor to have their support.”Leaders We Deserve was founded by David Hogg, Co-Founder of March for Our Lives, and Kevin Lata, former Campaign Manager to Congressman Maxwell Frost’s 2022 campaign, to support young progressive candidates who face systemic barriers in the political arena. The organization identifies and supports candidates who have the potential to make significant impacts in their states, providing them with essential resources and campaign tools.&nbsp;David Hogg, Co-Founder of Leaders We Deserve, remarked, "Emily Rodrigues embodies the courage and determination that our generation needs in leadership. Her commitment to fighting for her community and advancing a progressive agenda is exactly why we are proud to support her campaign. Emily represents the future of American politics, and we are thrilled to stand by her side. It’s more than an investment to ensure her message reaches voters across Florida House District 98; it’s a partnership built on shared values.”In closing, Emily Rodrigues added, “Our campaign has come a long way since we knocked on our first doors eight months ago. We’ve already reached thousands of voters through our weekly canvasses, phonebanks, textbanks, and postcards, and with this significant investment, we’re excited to reach so many more. This endorsement is more than just a boost for our campaign — it's a signal that young people are ready to lead and bring about real change in Florida. Together, with the support of Leaders We Deserve and our community, we will win this race and build a brighter future for Broward County."Learn more about Emily and her campaign for FL-HD 98 at<a href="https://emilyforflorida.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> </a><a href="http://EmilyForFlorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">EmilyForFlorida.com</a>. ###

The David Hogg-backed group invests in young, progressive candidates, supporting Emily Rodrigues for Florida House District 98 with $100K investment in mail, radio, and digital ads.

Emily Rodrigues Is a ‘Leader We Deserve’: Nationwide PAC Endorses First Gen-Z Broward Candidate

Floridians desperately need solutions to combat the rising costs of living. As rent and property insurance prices skyrocket while wages remain stagnant, Emily will fight to lower housing costs for Florida's hardworking families. She’s refused to take corporate donations, so we can trust her to stand up to corporate landlords that are driving up housing costs.Florida was once known as an affordable place to live where families could thrive, yet since the pandemic, housing prices have increased dramatically. Instead of addressing the housing affordability crisis, DeSantis and his allies have given tax breaks to the developers, insurance companies, and utility companies who have helped turn our state into one of the least affordable places to live in the entire nation. Throughout her life, Emily has watched the neighborhoods that she grew up in become far too expensive for residents who have lived there for decades; the issue has particularly impacted her neighbors who are seniors on fixed incomes with no alternative options.&nbsp; To ensure the economic vitality of Florida’s communities, there must be affordable housing options in place for our workers and seniors. Emily will fight to limit rate increases on costs like utilities, rent, and property insurance, and she believes in establishing private-public partnerships for employer-assisted and corporate-supported housing, which can include down payment or rental assistance, homebuyer education and counseling, and low-interest mortgages so workers can live in the communities that employs them.

Floridians desperately need solutions to combat the rising costs of living. As rent and property insurance prices skyrocket while wages remain stagnant, Emily will fight to lower housing costs for Florida's hardworking families. She’s refused to take corporate donations, so we can trust her to stand up to corporate landlords that are driving up housing costs.

Housing Affordability

The youngest Florida House Democratic candidate to qualify in Broward County — and the only Latina — is mobilizing all her voters in the open Primary of Florida House District 98.&nbsp;OAKLAND PARK, FL — Emily Rodrigues, the only woman to qualify as a candidate in her race for State House, is putting the spotlight on her District. “Our campaign meets voters where they’re at, and voting rights is a concern we increasingly hear from the doorsteps of our District residents,” Emily says, going on to explain: “Broward Democrats are fighting to save the vote. Long-time voters in my cities are struggling to keep up with our state’s continually shifting election code. Thankfully, there’s reason to hope: From the Democratic Party at the county-level, down to the activated citizen making the time to volunteer, my community is making sure our voices are heard this August. We are helping re-register seniors for vote-by-mail, supporting new registrants to update their info, and equipping Floridians with resources about the voting rights that we have fought to achieve and protect.” Broward County is a Democratic stronghold and home to the party’s House Leader-Elect, Representative Christine Hunschofsky, both contributing factors to Democrats qualifying in all 120 House races across the state. The significance is not lost on the current 26-year Republican trifecta government as attacks are launched on the county’s significantly Democratic population. Bad-faith charges of voter fraud, the constraining of voter registration efforts, and mass deletions of once-active voter files have disenfranchised hundreds of thousands in Broward, reduced new registrations by nearly half, and complicated the process for requesting vote-by-mail ballots. (Man, SunSentinel, 01/24; Bousquet, SunSentinel, 06/24; NPR, 05/24; Ramos, Local10, 05/24).The election of the next State Representative for Florida House District 98 is open to all voters. Emily is creating an informed electorate for the Primary, encouraging a vote plan for everyone. &nbsp; Despite being the only pro-choice Democratic woman in her race, Emily Rodrigues’ confidence in her roots of Oakland Park and Pompano Beach, her personal local network, and her over three decades of family history in the area, position her to be a State Representative for all in the District. Three other candidates in the race, none of whom raised in the North-Central Broward community where they are currently seeking office, will also appear on the ballot.&nbsp;House District 98 now has the chance to nominate Emily Rodrigues as their new State Representative as Representative Patricia Williams completes her term. Direct and relevant experience in the Florida Legislature motivates voters to support Emily and her ability to begin working for the people on Day One of the job. Through the Office of State Senator Shevrin Jones, she developed a deep understanding of Florida’s legislative processes and constituent services, making Emily well-prepared to address the diverse needs of her community. Emily has a proven track record of securing appropriation funds for infrastructure, programs, and resources, and navigating the divisive, far-right distractions to bring positive attention, support, and respect back to her home. Her fresh energy and perspective throughout the campaign highlight her as a young, powerful force that is ready to apply that same approach to her time in office. A product of Broward’s human geography and formally trained to work in historically Black spaces through the Central Florida Urban League, Emily embodies the cultural competencies necessary to serve the community and represent her generation authentically.&nbsp;Emily’s commitment to delivering results begins by bringing her community back to the polls. As vote-by-mail ballots begin delivering in July, voters are reminded to re-register and receive their ballot by August. Early voting in Broward County begins Saturday, August 10th and remains open until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 18th. Vote by Election Day on August 20th at your polling location or by turning in your vote-by-mail ballot to the Supervisor of Elections.&nbsp;“District 98 is on the map, and the state is looking at how we’ll decide our future this August. Reproductive freedoms, civil rights and affordability are at the top of voters' minds, and I’m reassured by their readiness for a new voice of progress.&nbsp; Our campaign will continue to lead in outreach and communicate in new ways as we capture our District’s resilience for all to see.” ###

The youngest Florida House Democratic candidate to qualify in Broward County — and the only Latina — is mobilizing all her voters in the open Primary of Florida House District 98.

Emily Rodrigues, Qualified Democrat for State Representative, readies her community to GOTV

Our treatment of animals reflects our values. By enacting laws that ensure humane treatment, strengthen anti-cruelty measures, promote adoption, and crack down on illegal breeding and exploitation, Emily believes Florida can be a place where compassion extends to all living beings.

Animal Welfare

The only woman candidate in the race to succeed the terming out Representative Patricia Williams (D-Pompano Beach) joins five other Democrats for a crowded August Primary in 2024FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Emily Rodrigues, an FL-HD 98 native, files her candidacy to be the next Democratic State House Representative from Broward County.“Love for my district, and all our people, businesses, and places living here, is what brings me to today: My name is Emily Rodrigues, and I am running to be the next State Representative from Florida House District 98 encompassing Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, and my hometown of Oakland Park,” she begins. “I’m ready to bring my years of direct experience working in the Senate to be my community’s advocate in Tallahassee and be the strong, proud Democratic voice needed for our time.”On the cusp of Florida abortion right advocates securing a victory fueled by a woman’s right to choose, Rodrigues, 25, establishes herself as a fierce pro-choice defender in a state where a 6-week abortion ban passes through a DeSantis-led, Republican supermajority with ease. As Broward suffers through the five highest coverage premiums of any Florida county and their public teachers and leaders are attacked by the state, the affordability crisis in property insurance and housing, along with refunding and protecting public schools, are included in the candidate’s top priorities for this year. A fourth pillar is more personal: Emily’s Plan.Emily’s Plan is a series of survivor-centered policies designed to help Florida be more free and safer for all. Borne from Emily’s own survivor journey when she was assaulted in college and her experience navigating the victim process, Emily’s Plan seeks to extend/eliminate statutes of limitations on sex crimes, address systemic backlog of state cases, and provide more institutional support to victims of all crimes in Florida. When 1 in 3 women experience some form of assault in their lifetime, Emily believes changes to the system are overdue and her work in this space provides a framework for survivors to rise up. She has publicly shared her story as a keynote speaker and in her podcast to help raise awareness on the issue of sexual assault on college campuses, the latter of which has been used by UCF Victim Services as a resource for other victims. Emily’s Plan reflects the care and stewardship integral to her character cultivated in a dedicated career of government, nonprofits, and public service.Graduating from the University of Central Florida and now pursuing a Master’s Degree at the University of Florida, Emily contributed her abilities to the Office of Senator Shevrin Jones (D-Miami Gardens) while employed in the Florida Senate before moving to work in Democratic and nonprofit fundraising. In her time at the Florida Senate, she assisted in the passage of several bills and procurement of millions of dollars in state funding, helped resolve hundreds of constituents’ issues, and planned events for community engagement, such as food drives and civic education workshops. Currently, Emily oversees digital strategy for a number of mission-driven nonprofit and political clients. Throughout college, Emily worked at the Central Florida Urban League where she helped connect underserved communities with critical resources to improve economic stability and gained a unique perspective in how nonprofits can work alongside government entities to achieve their missions. With firsthand, accumulated experience in Florida politics and community-focused work, Emily Rodrigues boasts the acumen, drive and skillset to achieve solutions for House District 98:“Fighting for everyday Floridians who make our state great is my proudest moment. From serving as a Senate Page in high school, to interning in the Florida House and working in the Florida Senate, I have spent my entire life around the legislature. Making a difference in people’s lives through policy solutions has always been a passion of mine, and representing my district in Tallahassee has been a lifelong dream.”Learn more about Emily and her campaign for FL-HD 98 at <a href="http://emilyforflorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">EmilyForFlorida.com</a>.###

The only woman candidate in the race to succeed the terming out Representative Patricia Williams (D-Pompano Beach) joins five other Democrats for a crowded August Primary in 2024.

Emily Rodrigues Announces Candidacy for Florida House District 98

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 <a href="http://EmilyForFlorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">EmilyForFlorida.com</a>. ###

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.

Emily Rodrigues Outraises and Out-knocks All Other Candidates in Her Bid for FL House District 98

The youngest Florida House Democratic candidate to qualify in Broward County earns support from members of the Florida Legislature and prominent political groups.BROWARD COUNTY, FL — Emily Rodrigues, the youngest person and only woman to qualify as a candidate for Florida House District 98, is highlighting the votes of confidence she’s received along the campaign trail – including those of prominent Democratic, progressive, women and youth-centered organizations, as well as several elected Florida Democrats.&nbsp;“As a first-time candidate and young woman who has shared my personal story in the hopes of bringing about positive change for others, I am humbled and honored by the tremendous support my campaign has received at the local, state, and even national level,” said Rodrigues. “Representing my hometown and serving my community in the Florida Legislature is a lifelong dream of mine, and I’ve spent my career preparing for this opportunity.”&nbsp; Rodrigues, whose professional experience includes direct work in the Florida legislative process as an aide to State Senator Shevrin Jones, proudly shares the endorsements of eight Florida legislators: Senator Shevrin Jones, Representative Joe Casello, Representative Lindsay Cross, Representative Rita Harris, Representative Johanna López, Representative Angie Nixon, Representative Katherine Waldron, and Representative Felicia Robinson. “I look forward to working alongside these admirable leaders in Tallahassee to uplift Floridians into a brighter future,” said Rodrigues. “From my experience in the Legislature, I’ve learned that successful policymakers are collaborative, dynamic team players. Together, we will tackle the issues truly affecting Floridians today – such as our property insurance and housing affordability crisis, our lack of access to quality healthcare, and the restrictive bans on reproductive health care put in place by the Republican majority in Tallahassee – and I thank these representatives for recognizing my potential as an elected leader at the state level.”&nbsp; Rodrigues’ campaign also earned endorsements from an array of regional and national-level organizations representing some of the most important issues on the national stage today. In South Florida, she’s received support from SAVE Action PAC, Florida’s longest-serving LGBTQ civil rights organization, and the Broward Young Democrats, both of which mobilized with Rodrigues’ campaign team in group “Days of Action” to get out the vote in her district this past weekend. Other endorsers include Ruth’s List Florida, a group dedicated to electing Democratic pro-choice women at the state and local level in Florida, the Florida chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW), labor group Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Florida, and Florida For All, a progressive political action coalition. Her nods from national-level organizations include the Gunsense Candidate Distinction from gun violence prevention group Moms Demand Action, an endorsement from LPAC, the only organization dedicated to electing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer women and nonbinary people, and an endorsement from Run for Something, an organization which recruits and partners with young candidates for office.&nbsp; “From the start of my campaign, I’ve taken a clear stance on a variety of issues affecting Floridians today – from healthcare to housing – and have worked to communicate to my voters who I am and what I stand for,” said Rodrigues. “As someone whose career began in victims’-rights advocacy and community nonprofit work, the seal of approval from these organizations on the values and mission I stand for is so meaningful to me. With the help of this diverse coalition, I will earn the opportunity this August to represent House District 98 and work towards the progress Floridians want to see in our state.”&nbsp; Learn more about Emily and her campaign for FL-HD 98 at <a href="http://EmilyForFlorida.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">EmilyForFlorida.com</a>. ###

The youngest Florida House Democratic candidate to qualify in Broward County earns support from members of the Florida Legislature and prominent political groups.

Democratic Candidate for State Representative, Emily Rodrigues, Garners Statewide &amp; National Support

‘Emily is a true warrior who will fight with everything she’s got.’Broward County native and ex-legislative aide Emily Rodrigues’ campaign for House District 98 now has the expressed backing of her former Senate boss.Miami Gardens Democratic Sen. Shevrin Jones released an emphatic endorsement of Rodrigues, whom he hired first as a district aide and later promoted to legislative aide during his first term in the Legislature’s upper chamber.“From the beginning,” he said, Rodrigues’ “dedication to our constituents and the life of public service was clear,” and her “growth and trajectory” since has been impressive.“Emily Rodrigues is the real deal and will be an effective State Representative for District 98. She loves this state, and the state needs Emily — I could not be more proud to endorse her,” Jones said in a statement.“My District benefited firsthand from Emily’s passion and forward-thinking during the unemployment crisis when she worked tirelessly to get a record number of Floridians the support they deserved. Every community event our office hosted, Emily was there early and running it until late, from food drives to civic education workshops — I’ll always have a deep appreciation for the work she put into her role.”The endorsement from Jones, who was elected to lead the Miami-Dade Democratic Party in April, follows prior nods from Run For Something and Ruth’s List Florida.“Emily will undoubtedly be the champion for women, families and all working-class constituencies that Broward County needs in a time when it couldn’t be more critical,” Jones added.“Communities are needing smart solutions against issues like gun violence and crumbling infrastructure, and Emily’s deep understanding and care for her home District will be a source of leadership when fighting against the root causes of poverty and unemployment. And with abortion on the ballot, I know that Emily is a true warrior who will fight with everything she’s got for the freedom of women to make their own personal healthcare decisions.”In a statement, Rodrigues said she’s grateful to have the support of Jones, whom she called a mentor and “an inspiring, compassionate leader who continues to be one of Florida’s strongest Democratic voices.”“I wouldn’t be the leader I am today without Sen. Jones. As a long-time educator and advocate for Florida’s students, (he) knows the importance of electing strong leaders who will fight for our families and public schools better than anyone,” she said.“It was an honor working in his office and learning directly from him during my time at the Florida Senate, and I’m determined to use the skills, knowledge, and relationships that I gained to bring real solutions to my home District.”Rodrigues, who now works as a digital strategist for nonprofit fundraising portfolio company MissionWired, is one of four Democrats running to succeed term-limited Rep. Patricia Hawkins-Williams.Primary voters will choose between Rodrigues and U.S. Army veteran Keith Abel, small-business owner Shelton Pooler&nbsp;and Oakland Park Mayor Mitch Rosenwald.There are no Republicans in the race. Whoever secures the most votes by the time polls close on Aug. 20 will win outright.HD 98 covers Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale Lakes and Oakland Park.<a href="https://floridapolitics.com/archives/682329-the-real-deal-shevrin-jones-backs-former-aide-emily-rodrigues-for-hd-98/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Read the full article here.</a>

‘Emily is a true warrior who will fight with everything she’s got.’ Broward County native and ex-legislative aide Emily Rodrigues’ campaign for House District 98 now has the expressed backing of her former Senate boss.

‘The real deal’: Shevrin Jones backs former aide Emily Rodrigues for HD 98

She vows to fight for abortion rights, lower insurance premiums, affordable housing, public school teachers and improving justice for survivors.Emily Rodrigues, a Broward native and former Senate legislative aide, is running to succeed term-limited Rep. Patricia Hawkins-Williams in House District 98.So far, she’s the only woman in the contest.“Love for my district, and all of our people, businesses, and places living here, is what brings me to today,” Rodrigues said in a statement. “I’m ready to bring my years of direct experience working in the Senate to be my community’s advocate in Tallahassee and be the strong, proud Democratic voice needed for our time.”Rodrigues, a 25-year-old Broward County native, vows to fight for abortion rights, lower insurance premiums and affordable housing while defending public school teachers.Her <a target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.emilyforflorida.com/">campaign platform</a> also includes “Emily’s Plan,” a series of survivor-centered policies. It includes extending and ultimately eliminating statutes of limitations on sex crimes, addressing systemic backlogs of state cases and providing more institutional support to victims of all crimes across the state.One in three women experience some form of assault in their lifetime, according to the <a target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.who.int/news/item/09-03-2021-devastatingly-pervasive-1-in-3-women-globally-experience-violence">World Health Organization</a>, and Rodrigues is among them.She’s shared her story as a keynote speaker and in a podcast to help bring awareness to the issue of sexual assault on college campuses. During her freshman year at the University of Central Florida, Rodrigues was raped at a fraternity house. She <a target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nicholsonstudentmedia.com/life/one-among-many-ucf-student-shares-sexual-assault-story/article_a4b76c8e-4f7c-11ea-9a09-5bcb9a7a5b4e.html">kept the incident secret</a> for years, but broke her silence after another student was similarly assaulted.“Emily’s Plan reflects the care and stewardship integral to her character cultivated in a dedicated career of government, nonprofit and public service,” a press note for her campaign said.Rodrigues earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and is pursuing a master’s degree in political communication from the University of Florida. Her political work includes serving as a legislative aide to Miami Gardens Democratic Sen. Shevrin Jones and digital strategist for <a target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&amp;ai=DChcSEwjyn4rnrbWEAxXjr1oFHYHhD88YABAAGgJ2dQ&amp;ase=2&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA8sauBhB3EiwAruTRJoyHuowWkqQiyy4fkRCBma7rT_A6Bq9LB6bFSDq9YxvgqYYqkSx2QxoCaa8QAvD_BwE&amp;ohost=www.google.com&amp;cid=CAESVeD22f0EB7rF9-oo88CSQR90m3YZI8AhQUp-kKk8sffdiY9q0ujIF_3MmSCwuL1l1X6mtB3yTBHePGG-cvDFqs--WNHhwZs2keTr7fNutMD7Qp40xJg&amp;sig=AOD64_3o_eZjJf0ekr2swHq_SjwVR9fPLA&amp;q&amp;nis=4&amp;adurl&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLqIPnrbWEAxVBQTABHZ4vB4oQ0Qx6BAgFEAE">MissionWired</a>, a nonprofit and Democratic fundraising portfolio company.For now, the race for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="external noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/FileStores/Web/District/DistrictMaps/large/HD_98_Large.pdf">HD 98</a>&nbsp;— which covers Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale Lakes, Oakland Park — is exclusively Democratic. Others competing to succeed Hawkins-Williams include retired U.S. Army veteran&nbsp;Keith Abel, former Oakland Park government worker&nbsp;Steven Meza, Hawkins-Williams legislative aide&nbsp;Robert Moore, small business owner&nbsp;Shelton Pooler&nbsp;and Oakland Park Mayor&nbsp;Mitch Rosenwald, who <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://floridapolitics.com/archives/659994-oakland-park-mayor-enters-crowded-democratic-primary-fray-for-hd-98/">filed to run</a> the same day as Rodrigues.The Primary Election is on Aug. 20, followed by the General Election on Nov. 5.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://floridapolitics.com/archives/660000-emily-rodrigues-runs-to-succeed-patricia-hawkins-williams-in-democratic-primary-for-hd-98/">Read the full article here.</a>

She vows to fight for abortion rights, lower insurance premiums, affordable housing, public school teachers and improving justice for survivors.

Emily Rodrigues runs to succeed Patricia Hawkins-Williams in Democratic Primary for HD 98

Our criminal justice system should treat all Floridians equally. In Florida, when Black people make up only 16% of our state's population but 46% of our incarcerated population, it's clear that reform is needed. We must support policies that ensure fair treatment of all people, remove barriers to reentry, and increase government transparency and accountability.For far too long, Florida has used incarceration as the solution to issues like poverty, mental illness, and addiction. Black and Brown folks are often given longer, harsher sentences than White folks in our state, and as a result, they often must deal with higher bail amounts. Each year, thousands of people sit in our jails simply because they are unable to post bail, while wealthier, more privileged folks can be at home. Emily believes that the racial disparities seen in Florida's criminal justice system must urgently be addressed and our cash bail system needs progressive reforms. Additionally, we must incentivize and reward good behavior, offer more educational and skills training programs, and provide more support upon release so that we can help reduce an individual's likelihood of re-offending.

Our criminal justice system should treat all Floridians equally. In Florida, when Black people make up only 16% of our state's population but 46% of our incarcerated population, it's clear that reform is needed. We must support policies that ensure fair treatment of all people, remove barriers to reentry, and increase government transparency and accountability.

Criminal Justice Reform

Emily Rodrigues, Democrat for Florida State House District 98