Kyandra Darling’s Campaign for Florida House Unveils Over a Dozen Key Endorsements
ST. PETERSBURG— Kyandra Darling’s campaign for Florida House District 62 continues to build momentum with the announcement of her first round of individual endorsements from influential leaders across the Tampa Bay region. This follows last week’s endorsement from pro-choice political organization Ruth’s List Florida, highlighting growing support for Darling’s candidacy.
“There’s a ton of momentum behind our campaign, and this powerful coalition of endorsements is evidence,” said Darling. “People are standing with our campaign because they know what’s at stake: accessible health care, stable housing, quality education, good paying jobs, and insurance that doesn’t break the bank.”
The campaign’s initial wave of endorsements includes a diverse group of more than a dozen current and former elected officials as well as respected faith leaders:
Kathleen Beckman, Former Clearwater City Councilmember
Harry Cohen, Hillsborough County Commissioner
Gina Driscoll, City of St. Petersburg City Councilmember
Charlie Gerdes, Former City St. Petersburg Councilmember
Eric Gerard, Former City of Largo Commissioner
Pat Gerard, Former Mayor of Largo and Pinellas County Commissioner
Rev. Jana Hall-Perkins, Faith Leader
Lisset Hanewicz, City of St. Petersburg Vice Chair of City Council
Bob Henriquez, Hillsborough County Property Appraiser
Alan Johnson, Former Mayor of St. Petersburg Beach
Rick Kriseman, Former Mayor of the City of St. Petersburg
John Muhammad, Former City of St. Petersburg City Councilmember
Frank Peterman, Former State Representative
Imam Wilmore Sadiki, Faith Leader
Alex Sink, Former Chief Financial Officer of Florida
Cindy Stuart, Former Hillsborough County Clerk and Comptroller
Bishop Manuel Sykes, Faith leader
Former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman offered a glowing endorsement. "I have known Kyandra and her family for many years, and they represent what is best about St. Petersburg and the state of Florida. Kyandra cares deeply about the issues impacting the lives of everyday Floridians. She will fight to ensure that all Floridians have access to jobs that pay a living wage, meaningful healthcare, and affordable housing. She also recognizes that a safe community is a thriving community, and will work to support our first responders. I am proud to call Kyandra a friend and would be proud to call her our State Representative."
Former State Representative Frank Peterman added, “I’ve sat in the seat and I know what it takes to do the job. Kyandra is a talented leader and she has everything it takes to do the job well and deliver real results for this community. I’m proud to support her campaign.”
St. Petersburg City Councilmember Gina Driscoll noted that Darling understands local challenges. "I’ve had the privilege of knowing Kyandra for nearly a decade, and she understands our challenges because she’s been doing the work. I’m excited to have another strong ally in Tallahassee—someone who will work collaboratively to deliver real results for our community. I’m proud to support Kyandra’s campaign."
Darling’s campaign started fast, with more than $30,000 raised in the first month. She faces perennial candidate and former State Rep. Wengay Newton in the Democratic primary for this blue seat. Legislative Aide Upton Fisher has announced his intention to run, but has not yet filed.
