One of the biggest upset victories of the 2018 midterm elections was the congressional race between Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and incumbent Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R).
This seat leans Democratic, and Curbelo has always face strong challenges, so it wasn’t a surprise that he narrowly lost his seat.
Because of the fear of a “Blue Wave,” Curbelo supporters entered election day skeptical of his chances of winning re-election.
Why wouldn’t day?
Mucarsel-Powell hit Curbelo on his NRA rating (C) and effectively tied him to Trump, even though Curbelo was not a Trump-supported member of congress.
As a matter of fact, Curbelo at times was more of a thorn in the president’s side than an ally.
Curbelo in turn hammered Mucarsel-Powell over her affiliation and friendships with several pro-Castro individuals, including Rep. Barbara Lee (D), who asked that Americans “stop and pause and mourn” Castro’s death.
Aside from her soft appearance, Mucarsel-Powell’s win may have been fueled by Hispanic women voters.
Mucarsel-Powell campaigned on woman’s agenda. Here she is photographed wearing a “Year of the Latina” campaign t-shirt.
I AM SO PROUD OF @DebbieforFL ❤️
She’s been relentless in her pursuit for positive change for the people of Florida’s Congressional District 26th! If you live in #FL26, please vote for Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. #YearoftheLatina ✨✨✨ pic.twitter.com/Rtvs5ZdYve
— Mayra Macías (@lachicamayra) November 6, 2018
Don’t be surprised if Republicans put up a female congressional candidate much like Mucarsel-Powell in the 2020 presidential election.
