At one point rumored to be pursuing a gubernatorial run against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R), Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (D) has embarked on a different path ahead of the 2024 midterm elections. Eskamani announced that she would be expanding her political activism organization, People Power for Florida, by hiring nine new paid staffers. The new hires include seven student activist fellows from universities and colleges.
Admitting that they “are committed to transformational change in Florida that puts the power into the hands of the people,” People Power for Florida was initially a political committee that supported Eskamani’s congressional campaigns. However, last week, Eskamani announced that it would become a statewide progressive activism committee.
In a statement, she explained that “we want to put that energy in motion when it comes to redefining the electorate,” adding that “one of my biggest criticisms has been how as Democrats we only operate on a two-year cycle, and I really see this going beyond 2022.”
To do so, the new hires will assist in targeting potential voters ranging between the ages of 18 and 35, which have lower registration and voter turnout rates.
In a news release, People Power informed that they are “more than a name.” “Our greatest strength is the volunteers who share our vision for a multi-class, multi-racial, and multi-generational coalition that leaves no one behind,” said Gabrielle Alcantara-Anderson, one of the new hires who will serve as the organizing director.
Raymer Maguire, who will join as the operations director, added that “Republican leaders have made it as hard as they can for everyday Floridians to register their peers to vote.” As a result, “we are providing the resources and training needed to make it as easy as possible for everyday people and local advocacy groups to register voters.”
