After the passing of Florida Rep. Alcee Hastings (D) (pictured) after a battle with cancer, Florida’s 20th Congressional District was left vacant with potential candidates ready to assume the seat. In the six weeks since announcing his candidacy, Florida House Democratic Leader Bobby Dubose not only raised $225, 000, but he also received the endorsement of Georgia Rep. Nikema Williams (D).
In a statement, DuBose thanked all the support he has received, calling it “incredible.” “We are proving leadership in action by meeting people where they are and building trust,” he said, adding that “CD-20 deserves a leader with a heart all over the district, and this quarter has shown that people feel our heart.”
Though DuBose does face challengers like state Senator Perry Thurston (D), Rep. Omari Hardy (D), Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness (D) and Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief (D), DuBose is the only candidate with an endorsement from a sitting member of Congress.
Hastings’ district is considered safely Democratic, and the Cook Political Report’s Partisan Voter Index shows that the district leans blue by 28 percentage points.
When DuBose announced his intention to run in April of 2021, he made a distinction as to why he is the right candidate to follow Hastings.
"Part of what I call a lane for myself is I’m the only candidate that has local experience, serving in a local body and in a state body not only being effective for my constituents but to actually pass legislation," he said during an interview with the Miami Herald.
Among his top priorities as a lawmaker, DuBose mentioned raising the minimum wage and protecting First Amendment protesting rights.
