Former Democratic State Sen. Annette Taddeo announced endorsements from Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava in her race for Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on social media this week.
“For too long, homeowners have watched their insurance costs climb while Tallahassee has failed to provide the oversight and accountability they deserve," Demings said. "Annette Taddeo has never been afraid to ask tough questions, challenge powerful interests, and stand up for working families. I am proud to endorse her campaign."
Demings has been the mayor of Orange County since 2018. He was also a Democratic nominee for governor before suspending his campaign in June after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Taddeo announced her run for CFO in June. She previously served District 40 covering a portion of Miami-Dade County from 2017 to 2022.
"Florida families are getting crushed. Your homeowner's insurance bill doubled, then tripled, and the politicians in Tallahassee, they turned a blind eye or made it worse," Taddeo said in her video launch.
In addition, Taddeo was Charlie Crist's running mate, then a Democrat, in the 2014 Florida gubernatorial election. Taddeo was also the Democratic candidate against U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salzar (R-FL) in Florida's 27th congressional district in 2022 before losing by about 15 points.
“I’ve known Annette Taddeo for many years, and I’ve always admired her willingness to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult," Levine Cava said. "She has always been an independent voice, a tireless advocate for Floridians, and someone who follows through on her commitments…and I’m proud to endorse her for CFO.”
Levine Cava has been mayor of Miami-Dade County since 2020. She also served on the Miami-Dade County Commission from 2014 to 2020.
Taddeo is in a Democratic primary for CFO against Earle Ford. Republican candidates include current CFO Blaise Ingoglia, who Taddeo called "unelected" in her campaign announcement, and Frank Collige.
CFO Ingoglia was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in December 2025.
"The CFO is supposed to protect consumers and oversee insurance companies. Blaise Ingoglia, the unelected CFO, who should always be our watchdog, isn't just ignoring the problem, he is the problem," Taddeo said.
The primary is Aug. 18, with the general election on Nov. 3.
