With the rise of the Democratic Socialist of America (DSA) across the country, could local candidates in Florida be posing as independents (NPAs) to secretly get their agenda across in the November election?
That is one what one communications release is spotlighting on Joe Vinson, an NPA candidate running for Escambia County Commission in District 4. Escambia County is located on the far western part of the Florida Panhandle and not your typical socialist stronghold of Seattle or New York City.
Vinson is Development Director for the Unitarian Universalist (UUA) Church of Pensacola, which advocates for ultra-liberal policies.
The policies include (per the release):
- oppose public school chaplains
- LBGTQIA+ inclusivity and abortion access
- support trans superintendents in schools
- call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza
- urge congress to fund climate initiatives
Do those polices align with the DSA?
One could assume so. The DSA's platform includes defunding the police, getting rid of prisons, abolishing ICE, open borders, and supporting gender affirming care for minors.
Vinson is also a past member of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). He is highlighted as director of new media for Appleyard Agency and a graduate of Florida State University in 2003. He also is listed as a board member for Gulf Coast Kid's House and the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation.
Escambia County voted for President Trump with 59% of the vote in the 2024 presidential election. Escambia also voted for Gov. Ron DeSantis with 64.5% of the vote in the 2022 gubernatorial election.
While Vinson might be hiding it, one major candidate is not.
However, the illusion might be something Escambia voters should be aware of heading into the November race. Voters in other areas of the state looking at NPAs might want to double check as well.
Republican Ashlee Hofberger is running against Vinson for District 4.
The general election is Nov. 3.
