Florida State Rep. Omari Hardy (D-88) has announced his "Bold Progressive" congressional candidacy in the special election in the heavily Democratic 20th congressional district 20 to replace the late Rep. Alcee Hastings.
The "unapologetic progressive" Hardy, who says he lost his home in "Th Great Recession," embraces the Green New Deal and Social Justice issues championed by Democratic Socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D).
"Fighting for housing as a right. Basic income as right. Health care as a right. The Green New Deal and Social Justice isn’t imitating AOC, it’s responding to what I see," states Rep. Hardy in his vide0.
Hardy is clearly trying to win over the Progressive base of the Democratic Party, asserting that he is the"Bold progressive voice that working-class people in this country need."
Hardy has a proven record of being an outspoken progressive, as he has already advocated for movements such as canceling rent and was an outspoken opponent of the recently passed HB 1 that he called "problematic."
Hardy's campaign efforts have been well-received by fellow progressives, as fellow Democrat State Rep. Ana Eskamani (D-49) retweeted his announcement earlier in the day.
DAMNNN!!! Rep. @OmariJHardy is making moves! https://t.co/IO3aNLxb7J
— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) April 28, 2021
Hardy feels that his diverse background of being a young black educator with two mothers will only complement the honor of Hastings, and by playing up his progressive bona fides, Democrats could see him as the next AOC-style candidate who will push the ongoing progressive agenda being put forth by "The Squad" in the House of Representatives and the Biden administration.
Hardy joins fellow Florida state legislators, Sen. Perry Thurston and Rep, Bobby Dubose, and Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness in the Democratic congressional primary race for Hastings seat.
