Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly announced that he has been endorsed by the Florida AFL-CIO and the Florida Education Association for Florida governor through posts on social media this week.
"Florida’s workers keep our state moving. I’m proud to have the support of the Florida AFL-CIO and the working families they represent across our state," Jolly wrote. "Gwen [Graham] and I are building a campaign focused on affordability, stronger wages, safer workplaces, and an economy that works for everyone. It’s time Florida had leadership that respects labor and stands with the people who make this state run."
The Florida AFL-CIO, a part of the national AFL-CIO, is a state labor federation with over 500 unions and one million members. The federation, which lobbies for better wages, working conditions, and healthcare for working families, also endorsed Jose Javier Rodriguez for Florida attorney general last month.
Jolly also thanked the Florida Education Association for its endorsement.
"Florida’s teachers and education professionals dedicate their lives to our children and the future of our state. I’m proud to have the support of the Florida Education Association," Jolly wrote. "Gwen [Graham] and I believe in strengthening neighborhood public schools, supporting educators, and making sure every student in Florida has the opportunity to succeed."
The Florida Education Association (FEA) is the state's largest single labor federation representing teachers and education workers. The FEA, founded in 1886, has over 150,000 members.
Jolly has also been endorsed by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Sen. Brian Nathan (D-Tampa), Rep. Emily Gregory (D-Jupiter), and Sen. Shevrin "Shev" Jones (D-Miami Gardens) in the governor's race.
A former Republican congressman, Jolly announced Gwen Graham as his running mate earlier this month. Jolly is the presumptive Democratic nominee after Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, his main challenger, suspended his gubernatorial campaign after being was diagnosed with prostate cancer on June 5.
