Florida
Florida Progressive Group Endorses Dayna Marie Foster for Governor, Highlighting Party Division
In a reflection that Florida progressives still aren’t comfortable with a former Republican as their standard bearer for governor this fall, the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida has endorsed educator Dayna Marie Foster for governor in the Aug. 18 primary…
Last updated:
Key points
- The Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida endorsed first-time candidate Dayna Marie Foster over former Republican Congressman David Jolly ahead of the Aug. 18 primary.
- Foster’s platform focuses on left-wing initiatives, including ending local 287(g) immigration cooperation agreements with federal authorities and banning data centers.
- The primary endorsement highlights persistent ideological splits within the Florida Democratic Party, which currently trails Republicans by 1.5 million registered voters statewide.
NewsWK — The Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida has officially backed Fort Lauderdale educator Dayna Marie Foster in the state’s upcoming Aug. 18 gubernatorial primary, highlighting an ongoing divide within the party over former Republican Congressman David Jolly.
According to a report first published by Florida Phoenix, Foster is a 32-year-old public school teacher making her first run for public office. She has raised roughly $30,000 in campaign funds while campaigning on a platform that includes banning data centers, expanding government affordable housing programs, and eliminating 287(g) immigration agreements that allow local law enforcement agencies to assist federal immigration authorities.
The progressive endorsement underscores frustration among left-leaning activists regarding Jolly, who officially registered as a Democrat in April 2023. Jolly has attempted to build a centrist coalition by choosing former North Florida Congresswoman Gwen Graham as his candidate for lieutenant governor. Democrats face significant electoral headwinds statewide, where registered Republicans currently hold a lead of more than 1.5 million voters.
Democratic Progressive Caucus President Matthew Grocholske criticized party leadership for siding with Jolly, stating the endorsement reflects voters who are “disappointed with the institutions of the Florida Democratic Party anointing a former Republican Congressman as the ‘presumptive nominee’ for Governor,” according to Florida Phoenix.
Responding to the endorsement, Foster pointed to her classroom experience as her motivation for entering statewide politics. “Working families deserve leaders who will lower the cost of living, expand healthcare, fully fund public education, protect our freedoms, and build an economy where everyone has the opportunity to succeed,” Foster told Florida Phoenix.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting by Mitch Perry originally published by Florida Phoenix. Read the original story.
