TALHASSEE, FL (WFLA) – State Legislature Fentris Driskel (D-Tampa) has launched a bid for state senators in Senate District 16 and joined the race alongside fellow state legislator Michele Rayner (D-St. Petersburg).
Raynor applied for a seat in December 2024, and Doriskel dropped her name on Friday, July 11th in her hat a few days ago.
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Driskel’s name may have floated as the governor’s potential democratic frontline, but her announcement has put those rumours aside.
“I know this is a district that needs people to stand up in the face of Florida’s affordable price crisis,” Driskell said in an interview with your side 8.
Running on a platform focused on affordability, Driskell says it prioritizes housing and healthcare relief.
“I have been honored as a Democratic leader in the Florida House of Representatives for the past four years, and this has taught me a lot about the process. “I think I’m a candidate who brings reasonable responsibility to this district but gives a strong expression.”
In addition to prioritizing funding for affordable housing, Driskell plans to fight for the expansion of Medicaid and hopes to partner with local nonprofits to address district concerns.
But leader Driskel is not alone in this race. She happens to oppose Michele Rayner, a fellow colleague state legislator who says the senator is the next step that local constituents are looking for from her.
“This is the battle I want to continue in Tallahassee. The moment we are, it’s a time of bold leadership, it’s time for people who have no attitude, it’s time for people who have done things. And for me it felt like the most natural progression.”
While at her home, Rayner was the voice to hold civil rights, food insecurity and state leadership accountable. Recently, he has filed a lawsuit over the terms of the state immigration detention site.
So far, the Republican side has submitted that Amaro Lionheart will also run. He is a recurring candidate who previously challenged both Bay Area Democrats and Republicans.
8 On your side, 8 reached for Lionheart and said he would soon share the statement.
