Democrats have selected an Ecuadorian immigrant who previously held a single term as a Florida congresswoman to contest Senator Rick Scott, a Republican from Florida, in the upcoming 2024 general election. The Democratic Party has designated former U.S.
Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell to compete against the current Republican senator. In an effort to strengthen their slim majority in the U.S. Senate, Democrats aim to convert a number of Senate seats to their party’s affiliation.
“My name is Debbie Mucarsel-Powell,” the former congresswoman declared in a post to her X account. “I’m an immigrant, a Latina, and a mother.”
“I’m not afraid to take on anyone who doesn’t put Florida first. That means you, Rick Scott. That’s why I’m running for U.S. Senate.”
Earlier, Mucarsel-Powell served as the representative for the Miami region in Congress between 2019 and 2021, until she was defeated by Republican Rep. Carlos Gimenez.
Despite the significant rightward trend observed in Florida during the 2022 midterm elections, Mucarsel-Powell remains confident in her ability to present a compelling argument for the Democratic Party’s relevance in the state, as per a report by The Epoch Times.
Prominent national Democratic figures, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), have reportedly played a key role in motivating Mucarsel-Powell to enter the race.
“I’ve been hearing from a lot of Florida families and they are ready for new leadership, for a change,” said Mucarsel-Powell in an interview with Politico.
The Politico report noted the Ecuadorian native lashed out at Scott as a “complete fraud” who has “failed Floridians.”
“I don’t make any assumptions or underestimate how difficult it is going to be,” Mucarsel-Powell added. “This is a divided country. It’s a divided state.”
“But what I have learned is that when you listen to Floridians across the state and you put their interests first, no amount of money is going to stop them from sending the right person to serve them,” said Mucarsel-Powell.
With the absence of a notable Democratic contender in the competition, party officials were on the hunt for a formidable candidate to contest against Scott.
Schumer personally made contact with Mucarsel-Powell, underscoring the significance of her candidacy in upholding the Democrats’ narrow majority in the Senate.
Democrats perceive Scott as susceptible due to his close wins in previous midterm elections, where turnout tends to be lower compared to general elections like the upcoming 2024 race.
He faced widespread condemnation for his Rescue America Plan, which originally mandated income tax payments from all Americans and proposed a five-year sunset clause for all legislation, including Social Security.
Scott ultimately reversed his stance on the proposal and has vehemently stated his opposition to eliminating Social Security, according to the report by Politico.
“We’d like to welcome yet another failed congressional candidate to the crowded Democrat primary,” said Priscilla Ivasco, Scott’s communications director, in a statement.
Mucarsel-Powell has received endorsements from Democratic-affiliated groups, such as the UnidosUS Action Fund.
“UnidosUS Action Fund enthusiastically welcomes Congresswoman Debbie Murcarsel-Powell’s consideration to run for the U.S. Senate in Florida against incumbent Rick Scott,” it said in a statement.
“As a proven advocate for the Latino community and a fierce defender of the values we hold dear, Congresswoman Murcarsel-Powell’s leadership is exactly what Florida needs at this time.”
In the past, Florida was recognized as a swing state, offering both Democrats and Republicans an equal chance of victory. More recently, the state has tilted further towards the GOP, garnering significant backing for figures like President Donald Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis.
DeSantis achieved a remarkable re-election in 2022, boasting a lead of more than 19 points, a notable achievement within Florida’s political landscape. The GOP also succeeded in flipping traditionally Democratic strongholds, including Miami-Dade County.
In her campaign advertisement, Mucarsel-Powell underscores her unique distinction as the first South American immigrant elected to Congress. She also spotlights her advocacy for abortion rights and gun control, while critiquing Scott’s “Rescue America” plan, which she contends would impact Medicare and Social Security negatively.
“I wrote the bill to expand Medicare, not take it away,” she stated. “Because I know my mom and so many others depend on it.”
