State Sen. Geraldine Thompson announced Monday she will run for Congress. Flanked by family, friends and supporters, Thompson outlined the “Our Families First” agenda as she launches her bid for Florida’s 10th Congressional District as a Democrat.
The seat is currently held by GOP Speaker of the U.S. House hopeful, Daniel Webster.
Thompson’s campaign agenda includes focus on increasing the minimum wage, supporting paid sick leave and passing comprehensive immigration reform.
“I am proud to be running for Congress because we need progressive leadership in Washington, D.C., that is focused on making lives better,” Thompson said. “I’ve been a proud community advocate and legislator for decades and the results of my service are clear. For me, it’s not about talking points; it’s about getting results. I have created programs in my community, established a museum to honor our history and fought for sensible solutions that aim to make the lives of our residents a bit better.”
With nearly 10 years under her belt as a state legislator, Thompson said she hopes to take that leadership to Congress where she may be able to impact a historically gridlocked House of Representatives.
“As your next congresswoman, I will never back down from a fight and I will see every journey to the end because I value the trust our residents bestow in me to be their voice in Congress,” Thompson said. “For more than 40 years, I have been a fierce community advocate who has worked hard to give opportunity a real meaning for our families. It takes determination to get results, and as your congresswoman, I am determined to go to Congress to get results for our community.”
Thompson has served most of her life as a staunch advocate for women’s rights as well as those of children, minorities and persons with disabilities. She served six years in the Florida House of Representatives before being elected to the Florida Senate in 2012.
Thompson received her undergraduate degree from the University of Miami in 1970 and a master of science from Florida State University in 1973. She worked for the Orange County Public Schools system as a teacher and then worked for 24 years as an administrator at Valencia Community College.
Thompson has three children and grandmother of four. The Orlando lawmaker is also a cancer survivor.
