Although some in the Democratic Party (and mainstream media) establishment aren’t giving first-time candidate Eric Lynn much of a chance in his battle for the CD 13 seat against Charlie Crist in the Democratic primary next year, that sentiment hasn’t reached the grassroots of the party.
On Tuesday, the Lynn campaign announced the endorsements of Gulfport Mayor Sam Henderson and Kenneth City Mayor Wanda Dudley.
“I am pleased to endorse Eric Lynn,” said Henderson. “His leadership on the environment, women’s health, and his work with our nation’s veteran’s at the Pentagon demonstrated a strength of character that we need in Congress.. As we look ahead to dealing with issues like protecting the environment here in Panels and around the country, Eric is the only candidate who will give this district the representation it deserves.”
In a statement issued by the Lynn campaign, Dudley says her support for Lynn is based on his support for teachers and improving education and her view that he represents the values of Pinellas teachers and families.
Earlier, Lynn received the endorsement from Pinellas County’s biggest mayor, St. Petersburg’s Rick Kriseman.
“I am honored to have the support of Mayors Henderson and Dudley, who are passionate leaders in our district, ” says Lynn. “I’ve spent the last six months sharing my vision with Democratic leaders, voters, and activists across the county. Mayors know the issues that are important to Pinellas families, and I am confident that, with their help, I will be an effective representative in Congress.”
the 37-year-old Lynn’s endorsements are a byproduct of the work he’s put in since declaring his candidacy this spring, back when David Jolly appeared poised to run for reelection in the Pinellas-based congressional district.
That all changed in July, of course, when the Florida Supreme Court ruled that CD 13 was one of eight that needed to be redrawn because they were created in violation of the Fair District amendments in the Florida Constitution. The newly created district (yet to be officially redrawn as it waits a state Supreme Court review) makes the it heavily Democratic-leaning, hence the inclusion of one Charlie Crist in the race.
Crist officially entered the race two weeks ago. He’s received the endorsements of former state Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and St. Pete City Council member Darden Rice.
