Last night’s Primary Election proved victorious for Commissioner Barbara Jordan and several other of our union-backed candidates, with victories in 18 races and a run-off in three!
Jordan, a long-time Jackson supporter, beat challenger Shirley Gibson, with 59% of the vote. Jordan’s win was a huge victory for our union, as several of our members worked on the Commissioner’s campaign through canvassing, phone banking and other volunteer activities. Jordan has been one of the most vocal and ardent supporters of our public hospital on the Miami-Dade County Commission dais and we are thrilled that she will remain in office. Thanks again to our members and staff who showed their support for a true Jackson champion!
Another victory in last night’s race was State Representative District 112 candidate Jose Javier Rodriguez, who beat challenger Alex Dominguez with 58% of the vote. Rodriguez, the son of Jackson nurse and active SEIU Local 1991 member Joyce Kerkhoff, is another strong supporter of our public hospital. Thanks to all of our members and staff who volunteered on Rodriguez’s campaign and aided in this important win! We now focus our efforts on the November elections as we gear up for a major fight for this District 112 office – a swing seat. Rodriguez will be relying on the support of our members so please get involved in upcoming opportunities to volunteer for his campaign!
Here are some other election highlights:
- Commissioner Bruno Barreiro will likely head to a runoff against our endorsed candidate Luis Garcia, former fire chief and commissioner in Miami Beach and a former state representative
- Congressional Candidate Joe Garcia beat union buster Gloria Romero Roses with 53% of the vote
- Rep. Dwight Bullard for State Senate jumped ahead at the final hour for a surprise victory with 35% of the vote (just over 1000 votes)!
- Rep. Cynthia Stafford beat challenger Bernadine Bush with 64% of the vote
To read The Miami Herald’s election results story, click here.
These important victories highlight how much success we can achieve when all of us engage in the political process and work together to elect people who will stand up for Jackson, our patients and working families! We have more work ahead of us as the November elections approach. Be sure to stay informed and get active in our COPE committee. Again, a big thanks to all of our members who volunteered in these crucial races and showed up at the polls!