Democrats choose former Congresswoman to challenge Sen. Rick Scott.

Former U.S. ‌Rep.‌ Debbie ⁣Mucarsel-Powell ⁣(D-Fla.) is set to challenge Florida’s incumbent Republican Sen. Rick Scott in 2024, as ⁣Democrats aim to strengthen ‍their hold on the Senate.

With her⁣ official entry into the race on Tuesday, ⁣the former congresswoman took​ to social media to announce​ her campaign.

“My name is Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. I’m an immigrant, a Latina, and a mother,” she wrote in‍ a post⁣ on X, formerly Twitter.

“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.”

Ms. ​Mucarsel-Powell ⁤served one term ⁣in‍ Congress from 2019 to 2021, ⁤representing the ⁢Miami area, before ​losing her seat to Republican Rep. ⁣Carlos ​Gimenez.

Despite Florida shifting further to the right in the ‌2022⁣ midterm elections, ‌the Ecuadorian immigrant is determined to prove ⁤that the state is still winnable for Democrats.

Democrats ⁤on the Hunt

The‌ announcement of Ms. Mucarsel-Powell’s candidacy follows a‌ push from national Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), ⁢to⁤ convince her to run, according to Politico.

Party leaders were actively seeking ‌a viable challenger to⁢ Mr. Scott,⁤ as the absence of an ⁤established, well-known candidate posed ⁢a ‌challenge ‍for Democrats in the race.

Mr. Schumer personally ​reached out to Ms. Mucarsel-Powell to urge her to enter the ⁣race and help ‌Democrats ‌maintain their slim majority in the Senate.

Various Democrat-aligned groups, including UnidosUS Action Fund, a Latino ‍advocacy group, have expressed ​their support⁢ for Ms.‍ Mucarsel-Powell’s ⁤candidacy‍ in recent weeks.

“UnidosUS Action Fund enthusiastically welcomes Congresswoman ‍Debbie Murcarsel-Powell’s consideration to run for​ the U.S. Senate in⁢ Florida⁤ against incumbent Rick Scott,” the group wrote in an open letter to⁢ Sen. Gary⁤ Peters (D-Mich.), chair of the Senate Democratic Senatorial Committee.

“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,” the letter adds.

Other declared candidates in the ‌race include Democratic ⁢Navy veteran Phil Ehr, ‌former Rep. ⁢Alan Grayson, ‍and Florida State House Minority Leader⁢ Fentrice Driskell.

Breaking GOP Stronghold

For many years, Florida was considered‍ a swing state, with candidates from both ​sides ⁢having a‍ chance⁣ at victory. The state played⁢ a ​crucial ​role in ⁢electing President Barack Obama twice.

However, in recent years, Florida has ⁣shifted firmly to the right, with overwhelming support for GOP candidates like President Donald‌ Trump and Gov.⁢ Ron DeSantis.

In the last election, Florida ​experienced a “red ‍tsunami,” as​ Mr. DeSantis won his reelection bid by a ⁣significant margin and Republicans made gains in traditionally ​Democratic strongholds.

Despite these challenges, Ms. Mucarsel-Powell believes she is the right candidate‌ to secure ⁤a⁤ critical​ win for Democrats in both Florida and the Senate.

In her first‍ campaign⁣ ad, she highlights her previous⁢ victories against candidates like ​Rick‌ Scott and emphasizes ⁢her support for important issues such ‌as abortion rights ​and gun ​control.

She also criticizes Mr. Scott’s “Rescue America” plan, ⁣claiming it would cut Medicare and Social Security. Although Mr. ⁣Scott revised the plan to include exemptions for these programs, ‌Ms. ‌Mucarsel-Powell‌ remains steadfast in her ​opposition.