Gwen Graham is running for Florida governor.

TAMPA – Citing her commitment to restoring public schools, expanding affordable health care and protecting women’s rights, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor today (July 27) endorsed Democrat Gwen Graham for governor.

“After 20 years of one-party Republican rule in Tallahassee, Florida desperately needs a leader who will put people first. Our public schools are being starved, our environment neglected and our health-care rights are under attack,” Castor said. “Gwen Graham understands the challenges Florida families face day in and out as a mother, former public school official and having represented our state in Congress. She will use her experience to restore our promise to students, defend our clean air and water, and stand up for affordable health care.”

Before her 2006 election to Congress, Castor served four years on Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners, where her primary focus was health care and protecting seniors. As a member of the Health Subcommittee in Congress, she has earned recognition as a leader in health care for Florida families. Castor, a Democrat, now represents Florida’s 14th Congressional in the U.S. House of Representatives. CD 14 includes part of Hillsborough County.

“Serving together, I saw Gwen stand up to defend the Affordable Care Act every single time Republicans tried to repeal it. Unlike Rick Scott and Pam Bondi, Gov. Gwen Graham will fight to protect coverage for pre-existing conditions. She will direct the state to assume the federal government’s role in ACA [Affordable Care Act] outreach, protecting Floridians from Donald Trump’s cuts. And Gwen will ensure better health outcomes for seniors,” Castor said.

The congresswoman is the third Castor to endorse Graham, following her mother, former Education Commissioner Betty Castor, and her sister, former state Rep. Karen Castor-Dentel, who have both helped Graham gain support from educators across the I-4 corridor.

“Congresswoman Castor has dedicated her life to serving the Tampa Bay area and the state of Florida. I was proud to work with her to protect affordable health care, restore Florida’s natural treasures and protect women’s rights. And I am honored to have her support in this race,” Graham said. “Together, we will work to strengthen the Affordable Care Act for Floridians and expand health care for families across our state.”

Graham is one of several Democrats running for governor. The primary election is Aug. 28. The general election is Nov. 6. Voters have until Monday (July 30) to register to vote in the Aug. 28 election or to change their party affiliation.

For information about Graham, go to gwengraham.com.

Photo shows Gwen Graham, left, and U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor. Courtesy of the Graham campaign.

Gwen Graham | Kathy Castor | Politics | Elections | Tampabay News

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