Janet Cruz is running for the District 18 seat in the Florida Senate.

TAMPA –  Ruth’s List Florida, the state’s only resource dedicated to recruiting and aiding Democratic women candidates, has endorsed state House Minority Leader Janet Cruz in her campaign for Florida Senate District 18, one of the most watched and competitive races in the state.

“Leader Cruz is an extraordinary advocate for Florida’s women and families,” said Pamela Goodman, Ruth’s List Florida executive director. “Her record is unblemished — supporting gender equality, women’s reproductive rights, and healthcare for all. The Ruth’s List community – now tens of thousands of members strong – is excited to support her candidacy.”

Cruz said, “I am privileged to stand with the grassroots army of strong, dedicated women built by Ruth’s List. Women all across this country are energized and making the difference by demanding and voting for candidates who support equality and fairness at work, school, and everywhere.

“My own personal story is critical to my campaign and the issues we face every day in Tallahassee.  I’ve been a single, working mom. I know what it’s like to struggle to balance work, home, and raising children on a budget. It’s tough. But like millions of other women in Florida, it made me stronger.”

Cruz is a fourth generation Tampa resident, descended from Spanish and Italian cigar makers. Cruz was elected to the State House in a February 2010 special election. In February of 2015, Cruz was unanimously elected as the Leader Designate of the House Democratic Caucus for the 2016-2018 term. She became the first Hispanic House Minority Leader. She was recognized for her legislative service by the Community Health Charities of Florida, the Florida Health Care Association, the American Cancer Society, and the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation.

Before running for office, Cruz was an optician and later the director of Optical Operations for Cigna Healthcare, as well as being active in her community as a volunteer for Paint Your Heart Out Tampa, a member of the Hillsborough Community College Alumni Foundation, and Corporate Chair of Cigna Healthcare for the United Way Campaign.

Democrat Cruz is running for the District 18 seat in the state Senate, which is currently held by Republican Dana Young. District 18 is spread from South Tampa to northwest Hillsborough County.

The election is Nov. 6.

For information about Cruz, go to janetcruz2018.com.

Janet Cruz | Dana Young | Ruth’s List | Politics | Elections | Tampabay News

#JanetCruz #DanaYoung #RuthsList #Politics #Elections #TampabayNews