An Ecuadorian immigrant who served one term as a Florida congresswoman has been tapped by Democrats to challenge Senator Rick Scott, R-Fla., in the 2024 general election.
Former U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell was chosen by the Democratic Party to run against the incumbent Republican senator from Florida.
Democrats are looking to bolster their razor-thin majority in the U.S. Senate by flipping some Senate seats into the blue column.
“My name is Debbie Mucarsel-Powell,” the former congresswoman declared in a post to her X account. “I’m an immigrant, a Latina, and a mother.”
“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.”
Previously, Mucarsel-Powell represented the Miami area in Congress from 2019 to 2021 before she lost that seat to Republican Rep. Carlos Gimenez.
Despite Florida’s noticeable shift to the right in the 2022 midterm elections, Mucarsel-Powell believes she can make a case for the Democrats’ viability in the state, according to a report from The Epoch Times.
National Democratic figures, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), have reportedly been instrumental in encouraging Mucarsel-Powell to run.
“I’ve been hearing from a lot of Florida families and they are ready for new leadership, for a change,” said Mucarsel-Powell in an interview with Politico.
The Politico report noted the Ecuadorian native lashed out at Scott as a “complete fraud” who has “failed Floridians.”
“I don’t make any assumptions or underestimate how difficult it is going to be,” Mucarsel-Powell added. “This is a divided country. It’s a divided state.”
“But what I have learned is that when you listen to Floridians across the state and you put their interests first, no amount of money is going to stop them from sending the right person to serve them,” said Mucarsel-Powell.
The lack of a prominent Democratic candidate in the race had party leaders searching for a strong contender to challenge Scott.
Schumer personally reached out to Mucarsel-Powell, emphasizing the importance of her candidacy in maintaining the Democrats’ slender majority in the Senate.
Democrats consider Scott as vulnerable because of his narrow victories that he won in midterm elections. Turnout is lower than in general elections like the 2024 contest.
He was also roundly criticized for his Rescue America Plan that would have required all Americans to pay income tax. His plan also called for all legislation, including Social Security, to have five year sunsets.
Scott wound up backtracking his proposal and has insisted he would never support getting rid of Social Security, the Politico report noted.
“We’d like to welcome yet another failed congressional candidate to the crowded Democrat primary,” said Priscilla Ivasco, Scott’s communications director, in a statement.
Mucarsel-Powell has received endorsements from Democratic-affiliated groups, such as the UnidosUS Action Fund.
“UnidosUS Action Fund enthusiastically welcomes Congresswoman Debbie Murcarsel-Powell’s consideration to run for the U.S. Senate in Florida against incumbent Rick Scott,” it said in a statement.
“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.”
Historically, Florida was known as a swing state, with both Democrats and Republicans having a fair shot at winning. The state has recently leaned more towards the GOP, with significant support for figures like President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis.
DeSantis secured his 2022 reelection with a margin of over 19 points, a remarkable feat in Florida’s political landscape. The GOP also managed to flip traditionally Democratic strongholds, such as Miami-Dade County.
In her campaign advertisement, Mucarsel-Powell emphasizes her unique position as the first South American immigrant elected to Congress.
She also highlights her support for abortion rights and gun control while criticizing Scott’s “Rescue America” plan, which she claims would cut Medicare and Social Security.
“I wrote the bill to expand Medicare, not take it away,” she stated. “Because I know my mom and so many others depend on it.”
Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.
