Ruth's List Florida Endorses 5 More Democratic Women, Touts Gregory's Upset as Winning Model

Energized by what it calls a blueprint victory, Ruth's List Florida this week endorsed five more Democratic women running for local offices across the state, growing its 2025 endorsement roster to 21 candidates.

The organization — which recruits, trains and funds Democratic women who support abortion rights — pointed to Emily Gregory's win last month in a special election for Florida House District 87 as evidence its early-investment strategy can crack competitive territory. Gregory won by 2.3 percentage points in a district that includes President Donald Trump's home turf, according to state records. Ruth's List backed her ahead of the race and contributed $500 to her campaign, though the organization's direct financial contribution does not capture the full scope of its staff, advertising and phone-banking support.

The five newly endorsed candidates are Lee County School Board member Debbie Jordan, the only Democrat on her board; Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers, the only Black member of her commission; Alachua County School Board member Sarah Rockwell, a lifelong educator seeking re-election; St. Petersburg City Council member Lissett Hanewicz, who made history in 2021 as the first Hispanic member of that council; and Kissimmee City Commission candidate Angela Eady, a four-time Ruth's List endorsee.

None of the five are from the Treasure Coast, but the organization's expanding footprint across Florida school boards, city councils and county commissions reflects a strategy with direct implications for local races in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties, where contested nonpartisan seats frequently turn on small margins and early organizational support.

The organization announced five additional endorsements in February, including candidates in Osceola County, Sarasota, Lee County and Gulfport.

Gregory's victory followed Democratic wins for a state Senate seat and the Boca Raton mayoralty in the same month — the first Democratic mayor in that city in more than 45 years, according to public records.

"Emily Gregory's victory is the perfect example of what happens when women stand up, fight together for pro-choice values, and Ruth's List leans in early with the support candidates need to win," Christina Diamond, CEO of Ruth's List Florida, said in a statement.

Between the November 2024 election and New Year's Eve, the organization raised approximately $633,000 and spent roughly $611,000, according to data from the Florida Division of Elections.

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