Laughter is the best medicine…
As a progressive Democrat running for Florida State Senate, District 33, a historically DEEP RED District, I am committed to fighting for the rights and well-being of all Floridians. My campaign is rooted in the values of fairness, equality, and justice. I am driven by the belief that we can create a better future for everyone by addressing economic inequality, protecting human rights, and taking bold action on climate change.
I began this journey to build a better future for District 33, as a lifelong resident of this incredible community, in 2022.
I was raised in a large Italian family, where love, laughter, and (clearly) food were the pillars that held us together. My grandparents, some of whom immigrated directly from Italy, brought with them the rich traditions and strong work ethic that define the Italian spirit. Growing up, our family gatherings were filled with lively conversations, the aroma of homemade lagsana, and the joyful celebration of shared moments.
In those cherished moments, my Popi, a man of few words but immense wisdom, would always impart upon me one crucial piece of advice: "Get a good job with a good company, and they'll take care of you." Those words became ingrained in my being, shaping my aspirations and driving me towards the path of service to others.
Today, as I sit here, seeking your support, I am reminded of the significance of those words. Even though "Good jobs with good companies" are almost non-existent these days, these words speak to the values that guide my commitment to public service: loyalty, dedication, and the belief in the power of community. I am committed to fighting for the well-being of each and every one of you, just as my family fought to create a better future for themselves and for generations to come.
The lessons learned from my Italian heritage, the love of family, and the unwavering pursuit of a good life, instilled in me the understanding that we are stronger when we work together. It is this belief that fuels my desire to bring positive change to our community, to ensure that every individual has an equal opportunity to thrive, and to build a future where no one is left behind.
Throughout my life, I've been fortunate to have diverse experiences that have shaped me into the candidate I am today. I've worked hard in various blue-collar jobs, getting my hands dirty and my boots worn. that taught me discipline, responsibility, and the value of hard work. As a truck driver, spending long hours on the road has taught me the importance of perseverance and the determination to see a task through to the end.
But my journey doesn't end there. For the past 15 years, I've also been deeply involved in our vibrant nightlife scene, working tirelessly in the music, comedy, and entertainment industry. Through my work, I've had the privilege of interacting with people from all walks of life, from the musicians and comedians on stage to the dedicated crew behind the scenes. This experience has granted me a unique perspective and an understanding of the diverse voices that make up our community. I've seen firsthand the power of the arts in bringing people together, transcending barriers, and fostering a sense of unity.
In the spirit of transparency and authenticity, now I would like to share a rather personal chapter of my life that has helped shaped my perspective and deepened my commitment to serving our community.
In my early twenties, I was blessed with a beautiful family—my loving wife and three incredible children. Our home was filled with laughter, support, and the joys of everyday life. However, life has a way of presenting us with unexpected turns, testing our resolve and resilience.
In our case, it was a combination of constant "once-in-a-lifetime" financial crises' and the unexpected migration of her family up north that brought us to the crossroads of a difficult decision. Rather than letting our challenges define us, my wife and I chose to navigate this period with compassion, empathy, and respect for one another. We arrived at the mutual understanding that an amicable divorce was the best way forward for our family's well-being.
During that time, I learned valuable lessons about the strength of character and the importance of maintaining healthy relationships, even in the face of adversity. Our children remained our priority, and we were determined to provide them with stability, love, and the support they needed to thrive.
This experience reinforced my belief in the power of effective communication, compromise, and finding common ground even when circumstances seem insurmountable. It taught me the importance of embracing change, adapting to new situations, and approaching life's challenges with a positive outlook.
Through my own journey, I have come to appreciate the diverse circumstances that shape the lives of individuals in our community. It is this understanding that fuels my dedication to creating an environment that fosters growth, opportunity, and equal access to resources for all.
Today, I stand here not as someone who has merely observed life from a distance in an ivory tower, but as a person who has experienced both the heights of joy and the depths of difficult decisions. I carry the values of empathy, compassion, and resilience with me, knowing that they are essential to building a better future for all of us
I understand the struggles and aspirations of the everyday Floridian. I've experienced firsthand the trials and tribulations that many of you have faced. I personally know what it's like to endure homelessness, living out of my car for months, desperately seeking a roof over my head. I understand the frustration of raising a family while grappling with the challenges of trying to live paycheck to paycheck. I've felt the sting of sudden job loss, where paychecks vanished and uncertainty clouded the future. And like many of you, I've witnessed how the rich manipulate the economy in order to gobble up more of the market share, leaving ordinary Americans to bear the brunt of their greed.
I stand before you today to say, enough is enough! We will no longer allow our fellow Floridians to suffer in silence. It's time to rise together and create change. As your State Senator, I will fight for you, fight for your families, and fight for a brighter future.
Again, I am a working-class individual running a grassroots campaign, and I am dedicated to representing the voices of everyday people. I believe in transparent, accountable governance that prioritizes the needs of the community over corporate interests. If elected, I promise to listen, engage, and work tirelessly to bring about positive change. I am passionate about creating a Florida where everyone can thrive, and I am eager to collaborate with organizations and individuals who share this vision.
ANY AMOUNT HELPS, in this fight to save democracy. Donate to my campaign here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/proia24
Thank you for your support!