Greetings DailyKos!
I am pleased to share the success of an event that unfolded on February 10th at the iconic City Side Bar and Lounge in Tampa, Florida. This night was not only a fundraiser; it was a homecoming, a celebration of unity, and the perfect way to highlight our campaign's values.
The unconventional move to host a fundraiser in a gay bar—in one of Florida's only competitive state house races—was a deliberate choice. In a political landscape marked by tradition, I wanted to bring our message of authenticity, inclusivity, and progress front and center.
But the impact extends beyond this event. Running an unconventional candidate in this swing district could reshape how the Democratic Party operates in Florida. As we've seen with recent victories, the political landscape of our state is evolving. Even Republicans hold contempt for a supermajority that plays to Fox News and nothing more. Pronoun legislation, banning pride flags, and silver legal tender do not help Floridians. Yet these initiatives are what the Republican legislature is considering right now.
When rent is skyrocketing, you can’t afford worrying about culture wars. Florida voters know the difference between people who do their jobs and clowns who put on a show. Recent Democratic successes flipping the mayor’s seat in Jacksonville and a state house seat are testament to changing tides in Florida. Effort to reshape the party is seeing success, enabling a new crop of young Florida Democrats. Your support can be a driving force in continuing this momentum. Donating to our campaign is not only contributing to a singular cause; you are changing the course of Florida and influencing the nation.
Florida experienced a collapse of the Democratic Party in 2022. A failure to stand up and differentiate our leaders from the Republicans was key. It is not enough to say 'I offer the same thing as the Republicans, but smarter and less hateful.' Many voters in the 65th district came out in 2018 and 2020, but stayed home in 2022. Our campaign will be knocking on their doors to let them know a real progressive is fighting for them this year.
As a millennial living with student loan debt, as a gay man with a partner of 10 years, as an activist that registered voters in Suitcase City and on Nebraska Avenue, I'm not a typical face for the political establishment. This campaign, fueled by grassroots in an unprecedented way, is an urban campaign in Tampa worthy of our dynamic metropolis. Success in this race can change how the Florida Democratic Party approaches competition.
As we move forward, I encourage each of you to consider the impact your contribution can have on this transformative journey. In a Presidential election defined by two incumbents, downballot races will be a critical source of energy for activists and the left’s base. Let's continue to challenge norms, embrace inclusivity, and work together to create a Florida—and a nation—that represents the diversity and values we hold dear.
With deep gratitude,
Nathan Kuipers
Democrat for Florida House of Representatives, 65th District
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