Dolphin Democrats

Politics in the LGBTQ+ Community

Endorsements

Announcement: First Round of Endorsements for the 2026 Election.

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Dolphin Democrats Announce the First Round of Endorsements for the 2026 Election.
The Dolphin Democrats are proud to announce the candidates endorsed by our voting membership during our Special Membership Meeting held on June 24, 2026.
More than 80 eligible voting members attended the meeting, where candidates presented their qualifications and members cast their votes following a transparent, member-driven endorsement process.
The following candidates have earned the endorsement of the Dolphin Democrats for the 2026 Primary Election:
Florida House of Representatives
District 98: Mitch Rosenwald (Primary Election)
District 100: Michael Ferguson (General Election)
District 101: Todd Delmay (General Election)
District 102: No Endorsement
Broward County Commission
District 6: Caryl Shuham (Primary Election)
Broward County School Board
District 4: Nicole Morst (Primary Election)
District 6: Roberto Fernández (Primary Election)
Our endorsements reflect the decisions of our members after a thorough process that included candidate questionnaires, candidate presentations, and in-person electronic voting.
We congratulate each of our endorsed candidates and thank every candidate who participated in this year’s endorsement process. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our members for taking the time to review candidate materials, attend the meeting, and cast informed votes.
The Dolphin Democrats remain committed to educating, advocating, electing, and supporting our endorsed candidates who will champion equality, opportunity, and justice for all.
Congratulations to our endorsed candidates. We look forward to working alongside them to build a stronger, more inclusive Broward County and Florida.

Endorsed Candidates to The March 11th Municipal Election

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Our members endorsed the following candidates for the Municipal Election that will take place on Tuesday, March 11th.

Endorsed candidates needed to complete the endorsement questionnaire and earn 2/3 of all the votes at the endorsement meeting. 

Congratulations to the following endorsed candidates:

Sandra Welch for the City of Coconut Creek Commission, District C

Joshua Rydell for the City of Coconut Creek Commission, District-E

Kerri-Ann Nesbeth for the City of Miramar Commission, Seat-4

Congratulations to all the endorsed candidates and thank you to all the members who attended the endorsement meeting.

2024 General Election: Endorsements & Recommendations Card

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The Dolphin Democrats Campaign Committee and the Board of Directors are honored to announce our endorsed candidates and recommendations for the upcoming General Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

The 300+ voting members of our organization determine endorsements. In races featuring two or more Democratic candidates, a candidate needed two-thirds of the vote to receive our endorsement. For races with a single Democratic candidate, a simple majority was required to win the endorsement.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all candidates who engaged in the endorsement process by submitting a comprehensive questionnaire and attending the endorsement meeting. We also express our deep appreciation to the members who participated in this critical process.

Below is the list of our endorsements and recommendations by the Dolphin Democrats and the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus:=. You can also scroll to the bottom of this post to download a printable version of our Endorsements and Recommendations Card

Presidential Ticket
Kamala Harris & Tim Walz

Federal Candidates
U.S. Senate: Debbie Mucarsel-Powell
U.S. House, District 23: Jared Moskowitz
U.S. House, District 24: Frederica Wilson
U.S. House, District 25: Debbie Wasserman-Schultz

State Candidates
State Senate, District 35: Barbara Sharief
State Senate, District 37: Jason Pizzo
State House, District 100: Jim Brenner
State House, District 103: Robin Bartleman
State House, District 105: Marie Woodson

Broward County Candidates
Broward County Sheriff: Gregory Tony
Broward Commission, District 1: Nan Rich

Municipal Candidates
Coral Springs Commission, District 5: Jose “Joe” Morera
Dania Beach Commission: Polly Ann Jones
Fort Lauderdale:
Mayor: Dean Trantalis
Commission, District 1: Norby Belz
Commission, District 2: Steven Glassman
Commission, District 4: Ben Sorensen

Hallandale Beach Mayor: Joy F. Cooper
Hollywood:
Mayor: Josh Levy
Commission, District 2: Peter Hernandez
Commission, District 6: Idelma Quintana
Lauderdale Lakes Commission, Seat 4: Paul Martin
Lauderhill:
Mayor: Lawrence Martin
Commission, Seat 2: Melissa Dunn
Commission, Seat 4: Miguelaille Pierre
Margate Commission, Seat 1: Anthony Caggiano
Margate Commission, Seat 2: Arlene Schwartz
Oakland Park Commission (Vote for 3 Candidates)
Fitz Budhoo
Aisha Gordon
Letitia Newbold
Parkland Commission: Cindy Murphy Salomone
Pembroke Pines Commission, District: Michael Hernandez
Plantation City Council, Group 5: Louis Reinstein
Pompano Beach Commission, District 4: Ed Phillips
Pompano Beach Commission, District 5: Sajan Kurian
Sunrise Mayor: Mike Ryan
Sunrise Commission, Seat A: Natalia Allen
Wilton Manors, Mayor: Scott Newton

Judicial Candidates
Circuit Judge 17th Ct. Group 18: Jessica Maureen Marra
County Court Group 10: Samuel Ford Stark

Constitutional Amendments
Vote YES on 3 & 4
Vote NO on 1, 2, 5 & 6

Broward County Referendums
Vote YES on 1 & 2

TO DONATE TO OUR GOTV FUND – USE THIS LINK

 

Important Dates:
Last Day to Register to Vote: October 7, 2024 

Use this link to Register to Vote: https://registertovoteflorida.gov/home

Last Day to request a Vote-By-Mail Ballot: October 24, 2024
Use this link to request a Vote-By-Mail ballot: https://www.browardvotes.gov/Voter-Information/Vote-By-Mail-Voting

Early Voting: Monday, October 21 – Sunday, November 3 – 7:00am – 7:00pm

Use this link to find Early Voting Locations: https://www.browardvotes.gov/Voting-Methods/Early-Voting-Dates-Hours-and-Sites

Use this link to find your Election Day Precinct: https://www.browardvotes.gov/Voter-Information/Precinct-Finder

Use this link to download your Sample Ballot: https://www.browardvotes.gov/Voter-Information/Voter-Lookup-Free-Access-System

Use link below to download a printable version of the Endorsement & Recommendations Card

DD Endorsement Card _2024 General Election

 

 

Primary Election Endorsements: Aug. 20, 2024

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ENDORSEMENTS 

The Dolphin Democrats Campaign Committee and the Board of Directors are honored to announce our endorsed candidates and judicial recommendations for the upcoming election on Tuesday, August 20th.

Endorsements are determined by the voting members of our organization. In races featuring two or more Democratic candidates, a candidate must secure two-thirds of the vote to receive our endorsement. For races with a single Democratic candidate, a simple majority is required.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all candidates who engaged in the endorsement process by submitting a comprehensive questionnaire and attending the endorsement meeting. We also express our deep appreciation to the members who participated in this critical process.

Below is the list of our endorsements and recommendations:

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Endorsements: 

U.S. Senate: Debbie Mucarsel-Powell

U.S. Congress D-25: Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Dolphin Democrats Endorsements:

  • State Senate D-35: Dr. Barbara Sharief
  • State House D-98: Mitch Rosenwald
  • State House D-99: No endorsement (Incumbent candidate presented the questionnaire, but did not attend the endorsement meeting)
  • Broward County Sheriff: Steve Geller
  • Broward County Supervisor of Election: Joe Scott
  • Broward County Clerk of Courts: Charles Hall
  • Broward County Tax Collector: Abbey Ajayi
  • School Board D-1: Chris Canter
  • School Board D-2: Rebecca Thompson
  • School Board D-3: Sarah Leonardi
  • School Board D-5: Jeff Holness
  • School Board D-9: Debbi Hixon

Dolphin Democrats Judicial Recommendations:

  • 17th Judicial Circuit:
    • Group 1: Carol-Lisa Phillips
    • Group 38: Stephanie Moon
  • County Court:
    • Group 6: Kathleen Mary McHugh
    • Group 10: Samuel Ford Stark
    • Group 16: Kathleen Elaine Angione
    • Group 25: Corey Brian Friedman
    • Group 32: Emilio Benitez

Vote-by-mail ballots have been distributed. If you have not requested one, please do so through the Broward County Supervisor of Elections before the August 8th deadline. Early voting for the Primary Election will take place from August 10th to August 18th, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Election day is Tuesday, August 20th.

For any inquiries, please contact us at [email protected].

Upcoming General Election Endorsements

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The Dolphin Democrats Campaign Committee is pleased to announce the forthcoming rounds of endorsements for candidates in the General Election on November 5, 2024. To facilitate a comprehensive and inclusive endorsement process, the committee has proactively contacted Democratic candidates using the information provided in their official filing documents and supplied them with a copy of the endorsement questionnaire. Nonetheless, it remains the responsibility of each candidate to formally request the endorsement questionnaire.

Candidates who wish to seek our endorsement are invited to submit their request via email to [email protected] and [email protected] – Candidates must submit a completed questionnaire before the deadline and must attend the endorsement meeting to be able to participate.

Endorsement Meetings:

Wednesday, August 14, 2024 – 7:00 pm – In Person at The Pride Center in Wilton Manors
Deadline for candidates to submit the questionnaire: 07/31
Broward County Commission, District 1
Florida House, Districts 100, 102, 103 & 104
Fort Lauderdale, Mayor
Fort Lauderdale Commission, Districts, 1, 2, & 4

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 – 7:00 pm – In Person at The Pride Center in Wilton Manors
Deadline for candidates to submit the questionnaire: 08/04
Coral Springs Commission, District 5
Lauderdale Commission, Districts 1, 3, 4 & 5
Oakland Park Commission (3 Seats)
Parkland Commission, District 3
Pembroke Pines Commission, District 4
Plantation Council, Group 5
Pompano Beach Mayor
Pompano Beach Commission, Districts 4 & 5
Southwest Ranches Mayor
Southwest Ranches Commission, District 3
Sunrise Mayor
Sunrise Commission, Seats A & B
Wilton Manors, Mayor
Weston Commission, Seat 1

Tuesday, September 24, 2024 – 7:00 pm – In Person at The Pride Center in Wilton Manors
Deadline for candidates to submit the questionnaire: 08/09
Dania Beach, Commission (3 seats)
Hallandale Mayor
Hallandale Commission, Seats 3 & 4
Hollywood Mayor
Hollywood Commission, Districts 2 & 6
Lauderdale Lakes Mayor
Lauderdale Lakes Commission, Seats 1, 4 & 4
Margate Commission, Seats 1, 2 & 4
North Lauderdale Commission, Districts C & D
Tamarac Commission, Districts 1 & 3
West Park Commission, Districts 3 & 4

The list above is subject to change pending receipt of completed questionnaires from candidates running in those races.  Voting members will receive the completed questionnaires 10 days before the endorsement meeting. You must be a member for at least 30 days by the endorsement date to be eligible to vote.

We look forward to your participation in this important process

 

Primary Election Endorsements. August 20, 2024

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ENDORSEMENTS 

The Dolphin Democrats Campaign Committee and the Board of Directors are honored to announce our endorsed candidates and judicial recommendations for the upcoming election on Tuesday, August 20th.

Endorsements are determined by the voting members of our organization. In races featuring two or more Democratic candidates, a candidate must secure two-thirds of the vote to receive our endorsement. For races with a single Democratic candidate, a simple majority is required.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all candidates who engaged in the endorsement process by submitting a comprehensive questionnaire and attending the endorsement meeting. We also express our deep appreciation to the members who participated in this critical process.

Below is the list of our endorsements and recommendations:

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Endorsements: 

U.S. Senate: Debbie Mucarsel-Powell

U.S. Congress D-25: Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Dolphin Democrats Endorsements:

  • State Senate D-35: Dr. Barbara Sharief
  • State House D-98: Mitch Rosenwald
  • State House D-99: No endorsement (Incumbent candidate presented the questionnaire, but did not attend the endorsement meeting)
  • Broward County Sheriff: Steve Geller
  • Broward County Supervisor of Election: Joe Scott
  • Broward County Clerk of Courts: Charles Hall
  • Broward County Tax Collector: Abbey Ajayi
  • School Board D-1: Chris Canter
  • School Board D-2: Rebecca Thompson
  • School Board D-3: Sarah Leonardi
  • School Board D-5: Jeff Holness
  • School Board D-9: Debbi Hixon

Dolphin Democrats Judicial Recommendations:

  • 17th Judicial Circuit:
    • Group 1: Carol-Lisa Phillips
    • Group 38: Stephanie Moon
  • County Court:
    • Group 6: Kathleen Mary McHugh
    • Group 10: Samuel Ford Stark
    • Group 16: Kathleen Elaine Angione
    • Group 25: Corey Brian Friedman
    • Group 32: Emilio Benitez

Vote-by-mail ballots have been distributed. If you have not requested one, please do so through the Broward County Supervisor of Elections before the August 8th deadline. Early voting for the Primary Election will take place from August 10th to August 18th, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Election day is Tuesday, August 20th.

For any inquiries, please contact us at [email protected].

 

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Candidate Forum: State Senate D-35 & Tax Collector

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📣 Join us for the Dolphin Democrats Candidate Forum! State Senate D-35 & Broward County Tax Collector 🐬🎉
We invite you to come out and meet the candidates who are committed to advancing LGBTQ+ rights and equality.
🗓 Date: July 2, 2024
⏰ Check-In Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Pride Center
The State Senate D-35 is an open seat and for the first time, we will be electing someone to Tax Collector in Broward County. This will be a great opportunity to meet and hear from all the qualified candidates for both seats before our endorsement meeting. Let’s come together, get informed, and make our voices heard.
Your participation is crucial in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future.
See you there!

2024 Endorsement Process

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The Dolphin Democrats will start the 2024 Endorsement cycle at the July 8th Membership Meeting. You must be a member for at least 30 days before the endorsement meeting to be able to vote for any candidate. We encourage our members to read about the endorsement process in Article XII (pages 16-19) of our bylaws.

Here is a tentative list of all the races that we might endorse; a final list with dates will be sent to all voting members after the June 15th Candidate Qualifying deadline. Due to the large number of candidates, we will also facilitate some of the endorsements via Zoom meetings.

August 20th Primary Election
Tentative Endorsements
State Senate District 35
State House Districts: 98, 99
Clerk of the Circuit Court
Sheriff
Tax Collector
Supervisor of Elections
County Commission District 7 & 9
School Board Districts 1, 2, 3, 5, & 9

Tentative Recommendations
17th Circuit Judge Groups 1, 18, 38,
County Judge Groups 6, 10, 16, 25 & 32

November 5th General Election
Tentative Endorsements
State Senate Districts 35 & 37
State House Districts 100, 102, 103 & 105
County Commission Districts 1, 7
Municipal Endorsements: Cities to be announced

We would like to remind our members that Joe Biden has been endorsed by the Florida Democratic Party; therefore the Dolphin Dems automatically endorse him as well.   In addition, all Federal races like Congress & Senate are endorsed by the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Members.

We look forward to your participation in the endorsement process this year.

Alfredo Olvera – President

 

March Election Municipal Endorsements – Coconut Creek

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The Dolphin Democrats will be endorsing candidates to the March 14, 2023 Municipal Election.  The endorsement meeting will take place at the Annual General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, February 8, 2023.

Candidates from Coconut Creek Commission Seats A & D have presented their questionnaire. You can ready the completed questionnaires HERE.

Only Dolphin Democrats members who have joined on or before January 10, 2023 will be eligible to vote on the endorsement.  A candidate must get 2/3 of the votes to be able to win the endorsement.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at [email protected] 

2022 General Election Endorsements & Recommendations Card

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The Dolphin Democrats Campaign & Election Committee, the Board or Directors and members have endorsed and recommended the following candidates for the Tuesday, November 8, 2022 General Election.

IMPORTANT DATES: 

  • Last day to register to vote: Tuesday, October 11, 2022
  • Verify your voter registration, voting location and check your sample ballot by clicking HERE
  • Vote-By-Mail:
    • Last day to request a ballot is Saturday, October 29, 2022
    • Make sure to mail your ballot at least 10 days before election day
  • Early Voting:
    • From Monday, October 24th thru Sunday, November 6th
    • You can drop you Vote-By-Mail ballot at any early voting locations
    • Click HERE for early voting locations
    • Early voting locations will be open from 7:00am – 7:00pm
    • Some early voting locations might not be the same, or open on election day
  • Election Day
    • Tuesday, November 8, 2022
    • Polls will open from 7:00am – 7:00pm
    • Click HERE to find your voting location on election day

ENDORSEMENTS

FEDERAL CANDIDATE

  • U.S. Senate
    • Val Demings
  • U.S. Congress
    • Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick – D-20
    • Jared Moskowitz – D-23
    • Frederica Wilson – D-24
    • Debbie Wasserman Schultz – D-24

STATE CANDIDATES: 

  • Governor & Lieutenant Governor
    • Charlie Crist & Karla Hernandez
  • Attorney General 
    • Aramis Ayala
  • Chief Financial Officer
    • Adam Hattersley
  • Commissioner of Agriculture
    • Naomi Esther Blemur (Not endorsed by Dolphin Dems or FL LGBTQ+ Dems, but part of unity ticket)
  • State Senate
    • Tina Polsky – District 30
  • State House
    • Linda Thompson Gonzalez – District 100
    • Hillary Cassel – District 101
    • Robin Bartleman – District 104
    • Marie Woodson – District 105

BROWARD COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES 

  • Cooper City
    • Jeremy Katzman – Commission D-1
  • Dania Beach
    • Luis Rimoli – Commission At-Large
  • Fort Lauderdale
    • Ken Keechl – D-1
    • Yvette Dubose – D-3
  • Hollywood
    • Kevin Biederman – Commission D-5
  • Margate
    • Joanne Simone – Commission Seat 5
  • Oakland Park (Vote for 2 candidates)
    • Tim Lonergan – Commission At-Large
    • Letitia Newbold – Commission At-Large
  • Plantation
    • Nick Sortal – Mayor
    • Denise Horland – Council Group 2
    • Louis Reinstein – Council Group 5
  • Pompano Beach
    • Barry Moss – Commission D-5
  • Sunrise
    • Jacqueline Guzman – Commission Seat D
  • Tamarac
    • Mile Gelin  – Mayor
    • Alexandra Alvarez – Commission D-2
    • Carol Mendelson – Commission D-4
  • Wilton Manors (Vote for 2 candidates to commission)
    • Scott Newton – Mayor
    • Paul Rolli – Commission At-Large

BROWARD COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD

  • Rodney Gabriel Velez – District 1
  • Ruth Carter Lynch – District 5
  • Steven Julian – District 6
  • Allen Zeman – District 8 At-Large

RECOMMENDATIONS

JUDICIAL RECOMMENDATIONS

  • COUNTY COURT
    • Suzette O. Hyde
  • CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT 17
    • Gary M. Farmer – Group 23
    • Tamar Hamilton – Group 51
  • FLORIDA SUPREME COURT 
    • Justice Jorge Labarga – Vote YES to retain
    • Vote NO on other Justices
  • FOURTH DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL
    • Ed Artay – Vote NO
    • Vote YES to retain other Judges

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

  • Vote NO on all 3 amendments

BROWARD COUNTY CHARTER QUESTIONS 

  • Vote YES on both questions

Here is a printable version of all our endorsements and recommendations: 2022 General Election_ Endorsements Recommendations

Sponsors

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