Dolphin Democrats

Politics in the Broward County LGBTQ+ Community

Endorsements

2026 General Election Endorsements & Recommendations

by

The Dolphin Democrats, and the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus announce the list of Endorsements and Recommendations for Broward County, State Legislature, and Statewide and Federal candidates

ENDORSEMENTS 

U.S Senate

Angie Nixon

U.S. House of Representatives

Debbie Wasserman Schultz – CD-20

Pia Dandiya – CD-22

Jared Moskowitz – CD-25

Nicole Locklin – CD-26

Governor & Lieutenant Governor

David Jolly & Gwen Graham

Attorney General 

Jose Javier Rodriguez

Chief Financial Officer

Annette Taddeo

Commissioner of Agriculture

Joey Mendoza Atkins

Florida Senate
Lauren Book – District 30
Rosalind Osgood – District 32
Florida House
Michael T. Ferguson – District 100
Todd Delmay – District 101
Michael Friend – District 102
Robin Bartleman – District 103

Broward County School Board
Roberto Fernandez III – District 6

Coral Springs
Marly Metayer – Commission, Seat 3
Jeffrey “Jeff” Adelman – Commission, Seat 4

Davie
Judith “Judy” Paul – Mayor
Stephen William Korka – Council, District 3

Fort Lauderdale 

John Rodstrom – Commission, District 1

Hollywood

Adam Roberti – Commission, District 5

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

Patrick Ferguson – Commission, Seat 2

Lauderhill 

Mary N. Smith – Commission, Seat 4

Margate
Mindy W. Lee – Commission, Seat 3
Lesa “Le” Peerman –  Commission, Seat 5

Oakland Park

Tim Lonergan – Commission, At Large

Plantation
Nick Sortal – Mayor
Aston Bright – Council, Group 4

Sunrise
Neil Kerch – Commission, Seat C
Jacqueline A. Guzman – Commission, Seat D

Tamarac
Morey Wright – Commission, District 2
Carol Mendelson – Commission, District 4

West Park 

Derrick Jones – Commission, Seat 1

Wilton Manors
Angel Burgos – Commission, At Large
Don D’Arminio – Commission, At Large

RECOMMEDATIONS

Justice of the Supreme Court – Vote to Retain

Carlos G Muniz – Vote NO 

Fourth District Court of Appeal – Vote to Retain

Alan O. Frost – Vote NO

Mark W. Klingensmith – Vote NO

Jonathan D, Lott – Vote NO

Shannon K. Shaw – Vote NO

Caroline Cahill Sheppard – Vote NO

Circuit Court, 17th Judicial Circuit, Group 52

David Fry

Constitutional Amendments

Amendment 1:  Vote NO

Budget Stabilization Fund 

Amendment 2:  Vote NO

Exemption of Tangible Personal Property on Agricultural Land from Taxation 

Amendment 3: Vote NO

Increased Homestead Exemption

Broward County Questions: 

Question 1: Vote YES 

Health Care Services, Such as Heart and Cancer Screening, for County Residents funding by Surtax

Question 2: Vote NO

Alternative Process for County Plat Approval

Question 3: Vote YES

Revised Process for Selecting the County Auditor

School Board 

Question 1:  Vote YES 

Fund School Employee Pay, Safety, and Mental Health through a One-Mail Property Tax Levy

The Dolphin Democrats have not taken a position on any of the questions by the municipalities

IMPORTANT ELECTION DATES

  • Request a Vote-By-Mail Ballot by 10/22/2022
  • Vote Early from Monday 10/19/2026 – Sunday 11/1/2026 – 7:00am – 7:00pm Daily
  • Click HERE to find the 30 Early Voting Locations
  • Drop off your Vote-By-Mail Ballot at any Early-Voting Location
  • Vote on Election Day at Your Local Precinct – Tuesday, November 3, 2026

For questions, please email us at [email protected]

Broward County: Election Day is here!

by

Broward County: Election Day is here!

Tomorrow, Tuesday, August 18, is Primary Election Day, and every vote matters.

As of August 17, 2026, 133,833 registered voters in Broward County have already cast their ballots.

Here’s where Democratic turnout currently stands:
589,107 registered Democrats in Broward County
89,735 Democrats have voted
48,678 voted by mail
41,057 voted during Early Voting
Democratic voter turnout: just 15.23%

That means the overwhelming majority of registered Democrats in Broward County have not yet voted.

If you haven’t voted yet, here’s what you need to know:
🗳️ Vote in person on Election Day
Polls are open from 7:00am to 7:00pm. On Election Day, you must vote at your designated precinct.
Be sure to bring a valid photo ID.
[CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR PRECINCT]

📬 Still have your Vote-by-Mail ballot?
If you requested a Vote-by-Mail ballot but have not returned it, it is now too late to mail it. Do not put it in the mail go vote in person instead.

📍 Already mailed your ballot?
Make sure it has been received and counted.
[TRACK YOUR BALLOT HERE]

This election matters.
While this is a Primary Election, many of the races on your ballot may effectively be decided in the primary. The people we elect will make decisions that directly affect our schools, communities, local government, state, and future.

Don’t sit this one out. Make your plan, cast your ballot, and make your voice heard.

Want to know who the Dolphin Democrats endorsed and recommended in this election?

[VIEW OUR ENDORSEMENTS HERE]

Vote. Encourage your friends and family to vote. Let’s show up, Broward!

2026 Primary Election Endorsements & Recommendations

by

The 2026 Primary Election is approaching, and the Dolphin Democrats and the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus have completed their endorsement processes.

Below is the complete list of our endorsed candidates and judicial recommendations, along with important information to help you make your voting plan.

PRIMARY ELECTION
Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Our Endorsement Process: 

The Dolphin Democrats endorse candidates running for the Florida Legislature, the Broward County Commission, and the Broward County School Board.

Endorsements for federal and statewide offices are made by the members of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus.

To earn an endorsement, a candidate must receive at least two-thirds of the votes cast by the members present during the applicable endorsement meeting. When no candidate reaches the required two-thirds threshold, no endorsement is made in that race.

Because judicial elections are nonpartisan, the Dolphin Democrats issue recommendations rather than endorsements in those races.

Federal Endorsements: Endorsed by the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus

U.S. House of Representatives

Florida Congressional District 22: Pia Dandiya
Florida Congressional District 24: Shevrin “Shev” Jones
Florida Congressional District 25: Jared Moskowitz

Statewide Endorsements: Endorsed by the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus

Governor
David Jolly

Commissioner of Agriculture
Donald A. “Don” Prichard

Dolphin Democrats Endorsements

Florida House of Representatives

District 98: Mitch Rosenwald

Broward County Commission

District 6: Caryl Shuham

Broward County School Board

District 1: Maura Bulman McCarthy
District 4: Nicole Morst
District 6: Roberto Fernandez III
District 7: Cynthia Dominique

Judicial Recommendations

17th Judicial Circuit, Group 52: David Fry

Broward County Court, Group 11: Veronica Walker

Important Voting Deadlines

Register to Vote or Change Your Party Affiliation

The deadline to register to vote or change your party affiliation for the Primary Election is: Monday, July 20, 2026. Florida is a closed-primary state, so voters must be registered with a political party to vote in that party’s primary contests.

Vote by Mail

The deadline to request that a Vote-by-Mail ballot be mailed to you is: Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Request your ballot or find additional information at:  www.BrowardVotes.gov

Your completed ballot must be received by the Broward County Supervisor of Elections no later than 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. A postmark by Election Day is not sufficient. We strongly recommend mailing your ballot no later than Saturday, August 8, to allow enough time for it to arrive.

Completed ballots may also be returned at designated Secure Ballot Intake Stations, commonly called drop boxes, located at early-voting sites during early-voting hours.

Vote Early

Early voting will take place:

Saturday, August 8 through Sunday, August 16, 2026
11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. daily

View early-voting locations and Secure Ballot Intake Stations at: www.BrowardVotes.gov/voters/about-early-voting

However you choose to vote;  by mail, during early voting, or on Election Day, please make your plan and encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same.

Every election matters. Every race matters. Every vote matters.

To download a PDF version of our card CLICK HERE

Announcement: Second Round of Endorsements for the 2026 Election

by

Last night was another incredible evening for the Dolphin Democrats!

More than 100 people filled the room, including 90 voting members, for our July Membership Meeting as we continued preparing for the 2026 elections.

After hearing from candidates and thoughtful discussion, our members proudly voted to endorse the following candidates for the 2026 Primary Election:

✅ School Board District 1: Maura Bulman McCarthy
✅ School Board District 7: Cynthia Dominique

Our members also voted to endorse these candidates for the 2026 General Election:

🔹 State Senate District 30: Lauren Book
🔹 State Senate District 32: Rosalind Osgood
🔹 State House District 103: Robin Bartleman

In addition, our members recommended the following judicial candidates:

⚖️ County Court Judge, Group 11: Veronica Walker
⚖️ 17th Judicial Circuit Court, Group 52: David Fry

Thank you to every member, candidate, volunteer, and guest who joined us for another outstanding meeting. Your participation continues to strengthen our democratic process and our shared commitment to electing leaders who will serve our communities with integrity.

Together, we’re building momentum for victory in 2026! 🐬🌈💙

Announcement: First Round of Endorsements for the 2026 Election.

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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].

 

4o

Sponsors

Paid for by the Dolphin Democrats. DolphinDems.org.

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.