Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, a Democrat who previously served as a member of Congress from southern Florida, has announced a primary campaign in Florida’s Senate contest that will culminate with a general election battle next year. At stake is the seat currently held by Republican Rick Scott, who is running for re-election to what would be his second term in the position after winning his present stint by a razor-thin margin.
Polling recently circulated that showed Mucarsel-Powell making a competitive showing against Scott in Florida, though the pollster (Global Strategy Group) had proactively provided survey participants with arguments both for and against both the contenders before assembling the final numbers. Expecting a participating electorate that leans Republican in terms of party registration by seven percentage points, Mucarsel-Powell was a percentage point ahead of Scott after poll participants were provided those contrasting arguments. She led by four percent in scenarios mirroring turnout seen in 2016 and 2020, the pollster said.
In an announcement video, Mucarsel-Powell focused on issues like Scott’s promotion of an ambition that, though since amended with caveats, could have threatened basic programs like Social Security and Medicare. He wanted the House and Senate to routinely reauthorize initiatives across the government, and there was confusion about the scope of government efforts to which this framework would apply. If implemented more extensively, benefit programs on which vulnerable communities rely could be punitively threatened by shifting political consensus or control in the halls of Congress. Mucarsel-Powell also mentioned Scott’s support for abortion restrictions, an area that remains of concern for many after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, allowing states to set differing paths around access to the procedure.
Unmentioned in the video was that Scott was also among the GOP Senators who voted against certifying the entirety of Joe Biden’s win when the results came before Congress on January 6, 2021. At no point was there any substantial evidence proving systematic impropriety behind the results.
My name is Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. I’m an immigrant, a Latina, and a mother.
I’m not afraid to take on anyone who doesn’t put Florida first. That means you, Rick Scott. That’s why I’m running for U.S. Senate.
Join our campaign at https://t.co/SEjNvvtjF7. pic.twitter.com/Au5T6W6dPe
— Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (@DebbieforFL) August 22, 2023
