Pensacola, Florida—The below opinion piece relates to Florida’s recent special elections, and how Democrats have definitely gained ground in “reliably red” parts of the state. The piece is written by Liz Blackbourn, a Wisconsin Uniformed and Military Overseas Citizen Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) voter, Member of the Democrats Abroad Global Disability Caucus, and Member of the Democrats Abroad Global Veterans and Military Families Caucus. We asked Liz her thoughts on having recently spent time on the campaign trail in north Florida and working to get out the vote.
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“On the campaign trail with Democratic Congressional Candidate Gay Valimont, we’ve seen firsthand the kind of leadership veterans and military families can count on. Gay made a clear pledge: to fight for every earned benefit, expand access to quality healthcare, and to make sure our veterans are never forgotten. Her commitment was felt around the district and around the globe. From town halls to roundtables with veterans and advocates, she listened and gained support of veterans from all parties. We need to continue to promote leaders like Gay who treat service members and their families with the respect they deserve—not just on Veterans Day, but every day.
There’s no doubt that resistance is growing in Florida’s 1st Congressional District. Veterans are rightly angered by this Administration’s blatant attack on VA Health Care while Congressional Republicans turn a blind eye to the damage being done in plain sight. Fortunately, Democrats like Gay Valimont and Democratic Party leaders at the county level are there to lead the charge. Like my home state of Wisconsin, voters here in Florida are recognizing that they deserve representation that puts people first. They desire elected leaders focused on health care, the economy, and earned benefits. The current political shift from small towns is happening right before our eyes, and I’m so proud to have played a role in it. And because the energy on the ground is undeniable, grassroots support is growing stronger every day. On April 1, traditionally-red Escambia County flipped blue for the first time in 19 years, and over on the east coast, Democrats are turning heads with evidence of ‘deep red’ areas becoming more and more competitive.
Gay Valimont and other candidates who support expanding VA benefits and health care have been growing the Democratic Party throughout the district, yet, until the threat of right-wing extremist officials permanently damaging Florida’s environment, gutting voting rights and disabled persons’ rights, and kicking veterans’ issues down the road, the work isn’t done. Our work at Democrats Abroad is part of that too. We need to continue bringing new ideas and show our dedication as a caucus is unwavering. We need to keep pushing forward. If you haven’t already rolled up your sleeves and pitched in, please join us.
One final note - when we connect with veterans, on a direct and personal level about the issues that matter to them, we all win.”
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U.S. citizens living abroad, both civilian and military, are highly encouraged to check your voter registration status and request your ballot for any upcoming elections in your home voting state that you are eligible to vote in.
The VMF Caucus, proudly consisting of veterans, military family members, and strong allies of veterans and military family causes, has a membership of approximately 1,300 members located in dozens of countries.
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