Crist-Endorsed Lee County School Board Member Debbie Jordan Seen at Karla Hernandez-Mats Event Where ‘Sp-Ed’ Comments Made

CAPE CORAL (FLV) – Lee County School Board member Debbie Jordan was pictured with Charlie Crist’s running mate, Karla Hernandez-Mats, at a campaign event in Cape Coral Tuesday.

Hernandez-Mats made controversial comments claiming her experience as a special education teacher will help her deal with the “dysfunctional legislature” if elected lieutenant governor.

“I’m a teacher, I am a sp-ed teacher, so my major was emotionally-handicapped education, okay? That by itself qualifies me to deal with the dysfunctional legislature,” Hernandez-Mats said.

Her comments led to laughter and applause from the audience.

Debbie Jordan refused to respond to Florida’s Voice’s emails sent Wednesday and Thursday asking what she thought of Hernandez-Mats special education comments. Florida’s Voice also called Jordan and left voicemails Wednesday evening and Friday morning.

In July, Crist endorsed Jordan for Lee County School Board representing District 4.

First Lady Casey DeSantis said she was “sickened by callous words from someone who claims to be an advocate for children” in response to Hernandez-Mats’ comments. “Karla, saying children w/ unique abilities are ‘dysfunctional’ & equating them to political opponents is a new low.”

Karla Hernandez-Mats Doubles Down on Saying ‘Sp-Ed’ Experience Makes Her Qualified to Deal With ‘Dysfunctional’ Legislature

Hernandez-Mats responded with “wannabe Dictator DeSantis supports Trump who mocks the disabled, fines the Special Olympics & wants to bus Cubans to DE. As an advocate for students, parents, & teachers, I’m exceptionally qualified to deal w/ GOP legislators, except Matt Gaetz, the sex predator you all embrace.”

Jordan will face Republican Dan Severson in November in a runoff election.

Unofficial Aug. 23 election results showed Severson with 32.7% of the vote, Debbie Jordan with 30.9%, Jason “Big Mama” Jones at 23.17% and Gerri Ware with 13.2%.