Former Broward Republican Party Chairman Tom Powers passes away

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Former Broward County Republican Party Chairman Tom Powers passed away Saturday after a long battle with cancer.

“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of our dear friend and leader Tom Powers,” Broward GOP said on social media. “May the roads rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back…”

Powers served as Coral Springs’ vice mayor and commissioner from 2008-2014 before becoming Broward Republican Party chairman in 2020.

Raised in Millbrook, New York, Powers moved to Arizona in 1980. Before becoming involved in local politics, he worked with the Arizona State Police as a narcotics agent at the Mexico border.

Powers’ passing comes just days after he resigned as Broward Republican Party chairman. In his resignation letter, Powers said he had been batting cancer since 2021.

“I have fought as hard as I can fight, but in recent months my health has deteriorated quicker than I expected. I would prefer to spend the moments I have left with my family,” Powers said.

In the letter, Powers also endorsed Abby Stafford for Broward Republican Party chairwoman. Stafford offered her condolences on X, formerly Twitter.

“Tom Powers was a true patriot that loved his family, his country, and the @BrowardGOP family. Privileged to have been able to call him a friend these past few years. I only wish we could have fought side by side to turn Broward red longer,” Stafford said.

Broward State Committeeman Richard DeNapoli acknowledged that Powers “fought hard for what he believed in and loved his country.”

At the state level, Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez shared her thoughts on social media.

“Extending my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Tom Powers. I had the privilege of knowing him while serving in the legislature and as Lieutenant Governor. He will be missed,” Nunez said.

Republican Party of Florida Chairman Christian Ziegler called Powers an “exceptional man who dedicated his life to serving our country and the Republican Party of Florida.”

“The loss of @BrowardGOP Chairman Tom Powers deeply saddens us,” Ziegler said

“Tom was a tireless worker, especially at the grassroots level, where he helped to establish conservative values in a predominantly blue area. But more than just a leader, Tom was a trailblazer who always acted with wisdom, integrity and a steadfast commitment to our core values. His passing is a profound loss for our community, state, and nation,” he said.