Nikki Fried, Ruth’s List endorse Donna Deegan for Jacksonville mayor
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FLV) – Jacksonville Democrat mayoral candidate Donna Deegan has received a slew of endorsements leading up to the spring election.
Deegan has 25 years of experience as a news reporter and is a former lead anchor for First Coast News. The candidate described herself as a proud Jacksonville native, award-winning local television news anchor and non-profit executive.
PAC chair for Jacksonville NOW Judy Sheklin told Florida’s Voice Deegan has a “clear vision” for Jacksonville and that her views are “consistent” with the committee’s priorities regarding “equity, inclusivity, and promoting opportunities to marginalized communities.”
“She recognizes the challenges to women and children in our community. She is clear about the need to address disparities based on race such as health outcomes, race and gender-based pay disparities, discrimination in the workplace, and bias in housing,” Sheklin said.
“She understands that when our city was consolidated our disadvantaged communities, which are mostly communities of color, were left behind. She will focus on trying to alleviate those disparities.”
Sheklin also pointed to Deegan’s support of “common sense gun legislation” and her support of the LGBTQ+ community.
“She supports common sense gun legislation which will reduce domestic violence and all violence in our city. She is an advocate for the rights of our LGBTQ+ residents. Ms. Deegan supports helping survivors of domestic violence and trafficking,” Sheklin said.
“Jacksonville NOW believes Ms. Deegan will be an excellent Mayor who already is very familiar with our city,” she continued.
Jacksonville NOW also endorsed Audrey Gibson who is another Democrat candidate in the mayoral race.
Former Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and newly elected Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried endorsed Deegan and said “we need candidates ready to defend our rights.”
“We need candidates ready to defend our rights and fight for our freedoms. It’s why I endorsed Donna Deegan for Mayor of Jacksonville,” Fried said on the campaign’s website.
Former Councilmember Garrett Dennis also backed the candidate, saying it will take someone like Deegan to make Jacksonville “whole again.”
“We need someone, we need a leader that’s gonna bring government back to the people. As you know, there’s been a lot of corruption [….] And it’s gonna take a leader like you, Donna to make our city whole again. And so I am supporting you 150 percent and I’ll do everything I can to help ensure that you are the next mayor of Jacksonville,” Dennis said.
Ruth’s List Florida, an organization that recruits, trains, and elects Democratic pro-choice women to all levels of office in Florida, endorsed Deegan.
“Ruth’s List is excited to announce our first endorsement in the 2023 cycle — Donna Deegan for Mayor of Jacksonville. With Donna’s experience, we have the opportunity to elect the first woman Mayor of Jacksonville, and flip this seat blue,” Ruth’s List said.
If elected mayor, Deegan said she plans to bring her “unique life experiences and longstanding commitment” to Jacksonville to create “meaningful, lasting change” in the city.
Deegan’s other endorsements on her website include Pastor John Allen Newman, Elder Lee Harris, Pastor R.L. Gundy, EMILY’s List, North Florida Letter Carriers, Branch 53 President Jim Thigpenn and past President Joseph Maceo George.
The website also lists Lieutenant Colonel Alton Yates, Former Atlantic Beach Mayor Ellen Glasser, and Former Neptune Beach Mayor Harriet Pruette as other endorsements.
The Jacksonville mayoral election will be held on March 21.
Republican candidates for Jacksonville Mayor include Daniel Davis, LeAnna Cumber, Al Ferraro and Frank Keasler.
Democrat candidates include Deegan and Gibson.
Omega Allen and Brian Griffin are not affiliated with a party.
