What is a supermajority? Glad you asked. Many Floridians are not aware that the Republican party won more than two thirds of the seats in the Florida House and Senate in the 2022 election. Due to this unfortunate situation, Republicans currently have a supermajority in both chambers that allows the GOP to:
- Change the rules that guide the lawmaking process to favor themselves
- Shut down debate on legislation
- Pass bills that the majority of Floridians are opposed to such as the 6-week abortion ban
- Ignore opposing views rather than negotiate a compromise
- Deny representation for voters who are not Republicans
About thirty-nine percent of registered voters statewide are Republican yet they hold 70% of the seats in Tallahassee. Democrats make up 32% of Florida voters, while the remaining 29% belong to minor parties or are NPAs (no party affiliation). If voter party affiliations are meaningful, the percentages indicate that Republicans are not the majority of voters in Florida. So why do they have a supermajority of the legislative power? One answer is that the districts are gerrymandered to favor the GOP (but that discussion must be postponed until another day.)
The question is what can be done right now? In the 2024 election, Democrats have candidates vying for every legislative seat, so no Republican is running unopposed. To end the GOP supermajority in the state House, Dems need to flip 6 seats. Did you know that four of those seats are in Seminole County? Let’s check out the candidates from Lake Mary to Oviedo and elsewhere in our county:
Kelley Diona Miller for FL House District 36: Longwood, Lake Mary, Heathrow, Sanford, Midway, Geneva, part of Winter Springs, and nearby areas. As a human resources and project manager trainer, Kelley advocates for solutions to the affordability crisis and drug abuse, as well as protecting voting rights and women’s reproductive freedom. kelleydiona4florida.com
Nate Douglas for FL House District 37: Oviedo, Chuluota, and nearby areas in Seminole County, plus parts of Orange County. With a policy research and data science background, Nate is a voice for affordable housing and insurance, clean air and water, supporting teachers, and public education. nateforflorida.com
Sarah Henry for FL House District 38: Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, parts of Winter Springs, and nearby areas. Having held multiple positions in the non-profit sector, Sarah is committed to improving the community by investing in education, lowering insurance costs, protecting reproductive rights, and passing gun safety laws. sarahforfl.com
Marsha Summersill for FL House District 39: This district includes a part of the west side of Seminole County but is primarily in Orange County. An attorney, Marsha is a champion for families and children, access to health care, and prioritizing the needs of everyday Floridians over corporate interests. marshaforflorida.com
Ask your friends and family if they are registered to vote or if they have requested a Vote-by-Mail ballot. All voters were removed from the Vote-by-Mail list last year so requests must be renewed. Also, some voters have been designated “Inactive” if they have skipped elections, so PLEASE CHECK YOUR STATUS. For all inquiries, visit the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections at voteseminole.gov
Be sure to vote the entire ballot to help Democrats gain a bigger voice in the Florida legislature. Thanks for being a voter!