Brian Nathan Wins, No Kings Saturday
Here's what you need to know this week:
Labor Leader Brian Nathan Wins Senate District 14 Special Election
Former WCFLC Vice President Brian Nathan (D) defeated his opponent Josie Tomkow (R) in the Florida Senate District 14 Special Election on Tuesday. Last year, Governor DeSantis appointed Jay Collins (R) Lieutenant Governor which created a vacancy and special election. Nathan ran in a district that Collins won by 9.2 percent in 2022 against Sen. Janet Cruz (D). In 2024, 57 percent of voters in the district voted for President Donald Trump. Headed into Election Day, Republicans outnumbered Democrats in ballots returned. Despite these headwinds when polls closed at 7pm and the Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections shared its first batch of votes, Nathan was ahead and stayed ahead until every precinct had reported.
National press reported on the race calling Nathan's win an upset. International press covered Emily Gregory's State House win in Palm Beach County, a district which covers President Trump's Mar-A-Lago resort. Many analysts are calling Nathan and Gregory's victories a rebuke of the Trump administration's failure to address the affordability crisis, its unpopular war with Iran, and its expansion of the Department of Homeland Security/ Immigration & Customs Enforcement's violent deportation campaign. In Brian's case, what is going unreported is his working class background that resonated with voters and the labor movement's power to bring him to victory.
Nathan addresses supporters after winning the day
Nathan's term will expire in November, so we must be prepared to do this all again. For a moment, we will let ourselves enjoy the victory. We captured video of the election night victory party at New World Tampa of the moments after Brian's victory was clear and his victory speech. You watch that here.
Here's What's Coming Up:
3/28: No Kings
The first No Kings demonstrations took place in June and October of last year bringing together millions of people and hundreds of organizations in 2,100 cities with a message in opposition to the authoritarian action of the Trump administration.
Together, we have the power to stop the Trump administration’s attacks on all working people and create an America that works for us, not just the rich and powerful. The workers, united, will never be defeated. No kings! ✊
We are joining millions protesting this administration and the labor movement is joining the effort.
Below is a snapshot of No Kings actions in our area. Go here to sign up for a demonstration: https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/map/
4/8 Hillsborough DEC Spring Forward
Below is a message from Crystal Fox, Executive Director the Hillsborough DEC
We’re excited to invite you and your members to the Spring Forward Event, a critical moment for Hillsborough County Democrats and working families!
This isn’t just a fundraiser, it’s a chance to show that our community, including our unions and labor allies, is energized, organized, and ready to win for workers’ rights and democratic values.
Early investments like this have an oversized impact. Funds raised now allow us to build momentum, expand our field program, and show the State and National Party that Hillsborough County Democrats — and the unions and workers who support us — are committed and ready for victory. When they see local commitment, they’re much more likely to reinvest in our community.
Funding has been pulled back from Hillsborough County and Florida because local investment hasn’t reached the required level. This event is our opportunity to change that narrative. By attending and contributing, you’re helping ensure that resources stay within the HCDEC, empowering unions, grassroots organizers, and working families to build the infrastructure our candidates need to win.
RSVP today to secure your spot and join fellow supporters in making a difference! We can’t wait to celebrate and invest in a future that puts workers and communities first at the Spring Forward Event.
That's all for this week! Check out our website at wcflc.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updates. If you'd like to receive this weekly via email, please subscribe here: bit.ly/WCFLC