Kathy Castor, a county commissioner and daughter of noted politician Betty Castor, won the Democratic nomination in Florida for the open 11th Congressional District seat. The Tuesday election pitted Castor against four male opponents; Castor won by a margin of 20 percentage points, garnering more votes than all of the other candidates combined. “I am completely humbled that the voters have put their confidence in me,” said Castor of the primary election results during a campaign event, according to the Tampa Tribune. “I will not let them down.”
Endorsed by NARAL Pro-Choice America PAC and EMILY’s List, Castor earned the support of her pro-choice constituents for her strong stance on women’s reproductive rights. Additionally, Castor secured the respect of many by sponsoring projects that support disadvantaged families. While serving on the largely Republican county commission, Castor successfully blocked motions to slash health care programs for the poor and to cut public transit programs. Castor attributes this progressive political ideology to her mother’s influence. “[She] would stand up for people who didn’t have a voice,” said Castor in an official statement.
Castor is expectedly to easily win the November 7 election against her Republican opponent, Eddie Adams Jr.; Democrats in the 11th Congressional District outnumber Republicans almost 2-1.
