The Florida Chamber of Commerce is endorsing Xavier Monroe for House District 21, where a competitive five-way Democratic Primary is playing out.
“We believe Dr. Xavier Monroe will be an effective voice for the businesses, workers, and communities of North Central Florida in Tallahassee,” said Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson.
A Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the National Science Foundation, Monroe celebrated the endorsement with a statement pledging to “expand economic opportunity by helping local businesses grow, supporting entrepreneurs and start-ups.”
Monroe was one of 25 candidates the Chamber endorsed statewide in its second round of legislative endorsements, which included six Democrats.
Monroe has also scored endorsements from Alachua County Commissioner Charles Chestnut IV, three Alachua County School Board members, Gainesville City Commissioner Desmon Duncan-Walker, former Alachua Superintendent Carlee Simon, Micanopy Mayor Jiana Williams and Moms Demand Action.
The seat’s incumbent, retiring Rep. Yvonne Hinson, has endorsed Malik Moore as her preferred successor. Moore worked on Hinson’s unsuccessful 2018 congressional bid and served as Chief of Staff to Rep. Dianne Hart, a Hillsborough County Democrat.
Other candidates in the race include brain doctor Sylvain Doré, progressive organizer Antione Fields and former Hawthorne Mayor Jacquelyn Randall. HD 21 includes southeast Alachua County and northwest Marion, running from Gainesville to Ocala, and is currently one of just five seats north of Orlando held by a Democrat.
Not all candidates have filed their latest campaign finance reports, but the latest available figures show a tight money race, with all candidates having between $18,000 and $29,000 in funding, including loans and contributions.
Moore leads the way, having received $3,000 from PACs representing Realtors on July 17. That same day, Monroe reported $4,000 in contributions from committees representing independent insurance and real estate agents, and added another $1,000 from the Florida Jobs PAC the following week.
No Republicans qualified to run, meaning the winner will be determined in the Aug. 18 Primary.
