June 12, 2020 by David Silverberg.
Cindy Banyai
The Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida (DECF) has endorsed Democrat Cindy Banyai for Congress in the 19th Congressional District, according to an announcement made by her campaign.
The Caucus works to preserve Florida’s environment and support lawmakers and candidates who do the same.
“I’m honored to be recognized by the DCEF for my commitment to preserving our environment and our water in Southwest Florida,” Banyai told The Paradise Progressive. “I’ll continue to advocate for community participation in sustainable development and climate action in Congress as I have within the UN system.”
Fitzenhagen calls it quits
Heather Fitzenhagen
State Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen (R-78-Fort Myers) has dropped her bid for Congress in the 19th Congressional District and will instead seek a state Senate seat in the 27th District, for which she has already qualified.
The seat is seat currently held by State Sen. Lizabeth Benaquisto (R-27), who is retiring after reaching her term limit to take up a job as executive vice president at Hope Healthcare in Fort Myers. The seat is being sought by Democrat Rachel Brown and Republican State Rep. Ray Rodrigues (R-76-Estero).
Fitzenhagen’s withdrawal from the congressional race leaves nine Republicans running.
As of this writing, Fitzenhagen had not posted any statements online or on social media about her decision. She is no longer listed as a candidate on the state’s list of candidates for the 19th Congressional District but is listed as qualified for the 27th Senate District.
Today at 4:26 pm, The Paradise Progressive posed the following questions to State Rep. Fitzenhagen:
Can you confirm that you are no longer seeking the 19th Congressional District seat?
Have you issued a statement to that effect? (Don't see anything on your website, Facebook page or Twitter)
Are you seeking the District 27 State Senate seat?
Are you endorsing another candidate?
If so, whom?
What do you plan to do with the campaign funds you have on hand?
As of this posting, no response had been received.
Republican Dr. William Figlesthaler issued a statement today thanking Fitzenhagen for her legislative service, saying: “For years, she has fought against both radicalized Democrats and establishment, do-nothing, Republicans in the Florida House.” He posted a 19-second video tribute to her on a webpage that requests donations to his own campaign.
As of March 31, Fitzenhagen had raised $110,790 for her campaign. According to a poll released on June 2 by Political Prowess Polling, only 3 percent of 800 Republicans likely to vote in the August 18 primary indicated they would vote for her.