Orlando, FL — In a surprising turn ahead of the 2024 elections, the Florida AFL-CIO has thrown its support behind Stanley Campbell for U.S. Senate, bypassing the Democratic Party’s favored candidate, former U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.
Stanley Campbell, a stalwart advocate for Florida’s working families and labor rights, expressed profound gratitude for the AFL-CIO’s endorsement. “I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of the Florida AFL-CIO,” Campbell remarked. “Growing up in a union household, I understand firsthand the importance of safeguarding workers’ rights. This endorsement reaffirms my lifelong commitment to championing the middle class and revitalizing our state’s economy, a lesson I learned from my father, a Union man.”
The endorsement, announced last Sunday, marks a pivotal moment in the Senate race, underscoring Campbell’s extensive outreach across Florida, engaging with various labor and community groups. Rich Templin, AFL-CIO Florida’s Director of Politics and Policy, highlighted Campbell’s impressive background in the Navy, national intelligence services, and entrepreneurship as pivotal factors in securing the endorsement.
“Stanley Campbell’s track record resonated deeply with our members,” Templin emphasized. “His dedication to labor issues and his proactive engagement with workers set him apart.”
A Navy veteran and former pilot, Campbell is poised as a leading contender in the Democratic primary scheduled for August 20th, positioning himself against GOP incumbent U.S. Sen. Rick Scott in the general election.
Responding to queries about the endorsement process, Templin noted that while Mucarsel-Powell completed the AFL-CIO’s questionnaire, Campbell’s direct engagement with union members was notable. “Stanley Campbell’s commitment and understanding of our concerns were evident throughout the endorsement process,” Templin added.
The AFL-CIO’s endorsement underscores Campbell’s deep ties to Florida’s communities and his dedication to representing the state’s diverse workforce. As Florida gears up for FDP Day with Labor, a joint initiative between Labor and the Florida Democratic Party, Campbell’s candidacy promises to invigorate voter turnout and shape the state’s Senate representation.
Moreover, Campbell’s connection to his brother, rapper and activist Uncle Luke, adds a unique dimension to his campaign. Their heritage roots back over a century in Miami, when Bahamian immigrants played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s early growth. Before Miami’s incorporation in 1896, Black Bahamians contributed significantly to its development, bringing cultural practices and contributing labor that laid the foundation for the city’s prosperity.
Stanley Campbell’s father, Stanley Victor Campbell, was a respected figure in Miami. He worked for unions his entire life, starting on the docks and later as a mechanic and truck driver before becoming a shop steward at Miami-Dade County Public Schools. His obituary in 2015 highlighted his longstanding union work, his leadership in Alcoholics Anonymous and his Jamaican heritage intertwined with Yvonne Galloway Newbold, a prominent beautician in Miami’s segregated Overtown area. Together, they raised five sons, including Stanley and Luther Campbell, known as rapper Uncle Luke.
As the campaign progresses, bolstered by these deep historical ties and his unwavering commitment to representing all Floridians in the U.S. Senate, Stanley Campbell emerges as a transformative force in Florida’s political landscape. With robust backing from influential labor organizations and a diverse coalition of voters, Campbell is positioned not only to challenge but to reshape the trajectory of the upcoming elections. His deep roots in the state and recognized contributions resonate widely. Campbell’s narrative embodies Florida’s rich Black history, often sidelined in mainstream discourse, his pull yourself up by the bootstraps legacy of going from Liberty City to owning golf courses and one of the largest healthcare networks in the United States positions him as a pivotal figure in shaping the state’s political future. Delve into the archives of the oldest Black newspapers, trace the names on Miami’s streets, or visit the Luther Campbell Football Field in Liberty City—each bears testament to the enduring legacy of the Galloway/Campbell family.
In the words of Uncle Luke, “While I take pride in being a Hip-Hop icon who started the music industry’s first independent rap record label, Stanley has me beat. He’s a former Navy pilot and counterterrorism expert with a background in physics and mathematics who’s an icon in the world of big data management and predictive analytics.”
Following Friday night’s debate, Stanley Campbell emphasized, “It’s time to rally behind Florida’s unions. Visit the Florida Democratic Party’s website to discover events in your area and join us in strengthening the backbone of America. Join me and my team across Florida, and share your experiences by tagging us in your photos. #StanleyForFlorida”
For more information about Stanley Campbell’s campaign, upcoming events or to get involved, please visit www.StanleyforFlorida.com
