Florida Congresswoman Talks Election Priorities with AURN News

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Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., condemns hate speech and misinformation about Haitian immigrants, at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
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(AURN News) — As Americans prepare to choose between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on Tuesday, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who represents Florida’s 20th Congressional District, is making a final push to mobilize voters across Florida’s diverse communities. “No one can afford to sit this one out,” Cherfilus-McCormick discussed the stakes in an interview with AURN News.

“We’ve seen what Project 2025 is really all about… rolling back Medicaid and Medicare Social Security, which would totally devastate our seniors,” she said.

The Democratic congresswoman emphasized Harris’s economic proposals, particularly those addressing cost-of-living concerns. “She has a robust economic plan that deals with some of the issues that we’re facing, even when it comes to grocery price gouging, when it comes to housing, building over 3 million new houses and even having the first-time down payment program giving $25,000 for new homeowners,” she commented. “These are all programs that are desperately needed at this moment, and we see so many people who are actually pushing and calling for a real government that sees the people for who they are and gives us a sense of hope and ensures that everyone has the opportunity to actually have a chance at thriving in the society.”

Early voting data shows varying turnout across the state’s metropolitan areas. “Palm Beach County has had a great turnout. Broward County is number two,” Cherfilus-McCormick reported, while expressing concern about participation in other regions. “The areas where we really need to turn out and make sure everyone’s voice is heard is in Jacksonville and Duval County.”

The congresswoman also noted increased political engagement within Florida’s Haitian-American community. “I remember at the beginning of the election, some people weren’t sure who they were voting for, because at one point, Trump did come down and try to cater towards the Haitian community. But I think what was a blessing and a curse was, the comments were a curse, but it ended up being a blessing, because right now, everyone seems to be on the same page of what needs to happen, which is to get out and vote for Kamala Harris,” she told AURN News. “We’ve been going to several churches and having everyone go out to vote immediately after service. We’ve had a series of phone banking and we’ve been calling several people also to make sure they’re turning in their ballots and they’re turning out to vote, but we’ve seen more and more people turning out to vote in this election, so we’re very excited about that.”

Describing the candidates’ closing arguments, Cherfilus-McCormick said, “What’s been very clear about Kamala’s closing argument has been one of compassion and unity and really seeing Americans for who they are and the strength of our nation… Whereas on the other hand, we keep hearing about Donald Trump and his list of people who he’s going to retaliate against.”

As Election Day approaches, Trump still maintains leads in most battleground states, though polling also shows a tight race nationally.


Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Jamie Jackson:

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