Ashley Brundage, a Florida Democrat, aims to break barriers as the first trans person elected in the state. With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Brundage, recipient of the “Spirit of the Community Award” from the Florida Commission on the Status of Women in 2022, recently qualified to run for the state house. As a matter of fact, Fox 13 Tampa Bay reports that Governor DeSantis personally penned a letter to Brundage for receiving the award. It said, “I am confident that you serve as a shining example of a positive role model in your community… Thank you for your selfless contributions to fellow Floridians.” If successful in the August 20 primary, Brundage, a mother-of-two, seeks to champion DEI in Florida's capital city. Her candidacy comes amidst a contentious political climate, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis drawing criticism for his stance on DEI. Brundage, who promises to work on lowering insurance costs, protecting small businesses, and advocating for reproductive rights, faces opposition from Nathan Kuipers in the primary for House District 65. Florida, marked by controversial laws like the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, poses challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite this, Brundage's candidacy signifies a push for change and inclusivity in the state's political landscape. With the primary looming, Brundage's bid not only represents a personal milestone but also a broader movement towards representation and equality in Florida politics. #Trans Rights