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 recently qualified to run for the state house. She is the recipient of the “Spirit of the Community Award” from the Florida Commission on the Status of Women in 2022. If successful in the August 20 primary, she seeks to champion DEI in Florida's capital city. She promises to work on lowering insurance costs, protecting small businesses, and advocating for reproductive rights. Her candidacy comes amidst a contentious political climate, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis drawing criticism for his stance on DEI. He is the same person who praised Brundage upon receiving the Spirit of the Community Award. According to Fox 13 Tampa Bay, DeSantis personally wrote a letter saying, “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.” Brundage is running against Nathan Kuipers in the primary for House District 65. Brundage's bid not only represents a personal milestone but also a broader movement toward LGBTQ+ representation and equality in Florida politics. #Queer Up Politics