For the first time in American history, a Black person could become Florida’s Senator.
This possibility surfaced on Tuesday evening after Rep. Val Demings, a former Orlando police chief, easily defeated three rivals to win the Democratic party nomination for U.S. Senate during the Florida primary.
The 65-year-old’s 84% victory in the primary election now sets her up for a more competitive election against Senator Marco Rubio in November.
“We did it, Florida! We won the primary, now it’s time for us to #RetireRubio,” Demings tweeted Tuesday night.
The Republicans have held firm political ownership of Florida for years, but in her victory speech, Demings drew inspiration from her humble beginning to affirm a change of the old guard in the coming election.
“Together, I really do believe this daughter of a maid and janitor who is not supposed to be standing here tonight — I really do believe that together we can do anything,” she said.
Demings and the Black community however have room for optimism in the coming election as Newsweek reports that recent polls reflect a reduction of Republican support over the recent overturning of abortion rights.
A recent poll by the University of North Florida also shows that Demings leads Rubio in a head-to-head match-up of 48 per cent to 44 per cent.
