CWA LPAT Activists Help Elect State Senator in Florida

Activists and members of CWA Local 3122 were the critical force in electing Annette Taddeo (D) to the Florida State Senate. The special election was Sept. 26.

A longtime supporter of CWA and working family issues, Taddeo backs legislation to keep good call center jobs in the U.S., ensure affordable health care for all, and fully fund public schools.

CWA Legislative and Political Team activists staffed phone banks and contacted every member in the Miami-Dade district twice, leafleted worksites, met one-on-one with their coworkers, and held two labor walks to build support and turnout for Taddeo.

Taddeo's opponent, a former contestant on the television show "The Apprentice" and a supporter of President Trump, outspent her by more than $1 million. But worker-to-worker contact made all the difference, and Taddeo was elected in a historically Republican district by a 51-47 percent margin.

The Senate special election was held following the resignation of Frank Artiles (R-40). Artiles had made racist comments but was refusing to resign. CWA joined community and faith leaders in protesting Artiles and demanding his resignation.

CWA LPAT activists celebrate with their new Florida State Senator Annette Taddeo (second from left).