Hailing Emily Gregory’s upset victory in a Special Election for House District 87 last month as a potential precursor of a November blue wave, Ruth’s List Florida is adding five more women to its list of endorsees.

Ruth’s List — which recruits, trains and supports Democratic women who support abortion rights in running for Florida elected offices — just threw its support behind Lee County School Board member Debbie Jordan, Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers, Alachua County School Board member Sarah Rockwell, St. Petersburg Council member Lissett Hanewicz and Kissimmee City Commission candidate Angela Eady.

Jordan is the only Democrat on her School Board. Myers is the only Black member of her County Commission. Rockwell is a lifelong educator seeking re-election after her freshman term. Hanewicz made history in 2021 as the first Hispanic member of her City Council. And Eady is a four-time Ruth’s list alum.

They add to five others Ruth’s List endorsed in February: Osceola County School Board member Heather Kahoun, Sarasota City Commission candidate Flo Enter, Lee County School Board candidate India Palencia, House District 113 candidate Gloria Romero Roses and Gulfport City Council candidate Jennifer Webb.

All hope to add to the Democrats’ scoreboard after Gregory and Senator-elect Brian Nathan notched wins in March, the same month Andy Thomson became Boca Raton’s first “blue team” Mayor in more than 45 years.

Gregory’s win in President Donald Trump’s home district particularly stands out, Ruth’s List said in a press note, as it “marks the kind of result Ruth’s List Florida is built to deliver: recruiting strong women candidates, investing in them early, and standing with them every step of the way.”

Ruth’s List endorsed Gregory ahead of her 2.3-percentage-point late last month. It also gave $500 to her campaign, state records show. That sum doesn’t necessarily reflect what Ruth’s List contributed in personnel, ad and phone banking support, among other help.

With its latest handful of endorsements, the organization’s list of endorsees has grown to 21.

“Emily Gregory’s victory is the perfect example of what happens when women stand up, fight together for pro-choice values, and Ruth’s List leans in early with the support candidates need to win,” Christina Diamond, CEO of Ruth’s List Florida, said in a statement.

“We are incredibly proud of Emily and even more energized by this next round of endorsements. From city councils to school boards to county commission seats, these women are stepping up to lead, and Ruth’s List is proud to stand with them as we keep building power across Florida.”

Between the November 2024 election and New Year’s Eve, the most recent date from what campaign finance data is available on the Florida Division of Elections website, Ruth’s List has raised about $633,000 and spent roughly $611,000.

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