A Democrat who flipped a Republican seat in President Donald Trump’s backyard is now publicly backing a candidate hoping to do similarly in Broward County.

Rep. Emily Gregory, who made national headlines by flipping the Republican-held House District 87 seat near Trump’s Palm Beach home, is endorsing Michael Ferguson in his campaign for House District 100.

“Michael Ferguson understands what service means because he’s lived it,” Gregory said.

“Florida families are being crushed by rising costs, an insurance crisis, and politicians who serve special interests instead of the people they were elected to represent. That’s why I stepped up and it’s why we need Michael Ferguson in Tallahassee.”

Ferguson, an Air Force veteran and lawyer, is running to flip HD 100 — a coastal Broward district stretching from Fort Lauderdale to Deerfield Beach and the only legislative district fully within the county currently held by Republicans.

The seat is open; incumbent Republican Rep. Chip LaMarca must leave office in November due to term limits.

Ferguson is currently the only Democrat in the race. Republicans running include Yoni Anijar, Raul Gallon, Eric Stelnicki and Christopher Vincent.

Ferguson said he’s “incredibly honored” to receive Gregory’s support.

“Her victory in Donald Trump’s backyard has shown that voters are hungry for leaders who will put people ahead of politics,” he said. “At a time when so many residents and families feel stretched thin and left behind, we need leaders willing to fight for everyday people again.”

Before returning to South Florida, Ferguson served as both a prosecutor and defense counsel in serious criminal cases and was selected as one of the youngest Special Trial Counsel in Air Force history, prosecuting violent crimes worldwide.

A Cardinal Gibbons High School alum who captained the football and lacrosse teams, he holds undergraduate and law degrees from Nova Southeastern University. He has been recognized as one of the National Trial Lawyers’ “Top 40 Under 40” in Florida.

Gregory joins a growing endorsement coalition that includes Senate Democratic Leader-designate Shevrin Jones, Sen. Tina Scott Polsky, Rep. Mitch Rosenwald, Broward County State Attorney Harold Pryor, Property Appraiser Marty Kiar, School Board Chair Sarah Leonardi, Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Ben Sorensen, Deerfield Beach City Commissioner Ben Preston — Ferguson’s former coach at Cardinal Gibbons — and VoteVets.

The Primary is Aug. 18, followed by the General Election Nov. 3.

The post ‘We need Michael’: Emily Gregory endorses Michael Ferguson for HD 100 appeared first on Florida Politics – Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..