Former state Sen. Jeremy Ring is reeling in the support of congressional Democrats as he continues his bid to be Florida’s next CFO.
Ring announced on Thursday that South Florida Democrats U.S. Reps. Lois Frankel, Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Frederica Wilson were backing his campaign.
“I am humbled to have earned the support of Congresswomen Frankel, Wasserman Schultz, and Wilson,” Ring said. “I’ve been fortunate to know or work alongside all of them for many years. They are three of the most dedicated members of the U.S. House of Representatives and I am thankful to have them in our corner fighting on behalf of the people of Florida in Washington and excited to have them join our campaign!”
"Now more than ever Florida needs fighters," Wilson said. "I had the opportunity to serve with Jeremy in Tallahassee and saw first-hand how he fought to protect the Florida Retirement System from the Republicans who wanted to tear it apart. This is why I'm excited to endorse him in his race to be Florida's next Chief Financial Officer. From protecting the Florida Retirement System to standing up for taxpayers to make sure their money is being spent the way they've been told it's being spent, there isn't a more qualified candidate that will fight for Floridians than Jeremy."
“Although the CFO isn't someone you see in the headlines a lot, their actions arguably touch more Floridians than any other statewide office -- from regulating insurance rates and serving as a vital check-and-balance to the governor and Legislature,” Frankel said. “Jeremy Ring will ask tough questions, stand up to insurance companies and stand up for consumers. I enthusiastically support him.”
Ring has also reeled in the support of other Democrats in the Florida delegation. Earlier this month, U.S. Reps. Ted Deutch, D-Fla., and Al Lawson, D-Fla., sent out fundraising emails on Ring’s behalf.
After a career in the private sector, including launching Yahoo’s East Coast operations, Ring won an open state Senate seat in 2006 and stayed there until retiring in 2012. During his time in Tallahassee, Ring garnered the reputation of being something of a pro-business Democrat, especially on ports issues.
Earlier this year, Gov. Rick Scott named former state Rep. Jimmy Patronis as state CFO after Jeff Atwater resigned the position. Patronis is expected to face a challenge in the Republican primary from state Sen. Tom Lee.
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