06/05/2026
The LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus of the Nature Coast Region is deeply disappointed by reports that the Democratic candidate in the Florida House District 23 race referred to an elected official as a "bitch" and then repeated the remark when given an opportunity to reconsider and apologize.
Political campaigns are often passionate, and disagreements between candidates, elected officials, and activists are inevitable. However, sexist language and personal attacks have no place in our political discourse.
The use of gendered slurs to demean women is harmful regardless of the speaker's party affiliation, the target of the remark, or the circumstances surrounding the disagreement.
Such language reinforces attitudes that have long been used to dismiss, belittle, and undermine women in public life.
As an organization committed to equality, inclusion, and respect, we believe candidates for public office should be held to a higher standard. The people of House District 23 deserve leaders who can engage in difficult conversations and political disagreements without resorting to misogynistic rhetoric.
We call on all candidates seeking public office to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values of respect, dignity, and equality. There is no place for misogyny in our politics, and there should be no ambiguity about that fact.
Citrus County Democratic Party Citrus County Democratic Black CaucusDemocratic Women's Club of Citrus County Marion County Democratic Party Marion County Young Democrats
