Rick Scott – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by lev radin
To save his seat in the U.S. Senate, incumbent Senator Rick Scott will face off against former Democratic congressman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in a battle that will be highly followed.
Given that Democrats have historically held a narrow majority in the Senate, the outcome of the contest could have an impact on the balance of power in that chamber.
Mucarsel-Powell, who was elected to Congress in 2018 as the first woman from South America and the first from Ecuador, would probably help her party keep control of the chamber if she were to win an unexpected victory.
Mucarsel-Powell represented Florida’s 26th Congressional District until 2021, when Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez defeated her for reelection.
Florida’s 2024 U.S. Senate Race
The former congresswoman’s campaign has focused on lowering living expenses and gun violence, as well as safeguarding the environment and ensuring women have access to healthcare.
Scott, however, has attacked Mucarsel-Powell for her voting record that supports aid for migrants, frequently calling her a “socialist” throughout the contentious election.
By running for a second term, Scott would be able to take over as Senate Republican leader in lieu of U.S. Senator Mitch McConnel, who is resigning.
Before attempting to run for governor in 2010, the senator held a position as a healthcare executive. After serving two terms as Florida’s 45th governor, he narrowly defeated incumbent Democratic senator Bill Nelson to win a seat in the U.S. Senate in 2018.
Scott has offered a 12-point plan to “rescue America,” with a focus on the economy and price increases during Joe Biden’s presidency.
Mucarsel-Powell, though, has also made personal attacks on Scott. She attacked Scott for leading a healthcare corporation that was fined $1.7 billion during a Medicare and Medicaid fraud investigation in an attack ad that was published in the last few days before the election.
To compete in the Sunshine State, the contenders together raised close to $70 million.
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Chris began his writing as a hobby while attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Today he and his wife live in the Orlando area with their three children and dog.
