State Representative Michele Rayner Announces Run For Congress

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — State Representative Michel Rayner announced her candidacy for Florida's 13th Congressional District Monday at a news conference in Pinellas County held in front of the church her grandfather was a minister of for many years.

Rayner, who was born and raised in Clearwater, is an attorney and social justice advocate. She serves as a representative to Florida House District 70. She comes from a family that has served others. Her mother was among the first Black social workers in St. Petersburg, Rayner said. One of her uncles was also a Florida state representative.

"I was taught from a young age to always do good, to strive to serve others, and to serve my community," she said. "That’s why I became a public defender, that’s why I became a civil rights attorney, and I have been honored to continue this path of public service as a state representative. However, despite our best efforts, Democratic attempts to provide economic relief, racial justice, and public safety for the people of Florida have been stymied time and time again by far-right, partisan Republicans in Florida’s legislature. The systemic nature of the issues we are facing had me looking at where I can make the most impactful changes."

She said that we need representatives in Congress who understand that politics is a calling to public service, not self-service.

“This is a critical moment both in our nation’s, and in our state’s, history. It not only demands that all people have full access to their civil and human rights, but equally as important have access to quality public education, affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and economic opportunity.

Is she is elected, she said she will be one of the first openly lesbian black women to serve in Congress, and that she intends to continue to serve her community with determination, tenacity, selflessness and commitment to public service that she has employed throughout her life here in Florida.

Rayner lives in St. Petersburg with her wife, Bianca, and their dogs.

For more information about the campaign visit www.micheleforflorida.com.