Florida Democrat Debbie Mucarsel Powell is the only Latina running for Senate in the 2024 election

Debbie Mucarsel Powell, a Latina Democrat is challenging Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott, focusing on Florida's unaffordability and abortion rights.

PINECREST, Fla. — The only Latina vying for a U.S. Senate seat in November is trying to beat a Republican incumbent in an increasingly red state by stressing her moderate stance on many issues, including Latin America policy.

Former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, a Democrat, says families across the state are struggling — and she knows from personal experience. Her mother lives with her and her 24-year-old daughter was also under the same roof until recently. All because housing has become so expensive in Florida, said Mucarsel-Powell.

She said those everyday struggles are what’s driving her to challenge Sen. Rick Scott, a well-funded Republican seeking his second term in a state that’s turned increasingly red in recent years.

Scott led Mucarsel-Powell by 4 points in a recent poll by the Public Opinion Research Lab at the University of North Florida, within the poll's margin of error and consistent with other polls showing Scott with a single-digit lead. Still, it’s an uphill battle in a state where Republicans have dominated recent elections.

Early voting is underway for Florida’s Aug. 20 primaries, and Mucarsel-Powell and Scott face nominal competition for their party's nominations.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/debbie-mucarsel-powell-rick-scott-florida-election-rcna160010

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