You’ve probably heard of the Redneck Riviera, right? Some people in the Pensacola area prefer the “Emerald Coast,” but, still, most wear “Redneck Riviera” as a badge of honor. Others call in L.A. (Lower Alabama). In fact, Alabama has been hankering to annex it for 2 centuries. The Flora-Bama Lounge is a dive bar straddling the Orange Beach (Alabama) and Perdido Key (Florida).
After Reconstruction the whole area was a racist Democratic stronghold. In 1994, led by Joe Scarborough, it flipped to become a racist Republican stronghold. And it still is. The congressman who represents it is Matt Gaetz. His father was just elected state Senator and the state Rep is Alex Andrade. If you’ve heard of Andrade at all, it was probably as a culture war lunatic and for his battle against DEI and CRT and his passionate defense of slavery. He claims, almost entirely inaccurate and misleading, that slaves were paid for their work.
We were delighted to endorse Andrade’s opponent, Pensacola progressive social worker Haley Morrissette, this cycle, at first because of Andrade… but as we got to know Haley and her agenda better, more because of how good she is and less because of how terrible he is. She can use some help raising funds to power her grassroots campaign, so please consider chipping in what you can here… or here.
But if Andrade is best known for his culture war nonsense, he also know as a relentless warrior against the interests of working class families. In fact, when I asked Haley to introduce herself I was more interested her her giving voice to the aspirations of working families than the regular MAGA racism that Andrade is usually associated with. You may find this pretty shocking:
Florida House Bill 741 of 2022: A Lesson in Prioritizing People Over Profits
-by Haley Morrissette
In 2022, Florida House Bill 741 was introduced with the intention of overhauling net metering for solar panels. On the surface, it might have seemed like a routine legislative action, but in reality, it was a critical moment that revealed much about the forces shaping our state’s future.
HB 741 aimed to weaken net metering, a vital program that allows homeowners to sell excess solar energy back to the grid. For many Floridians, this program represents more than just an energy policy— it’s a pathway to sustainability, economic resilience, and community empowerment. But the bill, co-sponsored by Representative Alex Andrade, posed a threat to these values by aligning with the interests of large utility companies like Florida Power & Light (FPL).
Governor Ron DeSantis’ decision to veto this bill was a pivotal moment. It was a rare instance where political leadership chose to prioritize the needs of the people over corporate interests. This decision recognized the reality that FPL’s recent rate hikes were already straining many families in the Panhandle, and further undermining solar incentives would only exacerbate the problem.
However, the narrative here is not about one bill or one legislator. It’s about the broader choices we face as a state. Representative Andrade’s support for HB 741 is part of a larger pattern within our political system, where the influence of corporate power often overshadows the voices of ordinary citizens. It’s not about casting blame on individuals, but about recognizing the systems that drive these decisions.
Take, for example, HB 1191 (2023), which made it easier for private developers to arm Florida’s coastlines with seawalls, often at the expense of public beaches and the environment. Or HB 839 (2021), which stripped local governments of their ability to set occupational licensing standards, favoring business interests over community control. These bills reflect a system where the priorities of a few can eclipse the well-being of the many.
Yet, despite these challenges, I believe in the power of unity and the strength of our communities. My campaign is built on the principle that our government should work for all Floridians, not just those with the deepest pockets. I am running to be a voice for the people— a voice that will advocate for affordable energy, protect our environment, and promote policies that serve the common good.
Florida’s future depends on our ability to come together, to recognize that we are stronger when we prioritize people over profits, and to work toward a shared vision of sustainability and equity. While some may be caught in the gears of a system that prioritizes corporate interests, I am committed to breaking that cycle and building a government that truly reflects the needs and hopes of its people.
When you head to the polls, consider the choices before us. We can continue down a path where profit margins dictate policy, or we can choose a future where our communities, our environment, and our collective well-being come first. I am running to ensure that Florida remains a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, and I believe that together, we can make that vision a reality.
Let’s move Florida forward.
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