Every seat in the U.S. House of Representatives matters. The razor-thin margins currently in Congress mean that even one more progressive voice could shape the future of our politics, our democracy, and civil rights.
That’s why we are endorsing Josh Weil, the Democratic nominee for Florida’s 6th Congressional District, which includes Daytona Beach — a district that’s far from friendly territory far from our readership, but one that’s still worth fighting for.
Even though Donald Trump has only recently taken office, the threat his administration poses to the LGBTQ community and our rights is already apparent.
But the time for mourning is over. We lost. Now it’s time to regroup and fight back. We’re only a few weeks into a new Trump administration, and the constant barrage of headlines is almost unbearable. Trump’s attempt to remake America, minimize the power of the other two branches of government, and degrade our institutions will have profound effects on our country.
It’s going to be a long four years.
This seat is incredibly important because every victory brings us closer to stopping the most egregious proposals coming out of the Republican Party.
Weil’s opponent, State Senator Randy Fine, is a well-documented enemy of our community. Fine has championed some of the most harmful anti-LGBTQ legislation Florida has seen in years, from targeting transgender youth to supporting bans on inclusive education. His campaign represents a continuation of that assault. Electing him to Congress would further embolden the national effort to roll back LGBTQ protections and silence queer voices.
We can’t let that happen.
Weil is the antithesis of that agenda. As an educator and single father, Weil knows firsthand the importance of creating inclusive spaces where students — no matter their background, gender identity, or orientation — feel seen and valued.
He’s running on a platform of improving our public schools, affordable healthcare, and helping the working class. But more than that, Weil is running a campaign rooted in compassion and the belief that every American deserves dignity and opportunity. His refusal to accept corporate PAC money is proof of his commitment to people, not political interests.
While Florida’s 6th District may be a deep shade of red, this election is winnable with enough support. Weil has already built significant grassroots momentum, raising a substantial amount of money from small-dollar donors. But to defeat Fine, he’ll need help from allies across the country — especially those of us in the LGBTQ community, who know how much is at stake.
We’re asking our readers to do more than just follow this race: Join it.
Share information about Weil on social media, talk about his campaign with friends, and consider donating to help him push through the final stretch. A donation from someone in South Florida can help flip a seat in Daytona Beach — and that could make all the difference.
We know this district won’t be easy. But a recent special election in Iowa should give us hope, as a Democrat defeated their opponent in a district Trump won by more than 20 points.
Weil is fighting for a better future, and with our help, he just might win. What’s for sure, though, is this: If we don’t fight, we won’t win.
Let’s give Weil the support he needs to win.
Donate to Weil’s campaign today at joshweil.us and help spread the word. You can make a difference — no matter where you live. The election takes place Tuesday, April 1.
This editorial contains contributions from both human editors and AI-assisted revisions. The AI was used to polish, structure, and refine the final content under editorial guidance. We are committed to disclosing AI involvement in our content when it meaningfully impacts the reporting or creation process, ensuring transparency with our audience.
