Rodney Jacobs Aims to Secure Democratic Nomination for Senate District 35

Rodney Jacobs, the Executive Director of Miami’s Civilian Investigative Panel, is making waves in the race to become the Democratic nominee for Senate District 35 in Florida. With the current representative, Minority Leader Lauren Book, termed out, Jacobs is facing tough competition from a screenwriter and a former Mayor.

Jacobs, an Army veteran and police oversight advocate, entered the race in September 2023 with a strong message of fighting for Florida’s residents. He is running a grassroots campaign focused on addressing issues like home insurance premiums, daycare costs, food costs, and traffic congestion—problems that everyday Floridians discuss around their dinner tables.

One of Jacobs’ key motivations for running is the passage of controversial “culture war” bills in the state’s capitol, such as “book bans and the Don’t Say Gay bill,” which he believes distract from more pressing issues. He also highlighted the impact of a recent bill banning civilian police review boards in the state, emphasizing the importance of community input in policing.

Despite being a newcomer to political campaigning, Jacobs has already raised over $100,000 for his campaign. His competitors, Chad Klitzman and Barbara Sharief, have also garnered significant support and endorsements from various organizations and lawmakers.

The primary election is set for August 20th, with the General election following on November 5th. The Democratic nominee will face off against Sheriff’s Deputy Vincent Parlatore, the sole Republican candidate, in the heavily Democratic district. With a focus on grassroots advocacy and a commitment to addressing the needs of everyday Floridians, Jacobs is hoping to secure the nomination and bring about positive change for the residents of Senate District 35.