Angie Chirino, Anna Hochkammer first to jump in open SD 39

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After losing the congressional Republican primary to Maria Elvira Salazar, Angie Chirino — daughter of Cuban salsa sensation Willy Chirino — wants to run for Florida Senate in District 39.

She joins Pinecrest Councilwoman Anna Hochkammer, a Democrat, in seeking the seat currently occupied by Sen. Anitere Flores, who is termed out and rumored to be eyeing a county seat — even possibly a mayoral run in 2020 (more on that later).

This open race, a unique opportunity in South Florida, is likely to attract a few more would-be candidates before qualifying even begins next year. Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez had originally and early on filed paperwork to seek the seat, which many believed was hers by right, but then she became the running mate to Gov. Ron DeSantis. She has since returned more than $3,000 in contributions, indicating that she will stay with DeSantis through the four-year term, even though she wants a South Florida office to work in (more on that later).

Chirino came in fifth in the nine-way primary last year that put Salazar in a contest with Democrat Donna Shalala, who eventually won the general election. That may only account for less than 7%, but it’s 2,678 people who she got to vote for her once before.

“I know this community extremely well,” Chirino said in a statement launching her campaign.

“District 39 is full of extraordinary people, and my diverse professional background has thoroughly prepared me to be a strong voice for all residents of our community.

It’s vital that we do everything possible to give the next generation of South Floridians the best start in life, especially those from challenging backgrounds.

One of the best ways we can do that is to address critical quality-of-life issues. For too long, South Florida families have been forced to spend too much of their valuable time stuck in traffic and too much of their hard-earned money on tolls.

I plan to be a tireless advocate for effectively addressing this issue as well as for state policies that protect our seniors and the beautiful environment we all enjoy.

There’s no question these are tough issues, but I believe working together, we can strengthen our economy and make sure South Florida continues to be the best place to live in the country.”

Hochkammer, a relative newcomer who moved into the area in 2009 and served as PTA president at Palmetto High, has served as vice mayor in Pinecrest, where she was elected in 2016.

She also released a statement when she announced her bid. In part, it said:

“The state of public education and the constant attacks by the Legislature, and lack of real funding and opportunity keeps me up at night.

“I know the only place I can make a real difference in the lives of children and families in Florida is in Tallahassee. I am excited about the journey ahead to represent the wonderfully diverse and vibrant communities that make up District 39.”

More than 5,000 people voted to put Hochkammer in office in 2009, but Pinecrest sits outside the Senate district’s boundaries. Florida law requires legislators to live in Florida for at least two years before Election Day, but they can move into the district on Election Day as long as they live there while they represent the district. Hochkammer has said she is renting a condo in Key Largo, which is in the district.

There are likely to be other candidates for this open seat before qualifying really starts.

  Angie Chirino, Anitere Flores, Anna Hochkammer, Florida Senate