Former Republican Party of Florida Chair Endorses Democrat Senator for Congress

Former Republican Party of Florida Chair Al Cardenas endorsed Democratic Senator Annette Taddeo for Congress in Florida’s 27th congressional district against the Republican incumbent, footage released on October 5 shows.

“It’s the first time in four decades where I am actually endorsing a Democrat,” Cárdenas says in his announcement, adding that he had never seen the US “face such dire straits as it’s facing now.”

“I’ve decided that loyalty to my country and loyalty to what’s right is really more important than the loyalty that I’ve had for my party for over 40 years,” he says.

Taddeo is challenging Republican Maria Elvira Salazar for her congressional seat in upcoming November midterm elections. Credit: Annette Taddeo via Storyful

Video Transcript

AL CARDENAS: It's the first time in four decades where I'm actually endorsing a Democrat for Congress in some form.

[APPLAUSE]

And I'm doing it for a couple of reasons. The first reason is that I have not in these 40 years of involvement in politics in America seen my country face such dire straits that's it's facing now. I've decided that loyalty to my country and loyalty to what's right, it's really more important than the loyalty that I've had for my party for 40 years. And whether it's important and necessary, I'll deviate from that loyalty to do what's right for America.

And in this particular race in South Florida, it's important to elect Annette Taddeo. I've known her and many of her roles. I know how she thinks. I know that she puts her country and her state above herself. And to me, that's now a precondition to supporting anyone running for office. Your country more important than your particular career, political career. And I know for Annette, it is. And so I'm here to support her and I'm proud to support her.