08/11/2026
The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus has become aware of a series of disgusting, homophobic texts, sent out in a false flag attack on our endorsed candidate for the Democratic Nomination in Congressional District 24.
The texts claim to be from Equality Florida - but they're not. In bad grammar they attack a true hero of our community, State Sen. Shevrin Jones, who is seeking the nomination for the vacant congressional seat in his home district.
"Every candidate in the CD-24 race should denounce this text," said Kristen Browde, the President of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus. "The illegal text campaign exposes not just the lack of character, but the desperation of those who offer only bigotry in their effort to attain power. We not only stand by, we renew our endorsement of Shevrin Jones to be the next Congressman representing South Florida's 24th District."
Here's the e-mail being circulated by Equality Florida, disclaiming the attack.
Miami, Fla. – In a stunning development in the race for Florida’s 24th Congressional district, a fraudulent ad attacking Senator Shevrin Jones was sent to voters that preys on HIV and anti-gay stigma and is falsely attributed to Equality Florida. The fabricated attribution is a gross violation of federal election law, and the link provided in the ad does not correspond with a story from CBS. Equality Florida Action, Inc. proudly endorsed Shevrin on August 3 and has been unwavering in its commitment to sending this champion of the community to Congress.
“This is a disgusting attack against a public servant who has poured his heart and soul into his community. We can all see it for what it is: a desperate attempt by a shady, dark money group supporting one of Shev’s opponents that trafficks in ugly tropes, misrepresents a trusted statewide organization, and weaponizes a Black man’s identity,” said Brandon Wolf, spokesperson for Equality Florida.
“Shevrin Jones is a champion, history maker, and, when we send him to Congress, he will be a powerful voice at the highest levels of government. To those who broke the law by fabricating this ad: you will face accountability. To Shevrin’s opponents: your willingness or unwillingness to denounce this smear tactic today will tell us all we need to know about who you are. And to the voters faced with a choice next week: the best way to combat this dirty, illegal smear campaign is to send an unmistakable message with your ballot. With your vote, tell the dark money fraudsters that power still belongs to the people.”
Equality Florida will pursue all avenues necessary to hold the perpetrators accountable and remains firmly committed to turning out pro-equality voters this election cycle.
