Debbie Mucarsel-Powell targets Haitian communities as Florida Senate race tightens

ORLANDO—In a push for votes that could help her win in Florida, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Debbie Mucarsel-Powell says she will be showing up for Haiti and the diaspora if elected, as Haitians face challenges in Haiti and stateside. 

During an interview with The Haitian Times on Wednesday, the former U.S. congresswoman emphasized her commitment to an agenda that includes issues like immigration reform, lower taxes for middle-income Floridians, and greater inclusion of Haitian American voices in Washington, D.C. 

“We have a great and unique opportunity to win if people turn out,” Mucarsel-Powell said. “That’s why I am counting on the Haitian American community to join our broad coalition to defeat Rick Scott in November.” 

However, the Florida Democrat understands the challenge she faces in convincing a large enough majority of Haitian Americans due to their dissatisfaction with party leaders in Washington. Many Haitian immigrants in Florida are unhappy with the Biden-Harris administration, particularly for its handling of U.S. policies in Haiti amidst the sociopolitical crisis.

 “I agree with the overall sentiment in the Haitian American community that the U.S. government has not done enough for Haiti, which faces multiple crises, she said. “For instance, we could have done more to stop gun trafficking that has created so much violence and instability in the country. The Haitian people have been suffering from an exacerbated humanitarian crisis. They need our full support to chart a path forward.”

In her bid to unseat incumbent Republican Senator Rick Scott, she has been actively courting Florida’s Haitian community, a vital bloc in the state’s tight Senate race.

 “Haitians who came to this country fleeing violence, political instability, and economic hardship deserve the right to live and work here without constantly worrying about their status. Haitian Americans can count on me. I will be a voice for Haitian communities in the U.S. and in Haiti. “

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Florida Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate 

Mucarsel-Powell, a former Congresswoman who represented Florida’s 26th district from 2019 to 2021, said her time in office and ongoing conversations with Haitian immigrant communities made her deeply aware of the challenges Haitians face in the U.S. and Haiti. The Ecuadorian-American immigrant, who came to the U.S. as a teenager, also stressed that her own experience as an immigrant drives her passion for advocating for policies that would better serve Haitian Americans and other marginalized groups.

“I understand the difficulties immigrant families face because I’ve lived them,” Mucarsel-Powell said. “Haitian Americans in Florida contribute so much to our state, and it’s time they have a stronger voice in Washington. That’s what I promise to deliver.”

Immigration reform and TPS

One of the key issues Mucarsel-Powell promises to tackle is immigration reform, particularly focusing on Haitian nationals living under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in the U.S. She expressed frustration over the uncertainty Haitians with TPS have faced under the current administration, promising to push for a more permanent solution that would allow Haitians to remain in the U.S. without fear of deportation.

“Haitians who came to this country fleeing violence, political instability, and economic hardship deserve the right to live and work here without constantly worrying about their status,” she said, punching at her opponent’s anti-immigrant rhetoric and action.

 “During my time in Congress, I have fought and voted for the extension of the TPS. In the Senate, I will continue to push for extensions and more permanent solutions. Rick Scott, in contrast, has failed the Haitian community by being either silent or condoning false and disgraceful conspiracies against Haitian immigrants.”

She criticized Scott for his stance on immigration policies, accusing him of failing to advocate for Haitians. Mucarsel-Powell cited Scott’s support for restrictive immigration measures that have disproportionately affected the Haitian community, including attempts to end TPS.

“We need to expand TPS protections, not cut them,” she asserted. “We need to provide a pathway to citizenship for those who contribute to our economy and community.”

A focus on economic opportunity and healthcare

Beyond immigration, the Florida Democratic candidate has made economic justice a key part of her platform, advocating for policies that would boost economic opportunities for Haitian Americans, many of whom have been hit hard by inflation and economic inequality. She pointed to the growing wealth gap in Florida, especially among communities of color, as evidence of the need for change in leadership.

“The Haitian community is hardworking, yet so many are struggling to make ends meet,” she said. “We need to ensure fair wages, affordable housing, and access to healthcare for all Floridians, especially in our minority communities.”

Mucarsel-Powell highlighted healthcare reform as another priority, noting the disproportionate impact of healthcare disparities on Haitians in South Florida, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. She criticized Scott’s support for trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, which she argued would strip millions of Floridians, including Haitians, of access to affordable healthcare.

“Access to healthcare is a human right,” she said. “We need leaders who will fight to expand healthcare, not take it away. Scott even plans to cut Medicare and Medicaid after overseeing the biggest Medicare fraud in history.”

In one of her media TV ads, the former congresswoman hit Sen. Scott with a “Florida’s ultimate political snake” label.

The ad says that Scott is “Florida’s biggest snake” who “stole money from seniors in the biggest Medicare fraud ever” and then “slid into the Senate, where he wrote the plan to end Social Security, raise your taxes, and ban abortion.”

Building stronger U.S.-Haiti relations

In addition to domestic policies, Mucarsel-Powell discussed the importance of U.S. foreign policy toward Haiti, an ally country she says Washington has neglected for far too long. She emphasized the need for greater humanitarian aid and investment in Haitian-led solutions to address the country’s political instability, as well as economic and healthcare challenges.

“Haiti has been in crisis for far too long, and the U.S. must do more to support its recovery,” Mucarsel-Powell said. “But it’s important that we listen to Haitians and work with Haitian leaders to find solutions that are in the best interest of the Haitian people.”

She criticized U.S. interventionist policies that have, in the past, worsened Haiti’s crises and vowed, if elected, to work toward a more cooperative and respectful approach to U.S.-Haiti relations.

A nail-biting race

As Mucarsel-Powell’s race against Senator Scott heats up, the Haitian American vote could prove pivotal. Haitian Americans represent a growing and politically engaged constituency in South Florida, particularly in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, where they have historically leaned Democratic. 

Mucarsel-Powell has been strategically focusing her outreach on these areas, appearing at Haitian churches, community centers, and local businesses. She also launched aggressive media campaign ads in Haitian media across the state, targeting notably radio, TV, and social media platforms.

“I’ve always believed that in order to serve a community, you have to show up,” Mucarsel-Powell said. “That’s why I’m spending so much time in Haitian neighborhoods, listening to their concerns and making sure they know they have an advocate in me.”

Recent polls show the race tightening, with Scott holding a narrow lead. But Mucarsel-Powell remains optimistic, pointing to her strong grassroots support and enthusiasm from Haitian, Latino,  African American, and other minority voters.

“This is going to be a close race, but I believe the Haitian community will help push us over the finish line,” she said. “Together, we can build a better future for Florida and for all of its people.”

The post Debbie Mucarsel-Powell targets Haitian communities as Florida Senate race tightens appeared first on The Haitian Times.

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Debbie Mucarsel-Powell targets Haitian communities as Florida Senate race tightens was first posted on October 18, 2024 at 3:47 pm.