WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) announced a multimillion-dollar investment into the Florida AG race to elect José Javier Rodríguez. Rodríguez is the leader Florida needs. As a former state legislator and U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor, Rodríguez has focused on improving public safety, transparency, and fought for justice. He’s fought for a level playing field for consumers and expanded workforce opportunities for all.

Statement from Sean Rankin, DAGA President:

“Our $5 million investment into Florida is just the start in our support for José Javier Rodríguez to serve as the state’s next attorney general. Rodríguez will put Floridians first by standing up to powerful special interests, rooting out corruption, and enforcing consumer protections. As all of Florida’s communities are being hard hit by the rise in the cost of living and suffering as a result of misguided leadership, Rodríguez will put people first and keep Florida safe. DAGA sees a path to victory with Rodríguez and is now a partner in this fight.”

James Uthmeier, the Republican Attorney General, is running for election for the first time ever after being appointed to the position.

Here is how Uthmeier has failed the people of Florida:

• Uthmeier was at the center of the Hope Florida scandal where a grand jury found that $10 million, money meant to help Florida taxpayers,  was misappropriated and funneled into political committees, including a PAC that Uthmeier chaired and controlled.
• The poster child for pay-to-play: Through his PAC, Uthmeier accepted donations from special interest groups, including CDR Enterprises who received no bid contracts valued at over $537 million. One of these contracts was to build the horrific “Alligator Alcatraz” ICE detention facility.
• Abused the AG Office for partisan gain: After a judge blocked the state’s controversial immigration law, Uthmeier defied the court order, and encouraged sheriffs and police to ignore the ruling and continue unlawful arrests. He cited a desire to carry out Trump’s agenda, putting Trump above the people of Florida. He was later found in contempt of court for his actions.

• Uthmeier’s net worth has increased to $1.27 million while in the AGs office, and on top of the attorney general six-figure salary, he also earned an extra $100,000 a year teaching for just two hours at the University of Florida’s law school, further deepening his own pockets instead of helping Floridians afford to live.

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