⭐ Make an Impact Before August 18 Primary
Your vote and your support can make the difference. These are the key races in the August 18 Primary. Some elections will be decided on August 18, while others will determine who advances to the November General Election.
Click on a candidate's name to visit their campaign website, where you can request a yard sign, knock on doors, make phone calls, volunteer, or donate to help elect an environmental champion.
Want to help multiple endorsed candidates? Click here to Suncoast Sierra Club Environmental Voter Action Team on August 5 or August 12 for one of our final Environmental Voter Action Nights before the Primary. Together we'll contact environmental voters through phone banking, texting and other outreach to help elect environmental champions across Tampa Bay.
🔥 St. Petersburg Mayor
Brandi Gabbard
One of the most competitive races on the ballot. The August 18 Primary will determine who advances to the November General Election.
🔥 St. Petersburg City Council
Gabriel Hament – District 2
A competitive two-candidate primary where every vote counts.
Linsey Grove – District 6
A four-candidate primary. Linsey needs our help to earn one of the spots on the November ballot.
🔥 Clearwater City Council
These races will be decided on August 18—there is no November election for these seats.
Jared Leone
Kevin R.T. Laughlin
🔥 Florida Senate District 16
Fentrice Driskell
The Democratic primary is expected to determine the outcome of this race. Support during the primary can make a real difference.
FLORIDA STATE ELECTIONS
Florida Senate
Fentrice Driskell — Florida Senate District 16
Environmental Leadership • Community Resilience • Conservation & Opportunity
A proven leader and longtime advocate for Florida's communities, Fentrice Driskell has built a reputation for bringing people together to tackle the challenges facing our state. As Leader of the Florida House Democrats, she has championed solutions that strengthen communities, expand opportunity, and protect the health and well-being of Floridians.
Fentrice understands that Florida's future depends on protecting our natural resources, investing in resilient communities, and ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to thrive. Throughout her public service, she has demonstrated a commitment to addressing issues that matter to Floridians, including environmental protection, affordable housing, public education, and economic opportunity.
At a time when Florida faces increasing challenges from flooding, extreme weather, and threats to our natural resources, we need leaders who are willing to stand up for clean water, protected lands, and strong communities. Fentrice Driskell has the experience, vision, and leadership needed to help build a healthier, more sustainable future for Florida.
Florida House of Representatives
Bryan Beckman for FL House District 58
Clean Energy • Conservation • Community Resilience
Bryan Beckman understands the threats to our environment and the serious costs facing residents from rising fuel, insurance, and housing expenses. He is focused on practical solutions and affordability, exemplified by his work mapping solar installations across Clearwater to highlight the community's clean energy progress. When elected to the Florida House, Beckman is committed to advancing policies and incentives that expand access to solar-powered homes, businesses, and vehicles.
We have seen Bryan's leadership up close through his years of service with the Sierra Club and his role in helping lead the local clean energy transition. As Chair of the Suncoast Sierra Club for five years and a longtime clean energy advocate, he has worked alongside local governments, businesses, faith communities, and residents to turn ideas into action and deliver measurable results.
In addition, Beckman will stand up to special interests and irresponsible development pressures that threaten our parks, green spaces, and natural waterways. Over the past decade, his outstanding leadership as a Sierra Club volunteer has demonstrated a deep understanding of the sustainability, resilience, and environmental challenges facing our communities. He is a strong supporter of inclusivity and collaboration, bringing people together around a shared vision for a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future.
Lindsay Polega-Quigley — Florida House District 60
Clean Water • Flood Resilience • Affordable Communities
Lindsay Polega-Quigley understands that protecting Florida's environment is essential to protecting the health, safety, and affordability of our communities. She is committed to championing clean water, addressing flooding, and ensuring that Pinellas County families have a healthy environment in which to live, work, and thrive. She recognizes that environmental protection and economic security go hand in hand and believes state government must invest in practical solutions that strengthen communities while safeguarding our natural resources.
Lindsay has built her career fighting for everyday Floridians and understands the challenges families face from rising insurance costs, housing affordability, and the increasing impacts of flooding and severe weather. She is committed to putting people ahead of special interests and supporting policies that improve water quality, strengthen community resilience, and protect the places that make Pinellas County such a special place to live. With a commitment to environmental stewardship, public service, and practical leadership, Lindsay Polega-Quigley is prepared to help build a healthier, more resilient, and more sustainable future for Florida.
Kyandra Darling for Florida House District 62
Flood Resilience • Conservation Funding • Local Control
Kyandra Darling understands that strong communities and a healthy environment go hand in hand. She is committed to protecting Florida's land and water conservation funding, addressing flooding and storm surge, and ensuring local communities have the tools they need to respond to environmental challenges.
Kyandra supports smart investments in resilient infrastructure, clean water protections, and the preservation of Florida's natural resources. She recognizes that "water needs a place to go" and advocates for environmentally sound solutions that reduce flooding while protecting the places we love.
At a time when Florida faces increasing environmental and climate challenges, Kyandra brings the practical leadership and commitment needed to protect our communities, strengthen resilience, and build a healthier future for all Floridians.
LOCAL ELECTIONS
St. Petersburg
Brandi Gabbard for Mayor of St. Pete
Climate Resilience • Clean Water • Sustainable Leadership
Brandi Gabbard understands that resilience is not a side issue—it must be the foundation for every decision St. Petersburg makes. As a City Council member and longtime advocate for sustainable communities, she has demonstrated leadership on protecting clean water, strengthening neighborhoods, improving stormwater infrastructure, and preparing the city for the challenges of sea level rise and stronger storms.
Brandi is committed to fully implementing St. Petersburg's Integrated Sustainability Action Plan, a goal strongly supported by the Suncoast Sierra Club. She also supports investing in resilient infrastructure, expanding transportation choices, protecting Tampa Bay's waterways, and advancing blue-green infrastructure that makes the city healthier, safer, and more livable. She recognizes that environmental stewardship, affordability, and quality of life are interconnected and believes thoughtful planning is essential to St. Petersburg's future.
With proven leadership, a strong commitment to climate resilience, and a vision for a more sustainable city, Brandi Gabbard is prepared to lead St. Petersburg into a healthier, more resilient, and more sustainable future.
Gabriel Hament - St. Petersburg City Council District 2
Climate Resilience • Smart Growth • Stronger Neighborhoods
Gabriel Hament understands that preparing St. Petersburg for the future means making climate resilience part of every major decision. He recognizes the importance of investing in stormwater infrastructure, protecting coastal habitats, expanding tree canopy, and planning growth in ways that strengthen neighborhoods while preserving the character that makes St. Petersburg unique.
Gabriel believes local government has a critical role in addressing the challenges facing District 2 and the city as a whole. He supports practical solutions to reduce flooding, improve transportation options, create more connected and walkable communities, protect natural resources, and encourage responsible development that includes affordable housing and resilient infrastructure.
With a commitment to thoughtful planning, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, Gabriel is prepared to help St. Petersburg build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient future for all residents.
Linsey Grove — St. Petersburg City Council District 6
Public Health • Sustainable Growth • Climate Resilience
Linsey Grove understands that protecting our environment and protecting public health go hand in hand. As a former President of the League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area, she has demonstrated leadership on issues that shape the future of our city, including sustainable growth, Complete Streets, affordable housing, and community resilience.
Linsey recognizes that local government plays a critical role in preventing environmental harm before it happens. She brings a deep understanding of the policies needed to address the challenges facing St. Petersburg, including flooding, sea level rise, aging stormwater infrastructure, water quality concerns, loss of tree canopy, transportation options, and growth management.
With a strong record of public leadership and a commitment to thoughtful, forward-looking solutions, Linsey is prepared to help St. Petersburg build a healthier, more resilient, and more sustainable future.
CLEARWATER CITY COUNCIL
Jared Leone — Clearwater City Council
Environmental Stewardship • Community Advocacy • Resilient Clearwater
Jared Leone has a long record of environmental and community leadership in Clearwater. As a former chair of Clearwater's Environmental Advisory Board, president of the Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition, and vice president of Keep Pinellas Beautiful, he has spent years working to protect natural resources, strengthen neighborhoods, and improve community resilience.
Jared understands that a strong community depends on clean water, resilient infrastructure, healthy parks, and thoughtful planning. He has helped advance environmental protections, supported sustainability initiatives, and advocated for policies that improve quality of life while safeguarding Clearwater's natural assets.
With a proven record of public service, neighborhood advocacy, and bringing people together to solve problems, Jared is committed to ensuring Clearwater remains a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient city for generations to come.
Kevin R T Laughlin - Clearwater City Council
Protecting Green Space • Clean Water • Environmental Stewardship
Kevin R.T. Laughlin has spent years working to protect Clearwater's waterways, wildlife, and natural spaces. As Chair of the Clearwater Marine Advisory Board, he partnered with the Suncoast Sierra Club to help establish a Manatee Protection Zone in Stevenson Creek and has been a strong advocate for preserving green space and protecting native habitats.
Kevin understands that local government plays a vital role in safeguarding clean water, strengthening community resilience, and ensuring development respects both our environment and our neighborhoods. He has spoken out against proposals that would replace valuable green space with large-scale development and supports practical, sustainable solutions that protect Clearwater's natural resources for future generations.
With a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation, Kevin is prepared to help Clearwater build a healthier, more resilient, and more sustainable future.
PInellas Board of County Commissioner
Pinellas County Commission At-Large District 2
Tim Hughes
Watershed Protection • Coastal Resilience • Environmental Leadership
Tim Hughes has dedicated his career and volunteer service to protecting our environment and building more resilient communities. As Conservation Chair for the Suncoast Group of Sierra Club, we have seen firsthand his passion, leadership, and commitment to protecting Pinellas County's natural resources. He has worked with local governments and community partners to strengthen tree protection policies, protect aquatic preserves, and advocate for resilient coastal communities and stronger environmental protections.
Tim brings more than two decades of professional experience in environmental health and safety, watershed management, floodplain management, and stormwater best management practices. He understands that protecting our waterways, preserving natural habitats, and investing in resilient infrastructure are essential to Pinellas County's future. With a proven record of environmental leadership and public service, Tim Hughes is prepared to help build a healthier, more resilient, and more sustainable Pinellas County for generations to come.
PINELLAS COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD - CHECK BACK SOON!
Paid political advertisement paid for by the Sierra Club Florida PAC, P.O. BOX 443220, Miami, FL 33144 independently of any candidate. This advertisement was not approved by any candidate.
NATIONAL ELECTIONS - CONGRESSIONAL ENDORSEMENTS
Kelly Kirschner — U.S. House District 16
Clean Water • Conservation • Affordability & Opportunity
Kelly Kirschner believes decisions about our water, growth, and natural resources should answer a basic question: Who does this help? His priorities put the people who live, work, and raise their families here first—protecting the Gulf Coast while strengthening the communities and local economy that depend on it.
Kirschner supports protecting Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, and our coastline; keeping public lands public; investing in conservation and upstream water protection; holding phosphate companies accountable; strengthening clean air and water protections; and addressing stormwater and overdevelopment that contribute to flooding and polluted runoff.
He also connects environmental protection with affordability and opportunity. His priorities include reliable, affordable energy, workforce training and education, support for small businesses and working lands, and ensuring disaster and insurance resources reach communities based on need.
Learn more about Sierra Club's congressional endorsements:
Sierra Club Independent Action Endorsements
Paid for by Sierra Club Independent Action, www.sierraclubindependentaction.org, and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE
August 18, 2026 Primary Election
- Mail Ballot Request Deadline: August 6 at 5 pm
- Early Voting: August 8 to 16
November 3, 2026 General Election
- Registration Deadline: October 5
- Mail Ballot Request Deadline: October 22 at 5 pm
- Early Voting: October 19 to November
Are You Election Ready? Complete the online form to request a mail ballot or call 727-464-VOTE (8683).
WHY WE ENDORSE: The Suncoast Sierra Club supports candidates who will protect clean water, conserve natural lands, advance clean energy, strengthen resilience, and promote healthy, sustainable communities.
Contributions to the Sierra Club Florida PAC are not tax-deductible. For more information, contact Steve Wonderly, Chapter Political Chair, at stephen.wonderly@gmail.com.
Learn more about the Sierra Club's endorsement process here.
The Sierra Club is an environmental organization with chapters in all 50 U.S. states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. The Sierra Club works to protect wildlife and wild places, ensure clean water and air for all and fight the devastating effects of climate change. Learn about the Suncoast Group of Sierra Club at https://suncoastsierra.org