Tampa Bay Sierra Club supports candidates who will protect clean water, conserve natural lands, advance clean energy, strengthen resilience and promote healthy, sustainable communities. Here's how our endorsed candidates fared in the August primary.

 Florida Senate

Fentrice Driskell — Florida Senate District 16  Won!

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.

Brian Nathan — State Senate District 14 Won!

 Currently serving as senator for SD 14, Brian Nathan takes his role seriously as a protector of Florida and its residents. A Navy veteran and union organizer for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Nathan has proven his dedication to fighting for the rights of all, in particular the working class.  He believes we must hold the industry to the most rigorous standards while ensuring a “just transition” for the workforce that powers our state's economy.

Florida House of Representatives

Kyandra Darling — Florida House District 62 Won!

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 resilience, 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 supports local food systems and sustainable agriculture and the importance of an urban tree canopy and green space to improve air quality and lower energy costs.

Hillsborough County Commission

Neil Manimala  —  County Commission, District 5 Won!

A lifelong Hillsborough County resident, Neil Manimala has built a practice as a physician grounded in service to others. He sees firsthand how public policy shapes health outcomes, affordability and quality of life. Manimala serves on the Hillsborough County Health Care Advisory Board and the Health Council of West Central Florida, and he is the president of the Hillsborough County Medical Association. 

As a member of the American Planning Association, he understands that county land-use decisions must balance growth with flood resilience, environmental responsibility, and long-term community well-being. He promises to promote sustainable development, transit options, and invest in flood-resilient infrastructure aimed at lowering everyday costs for working families, seniors and young people. His priorities include workforce development, small business support, affordable housing, modern transit infrastructure, and hurricane readiness.

Aileen Rodriguez — County Commission, District 7 Won!

With more than two decades in communications and public affairs, Aileen Rodriguez is a clear voice to protect our communities. Rodriguez believes that everyone has the right to an affordable living and will place priorities on housing, energy and transportation costs, while improving sustainable and resilient infrastructure. 

Aileen has demonstrated her commitment to community service through her involvement with various organizations including Hillsborough Community College Foundation Board, the City of Tampa’s Human Rights Board, the Florida Public Relations Association, the FBI Citizens Academy, the University of South Florida Latin Community Advisory Committee, and the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County Grant Review Committee.  She received the 2019 NFL/Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award and the 2019 City of Tampa Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council Leadership Award. 

Hillsborough County School Board

Karen Perez — School Board, District 6 Moves to Nov. runoff

As a  Hillsborough County School Board member since 2018 and small business owner, Karen Perez has the experience and leadership to continue on as a strong advocate for children and families.

Throughout her time on the School Board, she has worked to ensure that our schools not only provide an excellent education, but also serve as responsible stewards of our environment. She has championed initiatives that promote sustainability, environmental awareness, energy conservation, school gardens, outdoor learning opportunities, water refill stations, recycling programs, and the expansion of clean transportation options, including electric school buses. 

 She has served or volunteered for The Family Healthcare Foundation Board, Commission on Human Trafficking, Safe and Sound Hillsborough Executive Committee, Salvation Army and Urban League. 

Daniela Simic — School Board, District 2 Moves to Nov. runoff

Daniela Simic is an experienced education leader with more than two decades of service strengthening schools at every level, from the classroom to the district office. She began her career as a classroom teacher and rose to serve as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for Hillsborough County, supporting 233 schools and over 12,000 educators. She serves as Vice President of Advocacy for the Hillsborough County Council PTA, working alongside parents and educators to advance policies that support student success. 

Simic has worked to embed environmental awareness into curriculum and student experiences. She supports school-based initiatives like recycling and composting programs, including at MacFarlane Park Elementary where she actively supported the environmental club as the PTA president.