1199SEIU Florida members are celebrating another victory in Orlando having helped power SEIU Florida-endorsed candidate Bakari Burns to victory in the Orlando Commissioner District 6 runoff election. His victory comes on the heels of the reelection of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer who was also endorsed by SEIU Florida.

Member political organizers played a key role in helping to get out the vote in both the general election and the runoff. This dynamic team included Kaydra Bonamy, a CNA who lives in District 6 and Angelette Harley, a cook and union member leader. They led a team of volunteers who knocked on hundreds of doors and made numerous calls to inform and encourage voters to get the polls to support Burns.

Burns is a newcomer to politics, but he has deep roots in the community. He grew up in Orlando and has dedicated his career to expand access to quality, affordable healthcare by bringing Orange Blossom Family Health centers to the region. Burns has also worked to address the lack of affordable housing in the city. When he was a member of Orlando’s Affordable Housing Task Force, he demanded that developers include more affordable housing units.

The community is excited to have a progressive leader like Bakari Burns elected to the Orlando City Commission. Burns will work hard to bring good paying jobs, more affordable housing, improved public transportation and infrastructure to the community—improvements that will help uplift hardworking families in Orlando.