In a significant development in the race for House District 89, Debra Tendrich, a prominent Lake Worth nonprofit executive, has become the first person to qualify. With a demonstrated commitment to public service, Tendrich’s early qualification sets an exciting tone for the upcoming elections. Her readiness to bring effective leadership to the House has become apparent, and her campaign is already gaining momentum.
The First to Qualify
Tendrich, a Democrat, outpaced her competition by being the first to qualify for the race. She achieved this by paying a qualifying fee, beating fellow Democrat Destinie Baker Sutton, a former prosecutor, and Republican private school administrator Daniel Zapata. Candidates for state office have until noon Friday to qualify either by petition signature or payment. Tendrich, however, chose to act early, demonstrating her earnestness in the race. “Serving our community is my top priority, and being the first to qualify shows how serious I am about this mission,” she said in a statement.
Successful Fundraising
Tendrich reported raising a significant $10,000 in April and May towards her bid for House District 89, previously held by Democratic Rep. David Silvers. With her total fundraising efforts reaching about $31,000, Tendrich has shown that she has both the financial backing and the community support necessary to lead a successful campaign. In addition, she has received endorsements from more than 200 elected officials, unions, residents, and community leaders. These include Kissimmee Senator Vic Torres, Orlando Representative Anna Eskamani, Wellington Representative Katherine Waldron, and numerous county and municipal officials.
Competition in the Race
But Tendrich is not alone in the race. Baker Sutton has also shown remarkable fundraising prowess, raising close to $9,500 in the April-May period. She has attracted a throng of new endorsers, including Miami Representative Ashley Gantt and the Mayors Keith Babbs of Pahokee, Joe Kyles of South Bay, and Steve Wilson of Belle Glade. Meanwhile, Zapata, the Republican candidate, has managed to raise $15,000 since entering the contest in March 2023. His campaign carries endorsements from Michael Barnett, a former Chair of the Palm Beach GOP appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the Palm Beach County Commission last year, and Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter.
House District 89, which covers a large inland portion of Palm Beach County, is considered a toss-up district. The race is expected to be a competitive one, with the Primary Election scheduled for Aug. 20 and the General Election on Nov. 5.
With Tendrich’s early qualification, the stage is set for an intriguing contest in the upcoming elections. Her dedication to community service, successful fundraising, and broad endorsements offer a promising start to her campaign. However, with formidable competition from Baker Sutton and Zapata, it remains to be seen who will come out on top. The coming months will certainly be ones to watch in House District 89.
