The Florida chapter of the National Organization for Women is backing Courtney Bermudez in the District 2 race to replace Brandi Gabbard on the St. Petersburg City Council.

Florida NOW is a feminist advocacy organization that supports reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ equality, economic justice and protections against gender-based violence. Bermudez’s campaign said the endorsement reflects a shared commitment to advancing gender equity. 

“I am deeply grateful for NOW’s endorsement,” Bermudez said. “When women’s rights are under unprecedented attack, from restrictions on bodily autonomy to rollbacks in healthcare access and political efforts to silence and punish women for speaking up, this endorsement is a reminder that we must unapologetically stand firm together for women’s equality.” 

Bermudez works as a licensed Community Association Manager, a role that includes managing multimillion-dollar budgets, infrastructure projects and accountability systems where transparency and ethics are essential, according to her campaign website. 

Her campaign highlights her background as a community advocate and organizer.

Bermudez has built a platform focused on storm preparedness, affordability and housing stability, responsible development, equity, transparency and accessibility. That includes specific calls for stronger storm communication, better resources for seniors, renters and vulnerable residents, neighborhood-level resilience planning and infrastructure improvements that reflect Florida’s changing climate realities.

“As someone who has spent my life advocating for fairness, transparency, and the dignity of every person, I am committed to upholding the values that NOW has championed for decades,” Bermudez said. “Women deserve leaders who will defend their rights, listen to their lived experiences, and fight for a future where equality is not negotiable.” 

Bermudez is running in a two-person race against Gabriel Hament, an Assistant Public Defender in Florida’s 13th Judicial Circuit. Hament has also begun consolidating support of his own, recently landing endorsements from St. Petersburg City Council Member Gina Driscoll and SEIU Florida.

Gabbard, who has represented District 2 since 2018, cannot seek another term because of city term limits. She is instead running for Mayor.