Omari Hardy

Omari J. Hardy (born November 28, 1989) is an American politician serving as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 88th district. He assumed office on November 3, 2020.

Omari Hardy
Member of the Florida House of Representatives
from the 88th district
Assumed office
November 3, 2020
Preceded byAl Jacquet
Personal details
Born (1989-11-28) November 28, 1989
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
EducationUniversity of Miami (BA)

Early life and education

Hardy was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Miami.[1][2]

Career

Hardy previously worked as an educator and served as a member of the Lake Worth Beach, Florida City Commission. In March 2020, a video of an emergency commission meeting featuring Hardy was shared widely online.[3] Prior his election to the Florida House of Representatives in November 2020, Hardy resigned from the commission to remain on the general election ballot.[4]

2022 congressional special election
Main article: 2022 Florida's 20th congressional district special election

In April 2021, Hardy announced his candidacy for Florida's 20th congressional district in a special election to succeed Alcee Hastings. Hardy ran on a progressive platform and pledged support for Medicare for All and the Green New Deal.[5]

Hardy declared his support for the boycott, divestment and sanctions of Israel, stating "...You have to speak the truth. You have to be clear about the difference between right and wrong" and indicated support for Palestinians.[6] The centrist pro-Israel group Democratic Majority for Israel released campaign ads accusing Hardy of antisemitism because of his support for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions and his opposition to funding for the Iron Dome, an Israeli air defense system.[7]

Hardy was defeated, garnering just under 6% of the vote.[8]

References
  1. "Omari Hardy". Ballotpedia. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  2. "Omari Hardy - 2020 - 2022 ( Speaker Sprowls )". www.myfloridahouse.gov. Retrieved 2021-10-29.
  3. Burch, Audra D. S. (March 23, 2020). "Shouting, Finger-Pointing and Threats in a Florida City on Edge". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
  4. Milian, Jorge (October 8, 2021). "Lake Worth Beach commissioner Hardy resigns... with some parting words". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  5. Man, Anthony (Apr 28, 2021). "State Rep. Omari Hardy running for Congress. Young progressive hopes to succeed the late Alcee Hastings". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
  6. Kane, Alex (October 25, 2021). "I Campaigned on Right, Not on Fear". Jewish Currents. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  7. Kassel, Matthew (October 27, 2021). "DMFI PAC hits Omari Hardy on BDS in FL-20 race". Jewish Insider. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  8. "Florida Special Primary Election Results: 20th Congressional District". The New York Times. November 3, 2021.


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