Gainesville Commissioner Bryan Eastman backs Antione Fields in HD21 race

Press release from Antione Fields for Florida HD21

OCALA, Fla. – Antione Fields, Democratic candidate for Florida House District 21, today announced endorsements from State Representative Dotie Joseph, Gainesville City Commissioner Bryan Eastman, and Marion County civil rights leaders Loretta and Whitfield Jenkins ahead of the August 18 election.

Because no Republican candidate qualified for the race, the House District 21 primary will be open to all registered voters in the district, regardless of party affiliation. The winner will be elected to represent parts of Alachua and Marion counties in the Florida House.

Joseph, for whom Fields previously served as a legislative aide, cited his legislative experience and readiness to serve. During his time in the Florida House, Fields worked on legislation that became law with bipartisan support, including measures related to health equity, public safety, and protections for survivors of domestic violence.

“I am honored to support Antione Fields for State Representative,” said Rep. Joseph. “Antione has the experience, integrity, and heart to serve the people of House District 21. I know he will be a strong voice for working families, justice, voting rights, healthcare, and public education in Tallahassee.”

Bryan Eastman’s endorsement adds to Fields’ support in Alachua County, while Loretta and Whitfield Jenkins, longtime Marion County civil rights leaders and former presidents of the Marion County NAACP, bring decades of community leadership and advocacy in Ocala and throughout Marion County.

“My personal support goes to Antione Fields,” said Gainesville City Commissioner Bryan Eastman. “I’ve been impressed by his work on the ground and his experience working in the Legislature.”

“We are proud to support Antione Fields for State Representative,” said Loretta and Whitfield Jenkins. “Antione knows this community, understands the challenges families are facing, and has the courage to fight for the people of House District 21.”

Fields stated that the endorsements reflect a coalition spanning both counties in the district.

“I’m honored to have the support of leaders who have dedicated their lives to serving our communities,” Fields said. “This campaign is about earning the trust of voters across Alachua and Marion counties by focusing on affordability, accountable government, and making sure every community has a strong voice in Tallahassee.”

Fields is the only candidate who has pledged not to accept corporate PAC or lobbyist contributions. He has centered his campaign on lowering costs for working families, expanding access to healthcare, protecting public education, defending voting rights, and restoring trust in government.

“People deserve a government that works for them, not lobbyists, corporations, or the highest bidder,” Fields said. “That is why I am running.”

Antione Fields is a voting rights advocate, Communications Workers of America union member, former legislative aide, and Democratic candidate for Florida House District 21. Raised in Ocala, Fields currently works at Common Cause, a nonpartisan organization focused on protecting voting rights and strengthening government accountability.

House District 21 includes parts of Alachua and Marion counties.