Constituents in the downtown/Old Northeast district she represents — the ones who show up to municipal elections, anyway — probably appreciate the progressive causes she's advanced at the dais.
Still, she faces a challenger in consultant Jerick Johnston, a twenty-something newcomer who seems to have honed a message of fiscal conservatism — a potentially effective tack to take in appealing to some of the district's older and more conservative voters, even as he conducts an aggressive outreach to younger voters. Plus, if we've learned anything from the past year, it's that taking anything for granted is a horrible idea that could lead to abject misery and possibly even societal collapse (but we digress).
So those who support Rice aren't taking any chances.
On Monday, Rice enjoyed a triple endorsement from three popular Democrats: Congressman and former Florida Governor Charlie Crist (D-St. Pete), Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-Tampa) and former Congresswoman Gwen Graham, who is running in the Democratic primary for governor.
Castor zeroed in on Rice's passion for environmental causes, which are in many ways tied to the economy.
“Council Chairwoman Rice is committed to improving the quality of life for residents of St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay," Castor said in a written statement Rice's campaign issued Monday. "I have great respect for her leadership on transportation and a clean and healthy environment—both of which are key to our economic success. That’s why we need her to continue her leadership on the St. Petersburg City Council for the next four years.”
Crist said Rice's presence on the council has helped make St. Pete a better place.
“Darden is a rockstar and I'm proud to call her a friend. We've worked together for years to make St. Petersburg a better place to live, work, and play," he said. "She has an impressive track record creating innovative solutions to the issues facing our community. We need her leadership on council, and she has my steadfast support.”
Graham said local officials around the state could learn a thing or two from the councilwoman.
“I’m proud to support Darden. She’s exactly the kind of leader we need in St. Petersburg,” Graham said. “She sets a strong example of thoughtful and courageous leadership that local government leaders around the state can look to and emulate.”
In reading between the lines somewhat on that last one, Graham seems to be alluding to Rice's willingness to stand up to state leadership on issues like fracking and wage theft, given the GOP-led legislature's penchant for trying to block cities and counties from passing local laws, a practice known as preemption.
Rice, who said she was "honored" to have backing from her fellow Dems, has also gotten endorsements from a broad range of organizations, from Suncoast Police Benevolent Association to the Sierra Club.
The nonpartisan election is August 29.
This article appears in May 11-18, 2017.