Today we have the fourth installment in our profiles of our favorite Progressive candidates who are running to represent their communities at the state and federal levels, and move the country forward to ensure that all Americans are equally represented in government. Sabrina Bousbar (she/her) is a Gen Z Colombian Moroccan with a background in political organizing, as well as in emergency management and natural disaster response, which is a particularly useful background in her Florida district, which was devastated in 2022 by Hurricane Ian. Sabrina has a Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and a Master’s degree from Georgetown University, and is passionate about women’s rights, the climate crisis, social security, and the affordability crisis.

Where are you based?
Largo, FL.

What is your position/what position are you running for?
U.S. Congress – Florida’s 13th District.

How would you briefly summarize your platform?
I’m running for Congress because every American deserves the freedom and opportunity to thrive in strong, healthy, safe communities. I’m ready to get to work to:
- Rein in rising costs, including housing and medicine, and build an economy that works for all.
- Secure abortion rights and stand up to right-wing attempts to limit access to life-saving healthcare.
- Protect our beaches and communities by tackling the climate crisis with the urgency it demands.
- Invest in education and ensure our teachers have the resources they need to provide a high-quality education for every child.
- Reduce prescription drug prices by taking on price-gouging pharmaceutical companies, and safeguard Medicare and Social Security.

What inspired you to run?
We currently have a member of Congress who is not working for the people — she is at the center of the chaos and dysfunction in DC and has done nothing for our community.

I was born and raised in this community, understand the challenges facing local families, and have seen the power of what’s possible when we come together to get things done. It was this community that led me to pursue public service in the first place, and we deserve someone fighting for us in Congress.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district, state, and country?
We’re currently represented by Anna Paulina Luna, an extreme politician who prioritizes conspiracy theories and her right-wing ideology above the people she is supposed to serve. She attacks abortion rights, denies the climate crisis, and has put Social Security on the chopping block — her dangerous agenda is wildly out of step with what the people of our communities deserve.

The contrast between us couldn’t be more stark. I’m ready to get to work to deliver the education, healthcare, housing, and jobs that every family needs and deserves.

How would you foresee your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
As a senior advisor in the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), I served on the team responsible for leading the nation's public health preparedness for, response to, and recovery from disasters and public health emergencies. I supported federal, state, and local health agencies, working to ensure access to critical resources, vaccines, and supplies needed to save lives during the pandemic. Our team helped support communities recovering from mass shootings and natural disasters and provide direct relief to millions of American children, families, and seniors here in Florida and nationwide.

As a daughter of immigrants and Gen Zer running for office, I know firsthand what it’s like to be underestimated and undervalued. It’s an obstacle that young women of color, and young people more broadly, often encounter as their perspectives are discounted and disregarded.

Well, I’m here to say that’s a mistake!

When it comes down to it, Gen Z holds significant, transformative power. Our generation is the first to grow up in the digital age and are a powerful force in shaping political discourse and driving movements. We are increasingly adaptable, come from so many different backgrounds and perspectives, and are eager to collaborate and problem solve.

From gun violence to abortion rights to economic security to the climate crisis, these urgent realities profoundly impact all of us, and especially our generation. It is imperative that we do our part because WE are the key to a better future for all of us.

As I speak with voters, it’s clear that families here in Pinellas County, Florida, and people across the country, are ready for leaders focused on actually getting things done. THAT’s why I’m running for Congress.

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
I love this community and firmly believe we deserve a voice at the table who shares our priorities and will fight for us. As the product of a community already feeling the impacts of the climate crisis, I’m passionate about boosting resiliency and preparing for the future. That’s why I pursued and earned a Master’s in Emergency & Disaster Management from Georgetown University, with a specialization in mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. I’m laser focused on protecting our beaches and the community I love.

I also cannot stand idly by while politicians like Anna Paulina Luna attack our rights and deny people the healthcare that they need. Politicians don’t belong in the doctor’s office, and we must protect Americans’ reproductive freedoms and privacy.

On gun violence, we deserve better than do-nothing politicians who just offer more ‘thoughts and prayers’ or want us to just ‘move on’ after every mass shooting. This hits close to home for me as I grew up in the lockdown generation and I have a close family member who was permanently injured by a gun accident. These moments leave lasting physical, psychological, and emotional scars on all of us. I know deep in my bones that it doesn’t have to be this way, and I refuse to accept the daily state of fear as we go about our lives. Every American should have the freedom to live their lives without the fear that it will cut short due to firearms in the wrong hands. We owe it to one another to STEP UP and protect our kids, families, and communities. If we don’t end this collective trauma, who will?

How do you see economic disparities impacting communities of color in your district?
First-time home-buyers in Pinellas County have to save nearly $250,000 to even qualify to buy a house. That is insane and just not possible for so many.

I know for my generation, it’s incredibly frustrating to not be able to afford to buy a home where we grew up. For others, many can’t afford to stay in the communities where they’ve lived for decades. This is a problem that hurts our families, our workforce, and our communities.

Wages aren’t keeping up with rising costs, meaning that more and more people are treading water and living paycheck to paycheck. The wage gap is that much worse along racial and gender lines, hurting Black and Brown people, esp. women, over the course of their careers. As a Latina who has earned their masters, I know this feeling. My salary doesn't compare to others who did similar work, and it’s something we have to fight for every day.

During my time at the Department of Health and Human Services, one of the biggest lessons I learned was that Congress has the ability to truly invest in our country. They handle the budget, and when we were building the pandemic response team, we saw the disparity gaps on income, wealth, savings, and how those gaps impact access to healthcare. We worked to identify solutions and ensure everyone, regardless of background, got access to the tools and resources they needed.

I’ll take that same approach to Congress to fight for investments in our communities that can help us level the playing field and overcome these disparities.

America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
I am the daughter of Colombian and Moroccan immigrants who came to the United States in search of a better life. My family’s story has shown me the limitless possibilities our country provides — that’s why I have dedicated my life to service and protecting those freedoms that make opportunity for all possible.
I’ve also worked at the highest levels of government and seen the power of bringing people together to get things done — something sorely lacking in Congress these days. Ultimately, I am committed to doing everything I can to deliver for everyday people. Our country faces pressing challenges, and we need leaders who are willing to show up, listen, and work towards commonsense solutions.

If given the honor to serve, I will prioritize accessibility, responsiveness, and active constituent engagement to ensure all voices are heard. For the sake of democracy, rebuilding trust in our institutions is a top priority, and that starts with representatives who actually listen and care about the people they serve.

What is your motto in life?
The impossible is always possible – with hard work, grit, and determination you can do anything you put your mind to.

Where can we find out more about you?
People can learn more about our campaign and support our work by visiting SabrinaForFlorida.com!

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Sabrina Bousbar, Florida's 13th Congressional District