Manny Lopez, Andrea Doria Kale endorse Allen Spence for Congress (FL-17)

Former Democratic congressional nominees unite behind Spence to challenge Rep. Steube in November

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JUNE 25, 2026

L-r: 2022 Democratic congressional nominee (District 17) Andrea Doria Kale, Florida congressional District 17 candidate Allen Spence, 2024 Democratic congressional nominee (District 17) Manny Lopez at Hotel Venezia in Venice, Fla. (June 25, 2026).

VENICE, Fla. (June 25, 2026) — Former Democratic congressional nominees Manny Lopez and Andrea Doria Kale jointly endorsed Democratic congressional candidate Allen Spence on Thursday during a town hall on growth, development and the environment in Venice, calling him a leader of integrity who will listen to constituents and take on the tough challenges facing Southwest Florida.

The endorsements came during the event, which also featured former Florida House candidate Nancy Simpson and Democratic candidate for Florida Chief Financial Officer Earle Ford.

L-r: Former Florida House candidate Nancy M.H. Simpson, Florida congressional District 17 candidate Allen Spence, Florida Chief Financial Officer candidate Earle Ford, 2024 Democratic congressional nominee (District 17) Manny Lopez, 2022 Democratic congressional nominee (District 17) Andrea Doria Kale at Hotel Venezia in Venice, Fla. (June 25, 2026).

2024 DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIONAL NOMINEE (FL-17) MANNY LOPEZ: I've gotten to know both candidates here in District 17, and I have found Allen Spence to have a broad and deep understanding of the issues.

You heard him talk today about several things — he's very knowledgeable and speaks in depth, including about Greg Steube's record, or misrecord.

Allen is not afraid to tackle important issues head-on — [reforms] that are good for the people, even if they face strong opposition, like changes to Social Security, insurance reform and other important issues.

He is not afraid to take them on, even though there may be monumental resistance or obstacles to overcome. He will challenge them and take them on for you. He will fight for you when needed.

As a fighter, it takes one to know one.

Integrity is desperately needed in Congress. I have found Allen to have the greatest honesty and integrity of the candidates.

Allen has shown that he is willing to listen to the people of District 17. He has already held several town hall meetings to listen to the concerns of the people and to put his ideas and solutions under public scrutiny.

I venture to say he's already held more town hall meetings than Greg Steube has had during his entire career.

He will be a true representative, as Congress was intended to [have].

Because of these reasons, I, Manny Lopez, the former Democratic congressional nominee, endorse Allen Spence to be your next Congressman in District 17.

Please give him your support, your donations and tell your friends that you support him because he will be a true representative of the people.

Allen, good luck.

L-r: Florida congressional District 17 candidate Allen Spence, 2024 Democratic congressional nominee (District 17) Manny Lopez at Hotel Venezia in Venice, Fla. (June 25, 2026).

2022 DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIONAL NOMINEE (FL-17) ANDREA DORIA KALE: Today, I am endorsing Allen Spence for Congress.

I was actually the first person to contact Allen. I asked him, 'Why are you running?'

He introduced himself, told me about his background and was very open and honest. He's a man of character and integrity.

I call him part of the 'sandwich generation' — people in their forties who are still raising their children while also caring for their parents. I think they're the perfect generation to lead this country because they're experiencing some of the greatest hardships right now.

You want someone who understands what it's like to be an average American — whether you're middle class or facing real financial hardship.

Those are the people you want representing you, not people who are grifting.

Allen is a man of integrity. As far as I'm concerned, Allen represents a new kind of progressive. There are people like him all over the country. Progressive simply means making progress. Everybody wants progress. We don't want to go backward. Does anybody here want to go backward? Look at what's already happened.

Allen is truly going to represent us in Congress.

FL-17 CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE ALLEN SPENCE: Thank you very much. That means a lot to me — having the past two Democratic congressional candidates who took on Greg Steube endorse me.

They've gotten to know me over this past year. I've been in this race for over a year now, and it's been very important to me that I'm on the record saying I don't like what's happening in our country right now.

I think in a few years, people are going to try to say they weren't affiliated with what's happening, but I want to be on the record that I'm against it. I'm trying to make positive change.

Everything [Andrea and Manny] said is true. I will represent the people. I listen to the people. I take their feedback. I take other people's feedback constantly. I don't pretend to know what's best. I always want to improve, and I'll continue doing that when I win this election and get to Congress.

Thank you.

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About Allen Spence

Allen Spence brings over 20 years of experience in public service and economics to the fight for Florida’s 17th Congressional District. His campaign focuses on economic prosperity for hardworking families in Southwest Florida, securing Social Security and repealing the Trump-Steube Tariff Taxes.

A father, Scouting America leader and lifelong Floridian, Allen lives in Charlotte County with his wife and teenage son.

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