Olivia Babis Rolls Out New Ad in Her Quest to Become First Disabled Person to Serve in Florida Legislature

“I don’t back down from a fight”

Days after a new poll shows State Senate District 23 candidate Olivia Babis polling ahead of her opponent Rep. Joe Gruters, she released a new digital ad highlighting her personal story and her priorities to pass environmental regulations that would prevent another environmental crisis like the red tide that is devastating the west coast of Florida.

“I have been fighting my entire life for what is right, and as Sarasota’s Senator, I will fight to enact environmental protections, invest in our public schools, expand accessibility to affordable health care, and continue to fight for equal rights for all,” said State Senate District 23 candidate Olivia Babis.

Babis was born without arms, and has spent her life fighting for disability rights. After being initially put into special education classes with students with intellectual disabilities, Babis and her family fought to be mainstreamed, and by 3rd grade she was.

“I feel like I am a bit of a timeline of the disability rights movement,” Babis says. “Growing up in Florida with a physical disability was a challenge, and I have worked my whole life to make sure others like me had an easier path, and as a State Senator, I will continue to do the same for all Floridians.”

Earlier this week Babis called for an official debate with her opponent after all candidate forums were cancelled, Gruters has yet to respond.