Bernard Taylor

🚒 Firefighter/Paramedic | Fighting for FL-21 | Healthcare. Clean Water. Real Wages. | Running for U.S. Congress 🌴 |

[Bernard Taylor @BTForFL]

I’m not a career politician, I’m a firefighter, an EMT, a paramedic, a husband, a father, and someone who has spent my life serving others when they needed help most. Now, I’m running for Congress because I believe that same commitment to service belongs in Washington.

I know what it’s like to make life-or-death decisions, to work alongside people from every background, and to see firsthand the challenges families face, from rising healthcare costs and housing affordability to protecting our environment and strengthening public safety.

My campaign is about putting people before politics, listening before leading, and delivering real results for Florida’s Treasure Coast.

Together, we can fight for:
🚒 Stronger support for first responders
🏥 Affordable, accessible healthcare
🌊 Clean water and environmental protection
🏠 Affordable housing and economic opportunity
🗳️ A government that works for everyone, not just the well-connected

This campaign isn’t about me, it’s about us and the future we want to build together. Join the movement, share this video, and let’s make history together.

[Bernard Taylor @BTForFL]

OKLAHOMA, THIS RUNOFF MATTERS!

Today, I want to take a moment to show my support for my little sister N’Kiyla “Jasmine” Thomas in the Democratic primary runoff for U.S. Senate.

Jasmine represents a new generation of leadership, one rooted in community, service, and putting people before politics and profit.

She’s a nurse, a mother, a Chickasaw citizen, and someone who understands the importance of healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and making sure everyday people have a voice in Washington.

What stands out to me is her commitment to bringing people together and fighting for communities that too often feel overlooked.

Today, Oklahoma Democrats have a choice.

I’m supporting Jasmine Thomas.

If you’re eligible to vote in Oklahoma’s Democratic runoff, make your voice heard today.

Every vote matters. Every voice matters. And the future of Oklahoma deserves leaders who put people first.

Go Jasmine!

[Bernard Taylor @BTForFL]

My prayers are with everyone in PSL and Stuart who were impacted by yesterday’s tornadoes and severe weather.

If you or someone you know suffered damage or is in need of assistance, please reach out. Whether it’s helping clean up debris, connecting residents with resources, or simply lending a hand, please let me know.

Please stay safe, check on your neighbors, especially our seniors, and let us know if there is anything we can do to help.

[Bernard Taylor @BTForFL]

I believe our public officials have an obligation to protect taxpayer assets, be transparent with residents, and make sure major decisions involving public property are made in the full light of day.

The West Palm Beach City Commission has approved a term sheet for the sale of approximately 57 acres of city-owned property to Pine Crest School for about $6.6 million. The city itself confirms that the final purchase and sale agreement has not yet been completed.

That means there is still an opportunity for residents to ask tough questions.

This isn’t about being against Pine Crest or private education. It’s about whether the people of West Palm Beach are getting the best possible deal for land that belongs to the public.

Residents deserve answers about:

• How was the sale price determined?

• Were independent appraisals conducted, and what did they conclude?

• What are the long-term financial implications of removing this property from the city’s tax base?

• What environmental protections will be required given the property’s proximity to the city’s wellfield?

• What safeguards will ensure the land is actually used for the promised educational purpose?

• And most importantly, was the public given enough information and opportunity to understand this deal before the vote?

There are legitimate details on the other side of this story as well. Public reporting indicates the city’s appraisals considered significant site-preparation, wetlands, and school-use restrictions, and the sale includes proposed commitments involving infrastructure and small-business participation.

That’s precisely why we need transparency, documentation, and independent scrutiny, not political talking points from either side.

Public land is a finite resource.

Once it’s sold, we can’t simply get it back.

West Palm Beach residents deserve to know exactly what they’re giving up, exactly what they’re receiving, and whether this is truly the best deal for taxpayers.

I encourage residents to read the public documents, attend the commission meetings, ask questions, and demand accountability.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about protecting the public’s property and the public’s trust.

[Bernard Taylor @BTForFL]

Feels good to rest, relax, and reflect. And to all of you who have been wondering, my journey is far from over.

[Bernard Taylor @BTForFL]

Wish I could say I was surprised. I stand with my big sister Angie.

[Axios @axios]

'Stop gaslighting me!': Florida Democrats' Senate nominee and party chair have heated call over socialism https://t.co/CsBnudiTUM

[Bernard Taylor @BTForFL]

@TheMaineWonk Absolutely 🫡

[Bernard Taylor @BTForFL]

Over the last 18 months I have worked extremely hard to earn the trust of those in my community. To build the coalition of voters from all backgrounds and political affiliations that it would take to win the general election. Going places most politicians never go to learn what matters to voters.

During that time, there were people, and even elected officials in this party who assaulted my character and even tried to label me something that I’m not, without ever having a conversation with me or getting to know me.

So I find it ironic and even a little comical, that those same people have been messaging me about how I have to tell my supporters who to support. From the very beginning I have always said, I’m not a politician. I don’t live in the world where you can disrespect someone and then demand their assistance.

I am focused on catching up on the time I missed with my family and getting my life in order. When I’m ready, I will be out here advocating for the people I believe will do the right thing for all Floridians.

If there is someone you support, I strongly suggest you do what I did and go to those communities and earn their trust and support.

[Bernard Taylor @BTForFL]

@PhilEhr 🫡

[Bernard Taylor @BTForFL]

Good evening, everyone. Tonight, I want to begin by saying thank you. Thank you to every person who believed in this campaign and believed in me. Thank you to everyone who knocked on a door, made a phone call, put up a sign, shared a message, volunteered at an event, made a contribution, or simply told a friend that it was time for a different kind of leadership. And most importantly, thank you to the voters who gave me the opportunity to be part of this race.

Tonight, the voters have spoken, and while this isn't the outcome we hoped for, we respect their decision. Democracy only works when we respect the voice of the people, even when the result isn't the one we wanted.

I didn’t run for office because I wanted a title. I ran because I believe deeply in public service and in the people of this community.

To everyone who supported this campaign: please don't lose faith in the power of your voice. Stay involved. Keep asking questions. Keep demanding accountability from the people who represent you. And most importantly, keep looking out for your neighbors.

To my opponent, James Martin, congratulations on your victory. I wish you well, and I hope you will always remember that the people of this district deserve to be heard, respected and served.

And to my family, thank you for standing beside me through this entire journey. I could not have done this without you.

Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for giving me the privilege of fighting for you. And thank you for reminding me that public service is ultimately about one thing: showing up for others.

[Bernard Taylor @BTForFL]

@NikkiBarnes Definitely will be continuing. Call me whenever you get time.

[Bernard Taylor @BTForFL]

@iElijahManley Thanks brother.

[Bernard Taylor @BTForFL]

Election update:  the curing of ballots has already been underway. The election boards across the three counties will be meeting today at 4 PM in St. Lucie and Palm Beach, counties, and 5 PM in Martin county.

Depending on these final numbers will determine the outcome of this race. If the difference is half a percentage point between the two candidates, it will trigger an automatic recount per Florida state law.

These meetings are open to the public. I just want to see thank you to everyone who has been patient through this process and we will see what happens this afternoon. 

[Bernard Taylor @BTForFL]

Update: there are still provisional and mail in ballots that need to be curated before it is determined if they will be counted or not. There will be meetings tomorrow afternoon across the three counties in my district to look at those ballots and determine if they should be included in the count.

Depending on how things break for me will determine the final results in this race.

This is another reminder to you that every vote counts.

[Bernard Taylor @BTForFL]

Thank you to everyone who has supported this campaign, knocked doors, made calls, shared our message, and cast your vote. I am incredibly grateful for each and every one of you.

This race is still too close to call. We are waiting for the final results, and there are still ballots left to be counted.

That means there is still an opportunity for us to come out on top. We will remain patient, stay focused, and respect the process.

Every vote matters. Every voice matters. And we will wait until the last vote is counted.

Thank you for standing with us. We’re not done yet. ✊🏾

[AIPAC Tracker @TrackAIPAC]

📢@CMArchibald hit the stage in Florida last week for our endorsed candidates, & delivered one message: The AIPAC era is over. Florida's primary is TODAY. Let's crank up that pressure & send @AngieNixon, @OliverALarkin, @iElijahManley, @BTForCongress, @MarialanaKinter & @locklin2026 to DC.

[Bernard Taylor @BTForFL]

Today is Election Day!!! The polls are open across our district in St. Lucie, Martin, And Palm Beach Counties, from 7am-7pm.

You have 12 hours left to vote for me to be the Democratic nominee for Florida Congressional District 21, and win the opportunity to take on Brian Mast this November in the General Election.

Today is the culmination of 18 months of hard work. I’m leaving it on the field today and hopefully tonight we will be victorious.

[Shea Jordan Smith @sheajordansmith]

A Yale School of Public Health study (released this weekend) found that a single-payer universal health care system (Medicare For All) could:

- Cover every American
- Save more than 100,000 lives every year
- Save $1 TRILLION annually compared to the system it would replace

[Bernard Taylor @BTForFL]

There have been approximately 22,143 ballots cast for the Democratic nomination here in Florida Congressional District 21. Early voting is now over.

This Tuesday, August 18th, is Election Day. There are over 150,000 eligible democrats in this district who have not voted in the primary yet.

If you want me to be the one to take on Brian Mast, I need you to make it a priority to be at the polls casting your ballot on Tuesday.

[AIPAC Tracker @TrackAIPAC]

Vote @BTForCongress for FL-21 on Aug 18!

[Ryan Grim @ryangrim]

The Florida Democratic Progressive Caucus has put out a statement slamming the Dem lawmaker who allied with Laura Loomer to get an event with @RashidaTlaib canceled. Some quite unusual details in it, worth the read...

Their statement:

The Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida President Matthew Grocholske has condemned State Representative Michael Gottlieb over his Islamophobic and racially charged language used in reference to an event hosting Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib.

“State Representative Gottlieb's comments yesterday were a disgrace to the Democratic Party of Florida. Gottlieb dismissed Elijah Manley’s Jewish faith and demonized members of Florida’s Muslim community in various Facebook comments.” said Matthew Grocholske, President of the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida. “Unfortunately, leaders within the Democratic Party of Florida remain silent as an intensification of assaults come towards Florida’s progressive, black, and Muslim constituencies.”

In earlier incidents this year, a State Committeeperson yelled at both Oliver Larkin and Bernard Taylor, two Congressional candidates running on firm anti-genocide platforms, to “shut the f**k up” while attending the party’s Leadership Blue Gala, despite being quiet. The party took no corrective action despite repeated requests to do so.

A State Party Caucus leader smeared Oliver Larkin after he sent a sponsorship package towards them as “Oliver the Antisemite” on the caucus’ official sponsorship recognition page for their conference. While the President of the Caucus apologized for the remarks and removed the slanderous title, the State Party in itself never apologized or seeked to rectify the behavior of the Caucus leader.

An additional incident took place where a State Caucus President physically threatened to punch our Caucus Secretary, a teenager. While the State Caucus President apologized, it had to be formally addressed by our Caucus in a meeting. However, this again, led to no corrective action from the Party, instead leaders called him "brave" for admitting to the act of threatening physical violence.

Additionally, the Caucus has internally attempted to push the Florida Democratic Party to address incidents including Rachel Vindmans’ comments regarding State Representative Angie Nixon, the attempt from some Democratic Party leaders to exile members of the Democratic Socialists of America from the Party, and more to no avail.

“A pattern of assault, harassment, and intimidation is what our Caucus has repeatedly felt over the past year. In contentious primaries, Democrats are better than this. It is abundantly clear that under the leadership of our State Party Chair, Nikki Fried, that this Party has not built a safe and secure environment for voters from underserved communities. I hope things change over the period of this coming weekend with our primaries on Tuesday.” said Matthew Grocholske. “The Democratic Party is best because of its diversity, support of marginalized communities and the working class, but it’s become abundantly clear under current leadership that those strengths aren’t important to them.”