SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) - A 54-year-old Florida Democrat who was making her third run for Congress has died.
According to Abbe Forman, a close friend and campaign organizer, April Freeman of Sarasota died Sunday night. Freeman had recent heart issues.
The candidate's husband, David Freeman, posted the news on her Facebook page Monday.
Freeman was running for the seat in Florida's 17th Congressional district, and would have opposed Republican nominee, State Sen. Greg Steube. She lost to U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney in 2016.
Freeman, who was once a Republican, put her career as a TV and film producer on hold, switched parties and pursued a congressional seat.
She studied communications at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and attended the Women's Campaign School at Yale.
FDP Chair Terrie Rizzo released the following statement on the sudden passing of Congressional District 17 Candidate April Freeman:
"We are incredibly saddened by the sudden death of April Freeman. April put her heart and soul into her community - and was dedicated to making a better future for all Floridians.
"Just last night she was in the office, making calls and working to get out the vote. Her work ethic and passion was an inspiration to all of us. It is a tremendous loss to the Democratic Party and to all who knew her.
"Our hearts break for her family and love ones, who are grieving her loss."
