Kathleen Cummings (DEM), candidate for Hernando County Commissioner District 5, has passed away, according to a report from RNews.
Cummings was found unresponsive in her home on Saturday, July 6 and medical personnel were unable to revive her. She was 40 years old.
Cummings was an educator and taught 12th-grade English at Springstead High School. She was born and raised in Central Florida, and before Kathleen became a teacher, she spent ten years “as a case manager connecting her clients to housing and mental health services.” In a recent interview with Hernando Sun, the educator said, “I have worked as a behavioral interventionist for children with severe emotional disturbances.” She has also worked with “unhoused veterans and children in the foster care system.”
The chair of the Hernando County Democrat Party, Brian Stewart, provided the following statement:
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share the news that our dear friend Kathleen Cummings has passed away.
“Kathleen was an amazing soul who was filled with kindness and empathy.
“She was a beloved teacher at Springstead High School, former mental health counselor, LGBTQ Ally and activist and supporter of the Guardian Ad Litem program among others.
“She spent her entire life in service to marginalized communities and believed every human had value and should have a voice.
“Kathleen joined the Hernando Democrat Party a few years ago and served as a Precinct Captain. She recently qualified to run for BOCC in District 5.
“Preserving our Democracy was an absolute mission for her. She was dedicated to making Hernando County a community of inclusion and respect for all its citizens.
“Please join me in sending her family our most profound thoughts and prayers in their time of sorrow and grief.
“Details of services will be [provided] as that information is released.
“Heaven has gained an Angel. Rest in peace dear one.”
With Kathleen’s passing, Stewart, as Chair of the Hernando Democrat Party, will call a meeting, and the party will submit a name for its nominee per Florida Statute 100.111 (3)(a) 3, according to Supervisor of Elections Shirley Anderson. In the Nov. 5 General Election, that candidate will face the winner of the Republican Primary race between incumbent Steve Champion and Pam Everett.
