Miami, Fla.— State Rep.-elect Ashley Gantt, one of the fresh faces flooding the Florida Legislature, was buoyed by her upset victory over incumbent James Bush III in last week’s primary. The attorney from North Miami is part of the Democratic Party’s efforts to oust polarizing Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in November.

Congressman Charlie Crist beat Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried in the Democratic Primary to face DeSantis.

Crist picked Miami teachers union President Karla Hernandez Matz as his running mate.

"Tomorrow, me and my team will hit the ground running to help get more Democrats elected, especially Crist, and assist with their campaigns," Gantt told the South Florida Times during an exclusive interview.

Gantt, a former teacher, said DeSantis is meddling in public schools’ affairs mixing politics with education, and the disturbing part is her fellow Democratic opponent supported his initiatives.

Bush supported DeSantis’ Don’t Say Gay bill, and he also voted for the governor’s 15-week abortion ban and changing the congressional map to benefit the GOP.

Gantt, 37, said DeSantis suspending four of nine Broward County School Board members last week at the recommendation of a grand jury that ruled they were incompetent, committed neglect of duty and misuse of authority in the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre, is the latest example of putting politics over education.

"It’s absolutely concerning and dangerous what the governor did," Gantt said. "He has changed the legacy of our history in the classroom in public education and to come back with state votes to support them quite frankly is insulting, preventing my family members and children in general from learning the truth about our past. It’s setting up for a future of ignorance where it’s really regression rather than progressing."

Gantt said she will focus on legislation to allow teachers to access more resources to do their jobs effectively and support the local school’s authority to act on behalf of students.

After Miami-Dade County was called the epicenter of the nation’s affordable housing crisis, Gantt said she made the issue her top priority during her campaign.

"While campaigning, I spoke to voters and neighbors about affordable housing and workforce housing and made affordability one of my top priorities, if not my top priority," she said.

It was a tough journey for Gantt to gain a foothold in the Florida Legislature, as she campaigned almost every day and on several occasions experienced exhaustion.

Gantt, a political novice, faced Bush, a 67-year-old political veteran who served in the legislature since 1992 and was popular in the community.

But it was worth it.

She beat Bush with 51.6 percent of the votes and outraised him $136,086 to $73,150 to represent District 109 which covers Brownsville, Liberty City, Opalocka, Allapattah and Overtown.

The community suggested Bush’s support for the 15-week abortion ban and Don’t Say Gay Bill cost him the election.

But Gantt’s campaign got a surprise endorsement from U.S. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, who was once a Bush ally since they both were longtime educators and served together in the Florida Legislature.

Gantt said she was speechless and grateful for the honor.

"I don’t have the words to describe what I’m still feeling about her endorsement," she said. "It was tremendous and a validation that seasoned and dedicated leaders understand the impact of the emergence of new leaders in the community. We need more mentorships for the next generation of leaders, and I was excited for Congresswoman Wilson’s support."

Gantt said Wilson spoke to her on several occasions during her campaign.

"Her sentiments were that we need someone who truly can represent the community," Gantt said. "That was the overall message I got from her."

Gantt said winning the election still hasn’t synced in.

She recalls waiting for the election results during a watch party at the Urban in Overtown with her family members and supporters.

Gantt said one her campaign managers walked in and she was a ball of nerves. "He gave me a hug and said we won," Gantt said. "The reaction was overwhelming and a sense of relief because campaigning was stressful. Last few days of early voting, I just wanted to make sure I did everything I could do to emerge victorious and not have any regrets at the end of the day."

Community activist Tangela Sears applauded Gantt’s victory saying the Black community will be represented by someone who cares.

"We finally have a democratic vote and someone that will support public education and I know she will support all victims, healthcare, etc.," she said.