Former Florida Governor and current Democratic Congressman Charlie Crist this morning announced he's vying for a third run for the state's top office.
Before the announcement in his hometown of St. Petersburg, Crist released a statement and video saying Republican Governor Ron DeSantis is only focused on his future.
His official announcement happened just before noon in St. Petersburg's Midtown neighborhood, a historic African American neighborhood. He told the crowd of about 200 that he’s running “so you will be in charge again."
There “too little decency and integrity” in Florida politics, he said.
The main target of Crist's speech is incumbent Gov. Ron DeSantis. He was critical of how the Republican has handled Florida's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“How many lives would have been saved if @GovRonDeSantis paid attention to the pandemic, “ he asked.
Among those introducing Crist were state Representative Ben Diamond of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County Commissioners Janet Long and Rene Flowers.
Crist is the first candidate to announce a run for the Democratic nomination. State Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried is pondering a run, and without naming Crist, suggested that Democratic members of Congress shouldn't leave their seats.
Orlando congresswoman Val Demings also is rumored to be considering entering the race.
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