Democrats Coalescing Around Charlie Crist

In the last week, 2022 gubernatorial hopeful and Congressman Charlie Crist (D-FL-13) received endorsements from numerous high-profile officials and groups. The string of endorsements shows a likely narrowing-down of choices in what has been a year-long battle for top dog in the 2022 gubernatorial Democrat primary.

Florida State Senator Annette Taddeo (D-Miami), who was the last candidate to join the gubernatorial race and the most recent to drop out in favor of a congressional bid, gave her endorsement to Crist.

“Florida needs a leader like Charlie,” Taddeo said in a statement. “Charlie is the same person today as I have always known him to be – a true public servant with a servant’s heart, someone willing to do whatever it takes to help Floridians and deliver justice, someone who our state can trust to lead us with compassion and unity, not division and hate.”

Crist thanked Taddeo for her support.

“I could not be more humbled and thankful to earn the support of my friend and colleague, Senator @Annette_Taddeo!” Crist said. “She’s a beacon of inspiration, and together, we’re going fight for a Florida where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and have their voices heard.”

I could not be more humbled and thankful to earn the support of my friend and colleague, Senator @Annette_Taddeo!

She's a beacon of inspiration, and together, we're going fight for a Florida where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and have their voices heard. pic.twitter.com/SGmg2SJkeX

— Charlie Crist (@CharlieCrist) June 13, 2022

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the senior House Democrat from Florida and a former national party chairwoman, also endorsed Crist for governor. She referred to Crist as a “principled leader” and one that will put Floridians first “over politics.”

Progressive State Representative Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) endorsed Crist.

“When he [Crist] was governor of Florida, he pushed back against the Republican-dominated Legislature by championing the needs of everyday people,” Eskamani said. “He’s fought for consumer rights and has taken on some of the most influential corporations in the state, like investor-owned utilities and insurance companies. … I trust Charlie to fight for our collective rights and to solve problems. … I trust Charlie to champion the needs of our most vulnerable community members and to work with the best people to get it done.”

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried is trailing in endorsements and in fundraising dollars. Crist raised more than $1 million in May and Fried raised a total of approximately $300,000 during the same month.

However, both Democrats will likely not be able to surpass Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who raised more than $10 million in May, bringing his total political war chest to over $124 million.

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Grant Holcomb is a reporter at The Florida Capital Star and The Star News Network. Follow Grant on Twitter and direct message tips.