Earlier this week, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried released a video where she said she is planning on making a major announcement and that “something new” is coming on June 1.
#SomethingNew 6.01.21 pic.twitter.com/bqsNRHmhjE
— Nikki Fried (@nikkifried) May 12, 2021
In the video, clips of Fried tout her resume as the only statewide elected Democrat in Florida as well as rumors of her being an early frontrunner to challenge Governor Ron DeSantis in the gubernatorial race in 2022.
“The people of the State of Florida will not be suppressed,” Fried said in the video. “Their voices will not be shut down; they will rise up. They will see Ron DeSantis for who he is: an authoritarian dictator.”
Fried has not formally announced her candidacy or filed the official paperwork, but the video serves as another indicator her run for governor is all but official.
If Fried launches her campaign in June, she will be the second major Democratic challenger to DeSantis. U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL-13) announced his candidacy on May 4. He previously served one term as Florida’s governor from 2007 to 2011 as a Republican.
I'm running for governor to build a Florida for All – to stop division and hate, bring our state together, and finally open up opportunities for every Floridian. pic.twitter.com/l1OksxMP1y
— Charlie Crist (@CharlieCrist) May 4, 2021
U.S. Rep. Val Demings’ (D-FL-10) name is also being tossed around as a potential candidate for governor. Last month, Demings appeared on The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart where she said she is seriously considering making a run.
“I am seriously considering running, Jonathan,” Demings said. “I have received calls and texts and messages from people all over the state asking me to run because they feel that they are not represented, and their voices are not heard. And I believe that every Floridian deserves to have representation regardless of the color of their skin, where they live, how much money they have in the bank, their sexual orientation, or their religion. And so, I am seriously considering it and I will certainly let you know.”
If Fried makes the official announcement, her post as agriculture commissioner will be open, and former President Donald J. Trump has already endorsed current Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson (R-10) for the position.
“Wilton Simpson has done an outstanding job as President of the Florida State Senate, and I hope he runs for Florida Agriculture Commissioner in 2022 – he will have my Complete and Total endorsement!” Trump said in a statement. “Wilton has been a great supporter and worked hard to get many good Conservatives elected in Florida. He helped us grow our Republican majority in the Florida State Senate and gave us a historic win in the 2020 Presidential election.”
Simpson said he is thankful for the endorsement.
“It is an honor that he would stand with me should I run,” he said.
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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.
Photo “Nikki Fried” by Nikki Fried. Background Photo “Florida Senate Capitol” by Michael Rivera CC 3.0.
