Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates set to Debate on April 18

Democratic Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum challenged the other four candidates to a debate, and now it seems that it will take place on April 18th in Tampa at the WTVT-TV Fox 13 studio. The campaigns for former Congresswoman Gwen Graham, Chris King and Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine all agreed to the challenge, and they released statements commenting on the matter.

Orlando Businessman Chris King, who's recently taken shots at former Congresswoman Graham on her gun stance, commented that "Voters deserve to hear where the candidates stand and I’m ready to offer Floridians my vision for new leadership and fresh ideas. If Florida Democrats want to win, we should face the voters and offer them real solutions in a debate, not stale talking points. We must compete in every corner of our state and take no one for granted, and that means making sure Spanish-language, African American, Haitian, Caribbean, LGBT and other diverse media outlets are included in these debates.”

Christian Ulvert, Mayor Levine's consultant, commented that "Mayor Levine looks forward to participating in the April 18th debate in the Tampa Bay area, and share his vision for Florida, coupled with his record of progressive accomplishments as a successful two-term Mayor."

But, though the debate is finally set after Gillum pressed for it for several months, Gillum's spokesperson Geoff Burgan explained that Gillum's campaign wanted there to be several debates by detailing that "One debate is not nearly enough for a state of 20 million people."