Fried Praises Biden's COVID funding, Slams "Thankless" DeSantis

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (D), a potential candidate for the 2022 gubernatorial race, released a video today thanking President Joe Biden (D) for the American Rescue Plan. The plan has received criticism from detractors who argue that it only allocates 9% of its funds to COVID-19 relief, but Florida Democrats like Fried are championing the plan, suggesting Governor Ron DeSantis (R) is “thankless” and calling the plan a step forward in the right direction as Florida marches on the path forward while combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the video, Commissioner Fried calls herself the “only statewide official to say” thank you to President Biden “for the rescue.”

She explained that the plan will ensure that “Florida’s state & local budgets will be balanced, schools will be funded, health coverage will be more affordable, children will be lifted out of poverty, and stimulus cash will be spent by 89% of Floridians,” which includes “our thankless Governor.”

Although no Democratic candidate has made a formal announcement for the upcoming gubernatorial race, rumors have circulated that Commissioner Fried will be making a run to unseat Governor DeSantis. She has been a notable critic of the Governor COVID-19 response, and she has also called for the FBI to “step in” regarding DeSantis’ “Seniors First” vaccine rollout plan.

Fried is expected to make a formal gubernatorial announcement shortly after the 2021 legislative session concludes in May.