Florida Rep. Charlie Crist (D) continues to gain support on his journey to unseat Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R). Crist has just received the endorsement of Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (D), whom political pundits expected would run for the top Florida post.
In a video released on social media, the former Governor of Florida made the announcement alongside Rep. Eskamani, who also shared the video.
The Florida Democrat commented that Crist “has gone toe-to-toe w/some of the most powerful companies in FL & joined us in opposing the anti-rooftop solar bill this past legislative session too.”
.@CharlieCrist has gone toe-to-toe w/some of the most powerful companies in FL & joined us in opposing the anti-rooftop solar bill this past legislative session too.
He’s committed to criminal legal reform, abortion access, LGBTQ+ rights, public ed, the environment & more! https://t.co/itpdxA0edx
— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) June 2, 2022
Eskamani added that Crist is “committed to criminal legal reform, abortion access, LGBTQ+ rights, public ed, the environment 7 more!”
In sharing the announcement, Crist expressed his gratitude for the endorsement, commenting that he plans to continue working alongside Eskamani to unseat the incumbent Governor.
“Together, our grassroots movement will defeat Ron DeSantis and bring integrity and goodness back to the Sunshine State!," Crist affirmed.
Also vying to unseat Governor DeSantis are Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried ((D) and Florida state Senator Annette Taddeo (D). Taddeo has not directed criticism at Crist, but Fried has scrutinized Crist over numerous political stances, considering that Crist previously served as Governor of Florida under the Republican party.
Crist has quickly emerged as the front runner in the Democratic primaries, amassing support from lawmakers and unions alike. Just this week, the Florida Education Association, which represents an estimated 150,000 educations, staff, and higher education faculty, announced the endorsement alongside the United Teachers of Dade, which is an affiliated union, representing around 30,000 teachers and other education professionals in the state.
Calling the endorsement “huge,” Crist added that “Public education’s in my blood,” citing his background as the state’s education commissioner in 2000.
The groups claim membership to the Florida federation of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations.
The larger labor union will convene in late June in Orlando to make a formal announcement of the candidate they are endorsing.
