Taddeo Drops out of Gubernatorial Race

With Florida’s August primary just around the corner, the Democratic gubernatorial race will now see Florida Rep. Charlie Crist (D) and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (D) seeking the nomination. Florida state Senator Annette Taddeo (D), who was the last to enter the gubernatorial race, affirmed that she would come out victorious in the primary. Having embarked on a campaign across all of Florida’s counties, Taddeo has now announced that she will no longer seek the nomination.

Instead, Senator Taddeo will pivot and challenge for a congressional seat.

The congressional hopeful will challenge Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R) for Florida’s 27^th congressional seat.

In speaking to CBS News Miami, Taddeo made the announcement, commenting on how inefficient Elvira Salazar has been in office.

“We are at a critical point in our country, and frankly, I am not going to stand on the sidelines and not go in there and fight, especially after what we saw in Buffalo and Uvalde,” said Taddeo.

In speaking about Elvira Salazar, Taddeo commented that Elvira Salazar’s “seat has always been represented regardless of party by someone that would bring everyone together, would really look out to represent the community, to work across the aisle, to get things done.”

However, according to Taddeo, “what we’ve had, frankly, is a demagogue, a liar, and an embarrassment and someone that has not even voted in the best interests of our community.”

In a statement, Crist called Taddeo "a dear friend and a force to be reckoned with."

"She is a timeless public servant and fearless advocate for working Floridians across the Sunshine State and in South Florida," he added, thanking her "for her leadership, civility, and fighting spirit in Tallahassee, and in this governor's race."

"I wish her nothing but the best as she embarks on her run for Congress," Crist concluded.