Over the weekend, Democrats gathered in Tampa for the Leadership Blue Gala hosted by Blue Shift Florida. Democrats like Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (D), Florida Rep. Charlie Crist (D) and Florida Rep. Val Demings (D) took the stage to fire up members of the party and their respective campaigns. As Democrats face nationwide waning support and the possibility of a “red wave,” Fried called for attendees to join her in making “history together” in defeating DeSantis in November.
In recent weeks, polls have indicated that Rep. Crist is the clear frontrunner in the Democratic primary race. With significant endorsements and fundraising efforts, Crist has positioned himself as the nominee. However, Fried’s campaign has dismissed the polls, arguing that in August she will emerge as the nominee.
Though both lawmakers spoke at the event, Sean Pittman, an attorney and friend of both Fried and Crist, took to social media to say that “Nikki had a potential momentum changing moment” at the Leadership Blue Gala.
Not taking sides because @CharlieCrist and @NikkiFried are both friends, but I do believe Nikki had a potential momentum changing moment last night at @FlaDems Dinner. pic.twitter.com/4wnYGxjYYa
— Sean Pittman (@SeanPittman) July 17, 2022
“Let’s make history together!,” Fried told the sold-out crowd, positioning herself as the only candidate qualified to defeat DeSantis in November, and sharing that she is “the only Democrat that has won our state since 2012.”
THIS is what #SomethingNew looks like. We are united, we are energized, and we are ready to win!!! LFG!! pic.twitter.com/UYcrYhvMpi
— Nikki Fried (@NikkiFried) July 17, 2022
Manny Diaz (D), the Chairman of Blue Shift Florida, praised the event, arguing that it energized Democrats at a time when political pundits argue that Republicans could pick up significant wins across the country.
“Florida Democrats heard from all of our exceptional candidates running across the state, from Governor and Senate, to our Congressional, Cabinet, and state legislative candidates,” said Chairman Diaz.
“We saw this weekend that Florida Democrats are fired up,” he added, noting that he’s “leading this year’s Leadership Blue more motivated than ever and confident that candidates, staff, organizers, and volunteers are ready to get to work and ready to win.”
