Fried: 'Never Give up the Fight for a Better America'

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (D) has released a statement celebrating 4th of July while also reminding voters to "never give up the fight for a better America." The lone statewide elected Democrat is vying for the gubernatorial position, while also facing a primary challenger in Florida Rep. Charlie Crist (D).

On social media, the Democratic challenger reflected on July 4th and the current state of the country.

"Our nation began as a bold idea," she wrote, adding that "the vision of our Founders was a government of the people, daring to  break free of radical tyranny to live in freedom's name."

"Today, those  founding principles of life, liberty and  the pursuit of  the American dream - no matter who you are, what God you worship, whether  you are black, white, rich, poor, or are  a woman - are under threat from authoritarian radicals who have taken more inspirations from King George III than George Washington," Fried argues.

"This Independence Day, I hope you join me guarding the flames of freedom, honoring those who fought and died to preserve it, and standing with those who still struggle to bask in its warmth," she affirmed, adding that "we remain a beacon of hope, an idea worth fighting for."

Fried has criticized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R), likening his administration to an authoritarian one and even comparing the Governor to Hitler. Likewise, Crist has made similar comparisons albeit to Castro and Maduro. In response, DeSantis has largely brushed off the criticism, instead doubling down on Florida as the freest state in the country. As well, a recent email to supporter called the Governor "America's Governor," which has further sparked speculation that DeSantis is gearing up to launch a presidential campaign for 2024.

Polling suggests that Crist is the frontrunner in the race, but Fried's campaign maintains that her candidacy has the strength to come out victorious in the August 23rd primary election.