The 2024 general election is swiftly approaching and Florida Democrats have a rare opportunity to make gains in Florida. However, Democrats still seem at a loss for who to nominate against incumbent US Senator Rick Scott (R-FL).
This month the new Florida Democrat Party Chair Nikki Fried (D) vowed to revitalize the Florida Democrat Party. Her remarks consisted of not allowing the GOP to have a trademark on patriotism, and a promise to quell the Florida GOP's policies under Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL).
Even President Joe Biden (D) seems to be enthused about flipping Florida back to its once-purple standing. The president has invested ad campaigns into the state, now into his second ad that will push back on narratives that accuse him of failing on issues, such as the national economy.
As Governor DeSantis runs for president, a rare opportunity is now presented to Florida Democrats who are desperate to regain power in their state, with one of those chances being Rick Scott's senate seat. However, national Democrats have their own idea of who should challenge Scott.
US Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee officials are trying to convince former US Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL) to jump into a race against Sen. Scott. Navy veteran Phil Ehr is also a possible contender, who has recently confirmed he is considering running.
"I’m testing the waters right now and so far, I’m very much encouraged by the reception that I’ve received," Ehr said. "Florida needs good representation in the United States Senate. Rick Scott is just not up to it and he needs a challenger that’s going to stand up for the people."
The last several years in Florida have seen historic gains for Republicans that seem to establish the new status quo going into the future. This trend however has one last chance of being stalled if Florida Democrats could pull off a significant, but unlikely victory in 2024 by dethroning somebody like Rick Scott.