On Tuesday, shortly before he was set to appear at a formal campaign launch event in St. Petersburg, Fla., Crist made an announcement.
Rep. Charlie Crist (D-Fla.), who served as the state’s governor from 2007 to 2011, announced Tuesday that he is running for governor once again. It is his third run for the governor’s mansion since 2006 and his seventh bid for statewide office in a political career that has spanned more than three decades.
“We can build a Florida for all Floridians. We can create a society that values every person. We can break the fever of division and hatred that has afflicted our politics,” Crist said in announcing his candidacy.
“Florida should be a place where hard work is rewarded, justice is equal, and opportunity is right in front of you,” he said. “That’s a Florida for all — and that’s why I’m running for Governor.” Crist announcement on Twitter.
Florida should be a place where hard work is rewarded, justice is equal, and opportunity is right in front of you. That’s a Florida for all — and that’s why I’m running for Governor.
Join us: https://t.co/ayqK3371Ik pic.twitter.com/l1OksxMP1y
— Charlie Crist (@CharlieCrist) May 4, 2021
He also launched his campaign website CharlieCrist.com, officially kicking off his run against Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“From St. Pete to Washington, Charlie Crist has been fighting for the people his whole life,” his campaign website says.
“For Charlie Crist, every Floridian is a neighbor, and working to help his neighbors and fighting for what’s right is a lifelong calling,” it says.
The campaign will serve as his third run for governor and his seventh shot for a statewide office in a political career that has spanned more than three decades, according to The Hill.
As a congressman, Crist has been “committed to working in a nonpartisan manner to create jobs, increase wages, protect our beaches from climate change, honor our military and veterans, and protect the benefits seniors have earned,” his House website says.
“With his role on the prestigious House Appropriations Committee, he will fight to combat climate change, protect clean air and water, provide for a strong national defense, support our veterans, build better roads and bridges, and strengthen programs designed for those struggling to make ends meet,” it says.
The congressman has been critical of DeSantis. He attacked the governor in a tweet on Monday.
Look who’s in St. Pete ahead of the big day! You’re welcome anytime @GovRonDeSantis — we could talk to the press together. Any time, any place. Game on. https://t.co/N9reql9OaK
— Charlie Crist (@CharlieCrist) May 3, 2021
Sources: The Western Journal, WINK News, The Hill, Bay News 9