A group of former staffers and associates of Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist are opting to endorse GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis over the onetime Republican as he vies for another term as governor in the Sunshine State.
In an open letter led by Crist’s former chief of staff George LeMieux, whom he appointed to the Senate, and signed by 36 Republicans previously associated with the Florida Democrat, the group argued DeSantis is the better choice.
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“Together, we have known Charlie in virtually all phases of his career and public life. We are well-qualified to endorse in the Florida Governor’s race because we have significant experience in public service to the state of Florida,” they wrote. “The choice this November could not be more clear: we unanimously endorse Governor Ron DeSantis for re-election.”
Crist opted not to seek a second term as a governor in 2010, instead opting to run for Senate as an independent after losing the GOP primary. He was ultimately defeated by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL). He later changed his party affiliation in 2012, winning his House seat as a Democrat in 2016.
In addition to LeMieux, other notable names on the letter include former Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp, former Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson, and former Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.
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“Governor DeSantis has delivered for Florida,” the former Crist staffers wrote. “He has led our state with courage and conviction. He has demonstrated his ability to lead us through difficult times. We stand with Governor DeSantis because the stakes are too high. We urge Florida to re-elect Ron DeSantis as our Governor.”
Nonpartisan political handicapper Cook Political Report rates the race as “Likely R.”
