Democratic race for governor highlights Florida primary
Democratic race for governor highlights Florida primary
Florida democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, front right, greets supporters as she arrives for a rally in Orlando, Fla., Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022. Fried and former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist are the leading candidates vying for the Democratic nomination in the Florida primary on Aug. 23. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
U.S. Rep. Val Demings and her spouse, Orange County, Fla., Mayor Jerry Demings, talk to the media after casting their primary election ballots during early voting at the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Aug. 8. 2022. Val Demings is running to be the Democratic candidate to oppose Sen. Marco Rubio in the general election in November. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
FILE - Former Florida State Attorney Aramis Ayala answers questions during a news conference, Friday, Sept. 1, 2017, in Orlando, Fla. Ayala and Dan Uhlfelder are among three Democrats hoping to challenge Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody, who doesn’t have a primary opponent. Ayala received national attention for refusing to seek the death penalty in murder cases. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
FILE - Florida Attorney Dan Uhlfelder, dressed as the Grim Reaper, talks with reporters after walking the newly-opened beach near Destin, Fla., Friday, May 1, 2020. Uhlfelder and former Orlando-area State Attorney Aramis Ayala are among three Democrats hoping to challenge Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody, who doesn’t have a primary opponent. Uhlfelder has been a frequent critic of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and made headlines by walking Panhandle beaches dressed as the Grim Reaper to protest the governor’s COVID-19 policies. (Devon Ravine/Northwest Florida Daily News via AP, File)
FILE - Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, applauds after recognizing a guest during Opening Day at the Capitol Tuesday, March 2, 2021 in Tallahassee, Fla. Simpson is running in the 2022 GOP primary for agriculture commissioner against little-known candidate James Shaw. Three Democrats _ Naomi Blemur, J.R. Gaillot and Ryan Morales _ are on the primary ballot, though none has raised enough money or has the name recognition to run a credible statewide campaign. (AP Photo/Phil Sears, File)
FILE - Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, center, mingles during a legislative session, Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, in Tallahassee, Fla. Patronis has no GOP opposition for chief financial officer. He will face Democratic former state Rep. Adam Hattersley, who also has no opposition, in the November general election. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
FILE - Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., waves to supporters after speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. Rubio, who has no primary challenger, will likely face Democratic U.S. Rep. Val Demings who is running against three little-known, underfunded candidates for her party’s nomination. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
FILE - Representative Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. Gaetz is being challenged by Mark Lombardo and Greg Merk. In 2020, Gaetz won the primary with 80.9% of the vote against Merk and another candidate. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
Florida State Sen. Aaron Bean applauds along with colleagues as they recognize the birthday of Senate Secretary Debbie Brown, during the opening of a special legislative session, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. Bean is among three Republicans seeking the open Jacksonville-area Florida Congressional District 4 seat. The other two are Erick Aguilar and Jon Chuba. On the Democratic side, former state Sen. Anthony Hill faces LaShonda Holloway, who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2020. Republicans have an advantage in the district. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)
FILE - Former Sen. Anthony Hill, D-Jacksonville, debates the redistricting bill during session on Friday, April 30, 2010, in Tallahassee, Fla. Hill faces LaShonda Holloway, who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2020, for the open Jacksonville-area Florida Congressional District 4 seat. Republicans have an advantage in the district. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon, File)
FILE - Florida Rep. Anthony Sabatini is shown after speaking during a legislative session, Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. Sabatini is among the eight Republicans and four Democrats in 2022, seeking the Florida’s 7th congressional district seat left open by Democratic Rep. Stephanie Murphy’s decision to leave Congress. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
FILE - In this Aug. 13, 2015, file photo, former Rep. Corrine Brown talks with the press in Tallahassee, Fla. Brown is among the ten Democrats and six Republicans in 2022, seeking Florida’s 10th congressional district seat left open by Democratic Rep. Val Demings’ decision to run for Senate. (AP Photo/Mark Wallheiser, File)
FILE - Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Fla. answers a question as he takes part in an open debate for the U.S. Senate, Monday, April 25, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. Grayson is among the ten Democrats and six Republicans seeking Florida’s 10th congressional district seat left open by Democratic Rep. Val Demings’ decision to run for Senate. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
FILE - Florida Sen. Randolph Bracy, D-Ocoee, closes on the presentation of the death penalty bill during session, Thursday, March 9, 2017, in Tallahassee, Fla. Bracy is among the ten Democrats and six Republicans seeking Florida’s 10th congressional district seat left open by Democratic Rep. Val Demings’ decision to run for Senate. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon, File)
FILE - Nationally known far-right activist Laura Loomer holds up a sign across the street from a rally organized by Women’s March NYC, Jan. 19, 2019, after she barged onto the stage interrupting Women’s March NYC director Agunda Okeyo who was speaking during a rally in New York. Loomer, who’s been banned by several social media platforms because of anti-Muslim and other remarks, is challenging incumbent Republican Dan Webster, who has served central Florida districts since 2011. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)
FILE - Florida State Sen. Dan Webster announces his entry into the U.S. Senate race in Orlando, Fla., Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2003. Nationally known far-right activist Laura Loomer, who’s been banned by several social media platforms because of anti-Muslim and other remarks, is challenging the incumbent Webster, who has served central Florida districts since 2011, for the District 11 seat. (AP Photo/Peter Cosgrove, File)
FILE - Anna Paulina Luna, Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives speaks before President Donald Trump, and First Lady Melania Trump at a campaign rally, Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. Five Republicans are seeking the nomination in the St. Petersburg-area District 13 seat left open when Charlie Crist decided to run for governor. It is essentially a rematch between Luna and Amanda Makki, who came in first and second respectively in a five-way primary two years ago. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, File)
FILE - Secretary of State Laurel Lee, right, and her husband Sen. Tom Lee, R-Brandon, are recognized by the Senate at the start of session on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in Tallahassee, Fla. Five Republicans are competing for the new district east of Tampa. The top Republicans include the former Secretary of State Lee, state Sen. Kelli Stargel and state Rep. Jackie Toledo. Five Democrats are also seeking the nomination in the district the heavily favors Republicans. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon, File)
FILE - Florida Sen. Kelli Stargel, right, laughs with her husband, John Stargel, during a legislative session, Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, in Tallahassee, Fla. In 2022, five Republicans are competing for the new District 15 east of Tampa. The top Republicans include Stargel, former Secretary of State Laurel Lee and state Rep. Jackie Toledo. Five Democrats are also seeking the nomination in the district the heavily favors Republicans. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
FILE - U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., who is running for reelection, gestures as she talks after members of the union that represents airport workers and security officers, endorsed her, Thursday, July 7, 2022, at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Cherfilus-McCormick is facing primary competition in the District 20 seat she won in a special election in 2022. Former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness, who lost to Cherfilus-McCormick by five votes, and state Rep. Anika Omphroy, are also running for the seat that includes parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
FILE - Broward County Mayor Dale Holness, left, speaks as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis listens during a news conference at a drive-thru coronavirus testing site in front of Hard Rock Stadium, Monday, March 30, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Democratic U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is facing primary competition in the District 20 seat she won in a special election in 2022. Former Mayor Holness, who lost to Cherfilus-McCormick by five votes, and state Rep. Anika Omphroy, are also running for the seat that includes parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
FILE - Florida Rep. Anika Omphroy speaks during a legislative session, Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. Democratic U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is facing primary competition in the District 20 seat she won in a special election earlier this year. Former Mayor Holness, who lost to Cherfilus-McCormick by five votes, and Omphroy, are also running for the seat that includes parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
FILE - Jared Moskowitz, Florida’s Director of Emergency Management, gestures during a news conference Sunday, April 4, 2021, at the Manatee County Emergency Management office in Palmetto, Fla. Six Democrats and seven Republicans are running for the District 23 South Florida seat left open by Democratic Rep Ted Deutch’s decision to retire. The most prominent name among Democrats is Moskowitz, the former state representative who helped pass gun legislation after the Parkland shootings, and who served as DeSantis’ emergency management director. The seat is firmly Democratic. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, File)
FILE - Florida state Sen. Annette Taddeo, left, speaks alongside Sen. Shevrin Jones, right, against congressional maps, Monday, April 18, 2022, at the Little Haiti Cultural Center in Miami. Taddeo, who was Charlie Crist’s lieutenant governor running mate in 2014, and Miami City Commissioner Ken Russell are among three Democratic candidates hoping to challenge Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar. The Miami-area District 27 has switched parties several times in recent years. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
FILE - Miami City Commissioner Ken Russell stands outside of Miami City Hall, Saturday, June 18, 2022, in Miami. Russell and Florida state Sen. Annette Taddeo, who was Charlie Crist’s lieutenant governor running mate in 2014, are among three Democratic candidates hoping to challenge Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar in 2022. The Miami-area District 27 has switched parties several times in recent years. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
FILE - Maria Elvira Salazar speaks with members of the media outside a polling station at the Coral Gables Branch Library, during the Florida primary election, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, in Coral Gables, Fla. Miami City Commissioner Ken Russell and Florida state Sen. Annette Taddeo are among three Democratic candidates hoping to challenge Republican Salazar in 2022. The Miami-area District 27 has switched parties several times in recent years. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
Florida democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, front right, greets supporters as she arrives for a rally in Orlando, Fla., Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022. Fried and former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist are the leading candidates vying for the Democratic nomination in the Florida primary on Aug. 23. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
Florida democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried, front right, greets supporters as she arrives for a rally in Orlando, Fla., Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022. Fried and former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist are the leading candidates vying for the Democratic nomination in the Florida primary on Aug. 23. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
U.S. Rep. Val Demings and her spouse, Orange County, Fla., Mayor Jerry Demings, talk to the media after casting their primary election ballots during early voting at the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Aug. 8. 2022. Val Demings is running to be the Democratic candidate to oppose Sen. Marco Rubio in the general election in November. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
U.S. Rep. Val Demings and her spouse, Orange County, Fla., Mayor Jerry Demings, talk to the media after casting their primary election ballots during early voting at the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Aug. 8. 2022. Val Demings is running to be the Democratic candidate to oppose Sen. Marco Rubio in the general election in November. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
FILE - Former Florida State Attorney Aramis Ayala answers questions during a news conference, Friday, Sept. 1, 2017, in Orlando, Fla. Ayala and Dan Uhlfelder are among three Democrats hoping to challenge Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody, who doesn’t have a primary opponent. Ayala received national attention for refusing to seek the death penalty in murder cases. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
FILE - Former Florida State Attorney Aramis Ayala answers questions during a news conference, Friday, Sept. 1, 2017, in Orlando, Fla. Ayala and Dan Uhlfelder are among three Democrats hoping to challenge Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody, who doesn’t have a primary opponent. Ayala received national attention for refusing to seek the death penalty in murder cases. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
FILE - Florida Attorney Dan Uhlfelder, dressed as the Grim Reaper, talks with reporters after walking the newly-opened beach near Destin, Fla., Friday, May 1, 2020. Uhlfelder and former Orlando-area State Attorney Aramis Ayala are among three Democrats hoping to challenge Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody, who doesn’t have a primary opponent. Uhlfelder has been a frequent critic of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and made headlines by walking Panhandle beaches dressed as the Grim Reaper to protest the governor’s COVID-19 policies. (Devon Ravine/Northwest Florida Daily News via AP, File)
FILE - Florida Attorney Dan Uhlfelder, dressed as the Grim Reaper, talks with reporters after walking the newly-opened beach near Destin, Fla., Friday, May 1, 2020. Uhlfelder and former Orlando-area State Attorney Aramis Ayala are among three Democrats hoping to challenge Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody, who doesn’t have a primary opponent. Uhlfelder has been a frequent critic of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and made headlines by walking Panhandle beaches dressed as the Grim Reaper to protest the governor’s COVID-19 policies. (Devon Ravine/Northwest Florida Daily News via AP, File)
FILE - Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, applauds after recognizing a guest during Opening Day at the Capitol Tuesday, March 2, 2021 in Tallahassee, Fla. Simpson is running in the 2022 GOP primary for agriculture commissioner against little-known candidate James Shaw. Three Democrats _ Naomi Blemur, J.R. Gaillot and Ryan Morales _ are on the primary ballot, though none has raised enough money or has the name recognition to run a credible statewide campaign. (AP Photo/Phil Sears, File)
FILE - Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, applauds after recognizing a guest during Opening Day at the Capitol Tuesday, March 2, 2021 in Tallahassee, Fla. Simpson is running in the 2022 GOP primary for agriculture commissioner against little-known candidate James Shaw. Three Democrats _ Naomi Blemur, J.R. Gaillot and Ryan Morales _ are on the primary ballot, though none has raised enough money or has the name recognition to run a credible statewide campaign. (AP Photo/Phil Sears, File)
FILE - Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, center, mingles during a legislative session, Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, in Tallahassee, Fla. Patronis has no GOP opposition for chief financial officer. He will face Democratic former state Rep. Adam Hattersley, who also has no opposition, in the November general election. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
FILE - Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, center, mingles during a legislative session, Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, in Tallahassee, Fla. Patronis has no GOP opposition for chief financial officer. He will face Democratic former state Rep. Adam Hattersley, who also has no opposition, in the November general election. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
FILE - Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., waves to supporters after speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. Rubio, who has no primary challenger, will likely face Democratic U.S. Rep. Val Demings who is running against three little-known, underfunded candidates for her party’s nomination. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
FILE - Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., waves to supporters after speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. Rubio, who has no primary challenger, will likely face Democratic U.S. Rep. Val Demings who is running against three little-known, underfunded candidates for her party’s nomination. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
FILE - Representative Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. Gaetz is being challenged by Mark Lombardo and Greg Merk. In 2020, Gaetz won the primary with 80.9% of the vote against Merk and another candidate. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
FILE - Representative Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. Gaetz is being challenged by Mark Lombardo and Greg Merk. In 2020, Gaetz won the primary with 80.9% of the vote against Merk and another candidate. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
Florida State Sen. Aaron Bean applauds along with colleagues as they recognize the birthday of Senate Secretary Debbie Brown, during the opening of a special legislative session, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. Bean is among three Republicans seeking the open Jacksonville-area Florida Congressional District 4 seat. The other two are Erick Aguilar and Jon Chuba. On the Democratic side, former state Sen. Anthony Hill faces LaShonda Holloway, who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2020. Republicans have an advantage in the district. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)
Florida State Sen. Aaron Bean applauds along with colleagues as they recognize the birthday of Senate Secretary Debbie Brown, during the opening of a special legislative session, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. Bean is among three Republicans seeking the open Jacksonville-area Florida Congressional District 4 seat. The other two are Erick Aguilar and Jon Chuba. On the Democratic side, former state Sen. Anthony Hill faces LaShonda Holloway, who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2020. Republicans have an advantage in the district. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)
FILE - Former Sen. Anthony Hill, D-Jacksonville, debates the redistricting bill during session on Friday, April 30, 2010, in Tallahassee, Fla. Hill faces LaShonda Holloway, who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2020, for the open Jacksonville-area Florida Congressional District 4 seat. Republicans have an advantage in the district. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon, File)
FILE - Former Sen. Anthony Hill, D-Jacksonville, debates the redistricting bill during session on Friday, April 30, 2010, in Tallahassee, Fla. Hill faces LaShonda Holloway, who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2020, for the open Jacksonville-area Florida Congressional District 4 seat. Republicans have an advantage in the district. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon, File)
FILE - Florida Rep. Anthony Sabatini is shown after speaking during a legislative session, Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. Sabatini is among the eight Republicans and four Democrats in 2022, seeking the Florida’s 7th congressional district seat left open by Democratic Rep. Stephanie Murphy’s decision to leave Congress. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
FILE - Florida Rep. Anthony Sabatini is shown after speaking during a legislative session, Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. Sabatini is among the eight Republicans and four Democrats in 2022, seeking the Florida’s 7th congressional district seat left open by Democratic Rep. Stephanie Murphy’s decision to leave Congress. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
FILE - In this Aug. 13, 2015, file photo, former Rep. Corrine Brown talks with the press in Tallahassee, Fla. Brown is among the ten Democrats and six Republicans in 2022, seeking Florida’s 10th congressional district seat left open by Democratic Rep. Val Demings’ decision to run for Senate. (AP Photo/Mark Wallheiser, File)
FILE - In this Aug. 13, 2015, file photo, former Rep. Corrine Brown talks with the press in Tallahassee, Fla. Brown is among the ten Democrats and six Republicans in 2022, seeking Florida’s 10th congressional district seat left open by Democratic Rep. Val Demings’ decision to run for Senate. (AP Photo/Mark Wallheiser, File)
FILE - Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Fla. answers a question as he takes part in an open debate for the U.S. Senate, Monday, April 25, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. Grayson is among the ten Democrats and six Republicans seeking Florida’s 10th congressional district seat left open by Democratic Rep. Val Demings’ decision to run for Senate. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
FILE - Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Fla. answers a question as he takes part in an open debate for the U.S. Senate, Monday, April 25, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. Grayson is among the ten Democrats and six Republicans seeking Florida’s 10th congressional district seat left open by Democratic Rep. Val Demings’ decision to run for Senate. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
FILE - Florida Sen. Randolph Bracy, D-Ocoee, closes on the presentation of the death penalty bill during session, Thursday, March 9, 2017, in Tallahassee, Fla. Bracy is among the ten Democrats and six Republicans seeking Florida’s 10th congressional district seat left open by Democratic Rep. Val Demings’ decision to run for Senate. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon, File)
FILE - Florida Sen. Randolph Bracy, D-Ocoee, closes on the presentation of the death penalty bill during session, Thursday, March 9, 2017, in Tallahassee, Fla. Bracy is among the ten Democrats and six Republicans seeking Florida’s 10th congressional district seat left open by Democratic Rep. Val Demings’ decision to run for Senate. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon, File)
FILE - Nationally known far-right activist Laura Loomer holds up a sign across the street from a rally organized by Women’s March NYC, Jan. 19, 2019, after she barged onto the stage interrupting Women’s March NYC director Agunda Okeyo who was speaking during a rally in New York. Loomer, who’s been banned by several social media platforms because of anti-Muslim and other remarks, is challenging incumbent Republican Dan Webster, who has served central Florida districts since 2011. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)
FILE - Nationally known far-right activist Laura Loomer holds up a sign across the street from a rally organized by Women’s March NYC, Jan. 19, 2019, after she barged onto the stage interrupting Women’s March NYC director Agunda Okeyo who was speaking during a rally in New York. Loomer, who’s been banned by several social media platforms because of anti-Muslim and other remarks, is challenging incumbent Republican Dan Webster, who has served central Florida districts since 2011. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)
FILE - Florida State Sen. Dan Webster announces his entry into the U.S. Senate race in Orlando, Fla., Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2003. Nationally known far-right activist Laura Loomer, who’s been banned by several social media platforms because of anti-Muslim and other remarks, is challenging the incumbent Webster, who has served central Florida districts since 2011, for the District 11 seat. (AP Photo/Peter Cosgrove, File)
FILE - Florida State Sen. Dan Webster announces his entry into the U.S. Senate race in Orlando, Fla., Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2003. Nationally known far-right activist Laura Loomer, who’s been banned by several social media platforms because of anti-Muslim and other remarks, is challenging the incumbent Webster, who has served central Florida districts since 2011, for the District 11 seat. (AP Photo/Peter Cosgrove, File)
FILE - Anna Paulina Luna, Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives speaks before President Donald Trump, and First Lady Melania Trump at a campaign rally, Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. Five Republicans are seeking the nomination in the St. Petersburg-area District 13 seat left open when Charlie Crist decided to run for governor. It is essentially a rematch between Luna and Amanda Makki, who came in first and second respectively in a five-way primary two years ago. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, File)
FILE - Anna Paulina Luna, Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives speaks before President Donald Trump, and First Lady Melania Trump at a campaign rally, Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. Five Republicans are seeking the nomination in the St. Petersburg-area District 13 seat left open when Charlie Crist decided to run for governor. It is essentially a rematch between Luna and Amanda Makki, who came in first and second respectively in a five-way primary two years ago. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, File)
FILE - Secretary of State Laurel Lee, right, and her husband Sen. Tom Lee, R-Brandon, are recognized by the Senate at the start of session on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in Tallahassee, Fla. Five Republicans are competing for the new district east of Tampa. The top Republicans include the former Secretary of State Lee, state Sen. Kelli Stargel and state Rep. Jackie Toledo. Five Democrats are also seeking the nomination in the district the heavily favors Republicans. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon, File)
FILE - Secretary of State Laurel Lee, right, and her husband Sen. Tom Lee, R-Brandon, are recognized by the Senate at the start of session on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in Tallahassee, Fla. Five Republicans are competing for the new district east of Tampa. The top Republicans include the former Secretary of State Lee, state Sen. Kelli Stargel and state Rep. Jackie Toledo. Five Democrats are also seeking the nomination in the district the heavily favors Republicans. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon, File)
FILE - Florida Sen. Kelli Stargel, right, laughs with her husband, John Stargel, during a legislative session, Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, in Tallahassee, Fla. In 2022, five Republicans are competing for the new District 15 east of Tampa. The top Republicans include Stargel, former Secretary of State Laurel Lee and state Rep. Jackie Toledo. Five Democrats are also seeking the nomination in the district the heavily favors Republicans. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
FILE - Florida Sen. Kelli Stargel, right, laughs with her husband, John Stargel, during a legislative session, Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, in Tallahassee, Fla. In 2022, five Republicans are competing for the new District 15 east of Tampa. The top Republicans include Stargel, former Secretary of State Laurel Lee and state Rep. Jackie Toledo. Five Democrats are also seeking the nomination in the district the heavily favors Republicans. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
FILE - U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., who is running for reelection, gestures as she talks after members of the union that represents airport workers and security officers, endorsed her, Thursday, July 7, 2022, at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Cherfilus-McCormick is facing primary competition in the District 20 seat she won in a special election in 2022. Former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness, who lost to Cherfilus-McCormick by five votes, and state Rep. Anika Omphroy, are also running for the seat that includes parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
FILE - U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., who is running for reelection, gestures as she talks after members of the union that represents airport workers and security officers, endorsed her, Thursday, July 7, 2022, at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Cherfilus-McCormick is facing primary competition in the District 20 seat she won in a special election in 2022. Former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness, who lost to Cherfilus-McCormick by five votes, and state Rep. Anika Omphroy, are also running for the seat that includes parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
FILE - Broward County Mayor Dale Holness, left, speaks as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis listens during a news conference at a drive-thru coronavirus testing site in front of Hard Rock Stadium, Monday, March 30, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Democratic U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is facing primary competition in the District 20 seat she won in a special election in 2022. Former Mayor Holness, who lost to Cherfilus-McCormick by five votes, and state Rep. Anika Omphroy, are also running for the seat that includes parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
FILE - Broward County Mayor Dale Holness, left, speaks as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis listens during a news conference at a drive-thru coronavirus testing site in front of Hard Rock Stadium, Monday, March 30, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Democratic U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is facing primary competition in the District 20 seat she won in a special election in 2022. Former Mayor Holness, who lost to Cherfilus-McCormick by five votes, and state Rep. Anika Omphroy, are also running for the seat that includes parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
FILE - Florida Rep. Anika Omphroy speaks during a legislative session, Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. Democratic U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is facing primary competition in the District 20 seat she won in a special election earlier this year. Former Mayor Holness, who lost to Cherfilus-McCormick by five votes, and Omphroy, are also running for the seat that includes parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
FILE - Florida Rep. Anika Omphroy speaks during a legislative session, Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. Democratic U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is facing primary competition in the District 20 seat she won in a special election earlier this year. Former Mayor Holness, who lost to Cherfilus-McCormick by five votes, and Omphroy, are also running for the seat that includes parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
FILE - Jared Moskowitz, Florida’s Director of Emergency Management, gestures during a news conference Sunday, April 4, 2021, at the Manatee County Emergency Management office in Palmetto, Fla. Six Democrats and seven Republicans are running for the District 23 South Florida seat left open by Democratic Rep Ted Deutch’s decision to retire. The most prominent name among Democrats is Moskowitz, the former state representative who helped pass gun legislation after the Parkland shootings, and who served as DeSantis’ emergency management director. The seat is firmly Democratic. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, File)
FILE - Jared Moskowitz, Florida’s Director of Emergency Management, gestures during a news conference Sunday, April 4, 2021, at the Manatee County Emergency Management office in Palmetto, Fla. Six Democrats and seven Republicans are running for the District 23 South Florida seat left open by Democratic Rep Ted Deutch’s decision to retire. The most prominent name among Democrats is Moskowitz, the former state representative who helped pass gun legislation after the Parkland shootings, and who served as DeSantis’ emergency management director. The seat is firmly Democratic. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, File)
FILE - Florida state Sen. Annette Taddeo, left, speaks alongside Sen. Shevrin Jones, right, against congressional maps, Monday, April 18, 2022, at the Little Haiti Cultural Center in Miami. Taddeo, who was Charlie Crist’s lieutenant governor running mate in 2014, and Miami City Commissioner Ken Russell are among three Democratic candidates hoping to challenge Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar. The Miami-area District 27 has switched parties several times in recent years. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
FILE - Florida state Sen. Annette Taddeo, left, speaks alongside Sen. Shevrin Jones, right, against congressional maps, Monday, April 18, 2022, at the Little Haiti Cultural Center in Miami. Taddeo, who was Charlie Crist’s lieutenant governor running mate in 2014, and Miami City Commissioner Ken Russell are among three Democratic candidates hoping to challenge Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar. The Miami-area District 27 has switched parties several times in recent years. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
FILE - Miami City Commissioner Ken Russell stands outside of Miami City Hall, Saturday, June 18, 2022, in Miami. Russell and Florida state Sen. Annette Taddeo, who was Charlie Crist’s lieutenant governor running mate in 2014, are among three Democratic candidates hoping to challenge Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar in 2022. The Miami-area District 27 has switched parties several times in recent years. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
FILE - Miami City Commissioner Ken Russell stands outside of Miami City Hall, Saturday, June 18, 2022, in Miami. Russell and Florida state Sen. Annette Taddeo, who was Charlie Crist’s lieutenant governor running mate in 2014, are among three Democratic candidates hoping to challenge Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar in 2022. The Miami-area District 27 has switched parties several times in recent years. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
FILE - Maria Elvira Salazar speaks with members of the media outside a polling station at the Coral Gables Branch Library, during the Florida primary election, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, in Coral Gables, Fla. Miami City Commissioner Ken Russell and Florida state Sen. Annette Taddeo are among three Democratic candidates hoping to challenge Republican Salazar in 2022. The Miami-area District 27 has switched parties several times in recent years. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
FILE - Maria Elvira Salazar speaks with members of the media outside a polling station at the Coral Gables Branch Library, during the Florida primary election, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, in Coral Gables, Fla. Miami City Commissioner Ken Russell and Florida state Sen. Annette Taddeo are among three Democratic candidates hoping to challenge Republican Salazar in 2022. The Miami-area District 27 has switched parties several times in recent years. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
MIAMI (AP) — GOVERNOR
The Democratic primary pits U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, a former governor as a Republican, against Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, who is currently Florida’s only statewide elected Democrat. The winner will face Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in November. Crist last served in statewide office from 2007 to 2011 as a Republican governor. He lost a 2010 race for U.S. Senate as an independent and a 2014 run for governor as a Democrat.
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Former Orlando-area State Attorney Aramis Ayala and Dan Uhlfelder are among three Democrats hoping to challenge Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody, who doesn’t have a primary opponent. Ayala received national attention for refusing to seek the death penalty in murder cases. Uhlfelder has been a frequent critic of DeSantis and made headlines by walking Panhandle beaches dressed as the Grim Reaper to protest the governor’s COVID-19 policies.
AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER
Republican Senate President Wilton Simpson is running in the GOP primary for agriculture commissioner against little-known candidate James Shaw. Three Democrats — Naomi Blemur, J.R. Gaillot and Ryan Morales — are on the primary ballot, though none has raised enough money or has the name recognition to run a credible statewide campaign.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Incumbent Republican Jimmy Patronis has no GOP opposition for chief financial officer. He will face Democratic former state Rep. Adam Hattersley, who also has no opposition, in the November general election.
U.S. SENATE
Democratic U.S. Rep. Val Demings is running against three little-known, underfunded candidates for her party’s nomination to face Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, who has no primary challenger.
U.S. HOUSE
Florida this year will elect at least six new members of Congress – four because incumbents are retiring or seeking higher office and two because of the creation of a new district and redrawing of current districts that pit two incumbents against each. Here are the key primaries:
—District 1: Republican incumbent Matt Gaetz is being challenged by Mark Lombardo and Greg Merk. In 2020, Gaetz won the primary with 80.9% of the vote against Merk and another candidate. This year, Lombardo, a veteran and business executive, is a well-financed opponent, having sunk hundreds of thousands of dollars of his own money in the race in the hopes that GOP voters in the western Panhandle aren’t happy with Gaetz’ frequent inflammatory remarks.
—District 4: State Sen. Aaron Bean is among three Republicans seeking this open Jacksonville-area seat. The other two are Erick Aguilar and Jon Chuba. On the Democratic side, former state Sen. Anthony Hill faces LaShonda Holloway, who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2020. Republicans have an advantage in the district.
_District 7: Eight Republicans and four Democrats are seeking the seat left open by Democratic Rep. Stephanie Murphy’s decision to leave Congress. The district extends from Seminole County to the Atlantic Coast and now leans Republican after redistricting. State Rep. Anthony Sabatini is among the Republican candidates. Among Democrats are Karen Green, a former Florida Democratic Party vice chair, and Al Krulick who has run unsuccessfully for Congress three other times.
_District 10: Ten Democrats and six Republicans are seeking the seat left open by Democratic Rep. Val Demings’ decision to run for Senate. Among Democrats are former U.S. Reps. Corrine Brown and Alan Grayson. Brown is a convicted felon from Jacksonville and Grayson is an outspoken former congressman whose inflammatory comments generated headlines. His two recent efforts to return to Washington have failed. Social justice activist Maxwell Alejandro Frost has a money advantage and a number of high-profile endorsements. State Sen. Randolph Bracy is also in the primary for the seat in a firmly Democratic district.
—District 11: Nationally known far-right activist Laura Loomer, who’s been banned by several social media platforms because of anti-Muslim and other remarks, is challenging incumbent Republican Dan Webster, who has served central Florida districts since 2011.
—District 13: Five Republicans are seeking the nomination in the St. Petersburg-area seat left open when Crist decided to run for governor. It is essentially a rematch between Anna Paulina Luna and Amanda Makki, who came in first and second respectively in a five-way primary two years ago. The formerly competitive seat now leans Republican. The winner will face Democrat Eric Lynn, who worked in the Obama administration.
_District 15: Five Republicans are competing for the new district east of Tampa. The top Republicans include former Secretary of State Laura Lee, state Sen. Kelli Stargel and state Rep. Jackie Toledo. Five Democrats are also seeking the nomination in the district that heavily favors Republicans.
_District 20: Democratic U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is facing primary competition in the seat she won in a special election earlier this year. Former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness, who lost to Cherfilus-McCormick by five votes, and state Rep. Anika Omphroy, are also running for the seat that includes parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties.
_District 23: Six Democrats and seven Republicans are running for the South Florida seat left open by Democratic Rep Ted Deutch’s decision to retire. The most prominent name among Democrats is Jared Moskowitz, the former state representative who helped pass gun legislation after the Parkland shootings, and who served as DeSantis’ emergency management director. The seat is firmly Democratic.
_District 27: State Sen. Annette Taddeo, who was Crist’s lieutenant governor running mate in 2014, and Miami City Commissioner Ken Russell are among three Democratic candidates hoping to challenge Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar. The Miami-area district has switched parties several times in recent years.
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This story corrects District 10 candidate’s name to Maxwell Alejandro Frost instead of Alejandro Frost.
