US Rep. Charlie Crist announces another bid for Florida governor

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, the former Republican governor of Florida who’s now a Democratic congressman, on Tuesday announced another run for governor.

Crist, 64, tweeted Tuesday morning that “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.”

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Crist had tweeted over the weekend that he would make a “major announcement” in his hometown of St. Petersburg.

During that formal announcement, Crist talked about his family background.

“My grandfather, Adam Christodoulos, came to this country, in 1914, from the Greek island of Cyprus,” Crist said. “He didn’t speak English. He didn’t know anyone, but he was full, full of determination and faith in the promise that is America.”

“My family’s story is the American story. It’s a story of American opportunity,” Crist added. “That’s why I’ve dedicated my life to public service.”

Crist took several swipes at Gov. Ron DeSantis, Crist’s potential opponent in 2022 if he can secure the Democratic nomination.

“Governor DeSantis’ vision of Florida is clear. If you want to vote. He won’t help you. If you’re working, he won’t support you. If you’re a woman, he will not empower you. If you’re an immigrant, he won’t accept you. And if you’re facing discrimination, he won’t respect you. If you’re sick, he won’t care for you. If you’re impacted by climate change — and we all are — he won’t even believe you. That’s not a vision for our state,” Crist said.

The Republican Party of Florida released a response to Crist’s bid for governor.

It reads in part: “While Governor DeSantis put seniors first, kept our kids in school, and businesses open, Charlie Crist advocated for lockdowns, restrictions on businesses, and backed the teachers’ unions efforts to keep our kids from the classroom.  Crist supports defunding the police and has voted 100% of the time for Nancy Pelosi’s radical agenda.”

Crist has been the U.S. Representative from Florida’s 13th congressional district since 2017.

He was the 44th governor of Florida from 2007 to 2011 but decided not to seek a second term, instead running in 2010 for a U.S. Senate seat, which he lost to Sen. Marco Rubio.

In 2014, Crist ran for governor as a Democrat but lost Rick Scott, who is now a U.S. senator.

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and U.S. Rep. Val Demings may also consider making a bid for the governor’s seat, currently held by Republican Ron DeSantis.