The 2016 election has come and gone but politicos haven’t taken a break thinking ahead to determine who will be Florida’s next governor come 2018.
The rumor mill has been working overtime since Election Day and several contenders are rising to the top of the short list -- including several people who had a heavy hand in this year’s election. On the Democrat side, Orlando uber-attorney John Morgan’s name is being pushed as a strong contender for the state’s top position. On Monday, Politico reported Democratic consultants were advising Morgan to jump in the race and make a play for the office.
Morgan is most notable for his statewide law firm, Morgan and Morgan, and for being the major backer of recently-approved Amendment 2, which will legalize medical marijuana in Florida.
People United for Medical Marijuana campaign manager Ben Pollara told Politico he filed paperwork for a political committee backing Morgan in 2018. The PC, “For the Governor Political Committee,” is a play on Morgan’s famous “For the People,” slogan which has made him famous in the Sunshine State.
“We wouldn't have passed Amendment 2 without John Morgan's courage and leadership. Every single one of you knows that to be a fact," United for Care said in an email to supporters. “Now we need John's courage and leadership in Tallahassee, where both of those qualities are sorely lacking.”
Morgan’s not the only possible contender for Democrats.
U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham skipped out on reelection this year and instead said she would focus her efforts on a possible run for governor in two years.
“Our state government is just dysfunctional,” she said. “And this causes me to rethink how I can best serve the people of North Florida and our state. Floridians are hungry for new leadership, and I’m so excited to tell your first that I’m seriously considering running for governor in 2018.”
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn has also been speculated to make a run for governor, but he hasn’t confirmed or denied his intentions just yet.
Buckhorn told the Tampa Bay Times he wouldn’t make a decision on 2018 until after the New Year.
Democrats have had a haven’t sat in the governor’s mansion since 1999, so the drive to send one of their own is especially high for 2018. Dems are also reeling from a humiliating election cycle this year where their presidential candidate lost as did many of their statewide candidates.
On the GOP side, Florida Agriculture commissioner Adam Putnam has already made a strong push for 2018. He began fundraising for his run in 2015 and has already raised millions of dollars for his Florida Grown political committee.
Other names like former House Speaker Will Weatherford have been tossed around in the Republican scene, but it’s been mostly quiet so far.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
