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Politics

Orlando Businessman Chris King Files to Run for Governor

March 2, 2017 - 8:45pm
Chris King
Chris King

Businessman Chris King filed his paperwork with Florida’s Secretary of State on Thursday to run for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 2018. 

King is the second Democrat to enter the race this week, joining Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum. Based out of Orlando, King is the CEO of Elevation Financial Group, which, according to his team “creates quality, affordable housing for seniors and families in Florida and across the Southeast.” King is also active with a group helping low-income students afford higher education. 

While he is planning on a media rollout next month, King filed his paperwork on Thursday so he can start raising funds for his new campaign. This marks the first time the Orlando businessman has run for office. 

“I believe Florida can do so many things better if we have the courage to do things differently,” King said on Thursday. "We’re going to run a campaign driven by a spirit of innovation and can-do optimism. We’re going to give voice to millions of Floridians who are struggling to make it and haven’t given up the hope that we can do better.  We are going to answer the call of every Floridian who wants a governor with the strength, vision and integrity to tackle important problems and provide innovative solutions.  And we are going to invite every Floridian who wants to rise up and be part of something big, bold, and better, to join this campaign.  I look forward to an exciting kick-off in April and an inspirational campaign to reclaim Florida’s bright future."

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, who is also running for governor, welcomed King to the race Thursday evening.

"I’m looking forward to Chris adding his thoughts," Gillum said. "Floridians deserve to hear how each candidate plans to create jobs at every level of the income ladder, ensure Florida’s children have both quality health care and a quality public education, and how we protect Florida as a welcoming place for immigrants, same-sex couples, and people of every faith and background."

While the Democrats haven’t won a gubernatorial election since then Gov. Lawton Chiles held off Republican challenger Jeb Bush back in 1994, there could be a crowded field lining up in 2018 when current Gov. Rick Scott faces term limits. Gillum and King could be joined by two former members of Congress in Gwen Graham and Patrick Murphy, Miami Beach Mayor Phillip Levine and attorney John Morgan. 

Comments

WOW - So many ugly comments. Before you decide Putnam is the guy - take some time to investigate other options. King is the real deal - he is smart (did Putnam go to Harvard) and a successful businessman - (must be - donated $1M to his campaign) - so - guys = stop burying your heads in the sand and look at more options that what you consider to be pre-determined

Just like Gillum, he next candidate is WHO? Unknown in Central Florida with exception to a few of the rich folk, King is going to be the snowball, along with Gillum in political "Hell"! Another Democrat who has no idea and is hoping for miracles!

Graham, Murphy, Levine and Morgan are ALL what we used to call in the Military, "Light Hits"; and are all poor choices to build an exemplary "record" upon. "For MY money" (and knowing what the "others" have to offer; and HAVE offered), it's ALWAYS going to be "Opie" Putnam for Governor of Florida ! (The rest are ALL "wannabees" or undistinguished "has-beens" looking to "frog-hop" up to headier elevations than they presently occupy;.. or have formerly occupied...) !

That's the first thing you've said on this site that I agree with.

Just because uber businessman Donald Trump could do it, is absolutely to indication YOU would have a "snowball's chance in hell" to emulate Mr. Trump Chris: Your ego is Tooo Farrrrr out in front of you Mr.King, and Farrr behind EVERY OTHER "businessman" who believes he too could be "KING" (and that's NOT "Mr. King" [Chris]) Maybe you should read Mr. Trump's "Art of the Deal" so when you grow up, you might just be ready... for something "above your paygrade"...

Alan Putnam?...herein lies the problem...

Apparently a lot of Democrats are starting to decide that collectively we need to "waste a lot more time."

I hope he is prepared to pass a payroll test. His industry is rife with 1009-MISC Independent Contractors being paid on a commission basis but are actually employees according to IRS rules with there own desk, office, secretary etc. If he can't pass that test he will be DOA.

Why waste your time when Alan Putnam will be our next Governor.

Putnam will not be the Governor. He can hardly handle being Commissioner of Ag ... just another slash and burn Republican who doesn't even know his own state.

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