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.
Just like Gillum, he next
Graham, Murphy, Levine and
That's the first thing you've
Just because uber businessman
Alan Putnam?...herein lies
Apparently a lot of Democrats
I hope he is prepared to pass
Why waste your time when Alan
Putnam will not be the