Demings planning to run for Senate instead of Florida governor | TheHill
By: Max Greenwood and Reid Wilson (TheHill)
Demings, 64, is likely to benefit from her broad national profile.
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
© Greg Nash
ORLANDO, Fla. - Rep. Val Demings
Valdez (Val) Venita DemingsDemocrat Nikki Fried teases possible challenge to DeSantisThe Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Emergent BioSolutions - Upbeat jobs data, relaxed COVID-19 restrictions offer rosier US picture Democrats cool on Crist's latest bid for Florida governorMORE (D-Fla.) is planning to run for Senate next year, foregoing a widely expected campaign for Florida governor in order to take on Sen. Marco Rubio
Marco Antonio RubioRubio wants 'UFO sightings' to be registered, taken seriouslyStrange bedfellows: UFOs are uniting Trump's fiercest critics, loyalistsSecond suspected 'Havana Syndrome' case near White House under investigation: reportMORE (R-Fla.), according to two people familiar with her plans.
Demings's expected entrance into the Florida Senate race gives Democrats a top-tier challenger to Rubio, who is expected to run for a third term in 2022. She has expressed interest for months in pursuing statewide office, floating potential runs for both governor and Senate.
"Val is an impressive and formidable candidate whose potential entrance would make the race against Rubio highly competitive," one national Democrat with knowledge of the party's Senate strategy said.
One person familiar with Demings's plans said a decision could come sometime this summer.
Demings's plans were first reported on Tuesday by Politico.
If she does ultimately jump into the race as she is expected to, she will likely face a primary against a handful of other high-profile Democrats, including Rep. Stephanie Murphy
Stephanie MurphyHouse moderates signal concerns with Pelosi drug pricing billThe Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Cheney poised to be ousted; Biden to host big meetingDemocrats confront difficult prospects for midtermsMORE (D-Fla.) and former Rep. Alan Grayson
Alan Mark GraysonFlorida's Darren Soto fends off Dem challenge from Alan GraysonLive results: Arizona and Florida hold primariesThe Hill's Morning Report: Frustration mounts as Republicans blow up tax messageMORE (D-Fla.).
But a gubernatorial bid would also put her up against other prominent Florida Democrats.
Rep. Charlie Crist
Charles (Charlie) Joseph CristDemocrat Nikki Fried teases possible challenge to DeSantisDeSantis to hold Newsmax town hallThe Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Emergent BioSolutions - Upbeat jobs data, relaxed COVID-19 restrictions offer rosier US picture MORE (D-Fla.) jumped into the governor's race earlier this month, leaving behind a House seat that Republicans are likely to contest. And Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, the lone statewide elected Democrat, has also teased a gubernatorial run, with an announcement expected on June 1.
Demings, 64, is likely to benefit, however, from her broad national profile. She was considered as a potential running mate for President Biden
Joe BidenBiden's quiet diplomacy under pressure as Israel-Hamas fighting intensifiesOvernight Defense: Administration approves 5M arms sale to Israel | Biden backs ceasefire in call with Netanyahu | Military sexual assault reform push reaches turning pointCDC mask update sparks confusion, oppositionMORE last summer, and she was placed in the national spotlight once again earlier this year when she served as one of the House impeachment managers in former President Donald Trump
Donald TrumpGOP-led Maricopa County board decries election recount a 'sham'Analysis: Arpaio immigration patrol lawsuit to cost Arizona county at least 2 millionConservatives launch 'anti-cancel culture' advocacy organizationMORE's second Senate trial.
Still, Rubio is seen as a challenging opponent. He first won his seat in 2010 by a nearly 20-point margin over Crist, who ran at the time as an independent. In 2016, he won reelection by a roughly 8-point margin, far more than Trump's 1-point victory.
Perhaps most notably, he outperformed Trump by nearly 10-points in his home turf of Miami-Dade County, one of Florida's Democratic strongholds, driven by his support among Hispanics, who make up a significant portion of the electorate.
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a real law and order candidate, as opposed to trump's anchor-baby cabana boy...
How will she overcome Rubio's popularity among Hispanics?
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I like Demmings and I think she would have a strong chance against Rubio . She might need to eat a little into his hispanic vote though, which wouldnt be easy. .
If she does win, I have to wonder how long it will take for her to be indoctrinated by the rest of the GQP.