Former Gov. Charlie Crist and former State Rep. George Sheldon are the victors of Tuesday’s statewide primary races.
Crist Makes History
Crist is the first person in state history to win gubernatorial nominations from both the Democratic and Republican parties.
In an unsurprising victory, he beat former State Sen. Nan Rich in the Democrat primary with almost three votes to each of hers. He’ll take on incumbent Republican Gov. Rick Scott in November.
His victory speech – like his campaign thus far – focused on attacking Scott. His prepared remarks included the line, “If we do our job, when the sun rises on November 5, it will rise on a Florida full of renewed opportunity for all – for our children, for our homegrown small businesses, for our families.”
For his part, Scott secured his party’s nomination again with no significant challenge.
Attorney General Race
The other statewide race began as a tossup – and ended with a double-digit victory.
Democrat George Sheldon will take on incumbent Pam Bondi in November’s race for attorney general. Sheldon is a former state representative and former secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Sheldon handily defeated State Representative Perry Thurston.
The well-funded Bondi has already challenged Sheldon to a debate, and he says: he’s ready. “Incumbents are hard to beat,” he told 90.7 News on election night. “But, I think that she has really politicized the office. I think this office should be above the partisan fray. We’re going to be reaching out to moderate republicans and independents.”
Sheldon says his campaign will focus on medical marijuana, the environment and abortion rights.