Mitch Perry
Charlie Crist has given the most explicit statement to date that he will run for the CD 13 seat being vacated next by David Jolly.
In a tweet sent out today, Crist wrote, “If the new congressional map includes my home, I intend on running to serve the people again.” The tweet included a photo of Crist engaging an African-American couple in a discussion.
Crist lives in Bayfront Tower, a waterfront condo located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. Currently that part of the city is included in Kathy Castor’s 14 Congressional District, but the Florida Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that Castor’s district should not extend across Tampa Bay, resulting in what will likely be a much more Democratic oriented voting district in CD 13.
With Jolly now out, the only “name” candidate in the race for either party is Democrat Eric Lynn, the 36-year-old former Defense Department official who worked for six years in the Obama administration.
Lynn told Florida Politics that he was in the race regardless of whether Crist or any other major Democrat got into the race. He has raised over $400,000 so far, though Crist’s name recognition would undoubtedly make him the favorite in the contest.
The Florida Legislature is scheduled to hold another special session next month, where have been ordered by the Supreme Court to redraw a total of eight congressional districts in Florida, including CD 13 and 14.
