A.G. Gancarski
Sen. Audrey Gibson is Leader-Designate of the Senate Democrats. And incredibly, she may face a primary challenge in 2018.
As first floated by Chris Hong of the Florida Times-Union via Twitter, Jacksonville City Councilman Reggie Brown is mulling a run for Senate.
Hong added that was contingent on Gibson running for Congress — though a challenge to Rep. Al Lawson would seem to directly conflict with Gibson leading the Democratic Caucus this year.
Florida Politics asked Brown about “possibly running against Sen. Gibson.”
He didn’t shoot down that possibility.
“All options are being considered,” Brown texted. “I’m reviewing the possibilities and will make a decision early January.”
“If I decide to file,” Brown said, “it is my understanding that I will have to resign according to the policy.”
The last Jacksonville City Councilman to resign to run: Democrat Johnny Gaffney, who was drubbed in a state House primary by Reggie Fullwood.
Gaffney now works for Mayor Lenny Curry.
Brown also told Florida Politics what the case would be for running against a caucus leader, assuming Gibson doesn’t run against Lawson. And how he would match her fundraising and endorsements.
“All actions will be taken under consideration,” Brown said.
Brown is termed out in 2019, and a torpid campaign to succeed him has begun.
Randolph Hall, Celestine Mills and Kevin Monroe have filed.
Hall and Mills have not raised any funds at all; Monroe has raised $455.
Gibson, meanwhile, is traveling raising funds for the Democratic caucus.
“I’m excited about our possibilities,” she told us Tuesday morning via text.
Doesn’t sound like she’s too worried about a primary challenge.
