A.G. Gancarski
A 2018 Democratic gubernatorial candidate who looked like the presumptive nominee up until Primary Day is not ruling out a second try at the nomination.
That’s what many observers of Florida Politics are taking away from Gwen Graham saying that she is “taking some time to figure out what I should do next” after being urged to run for Governor again.
Graham finished a strong second to former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum in the 2018 Primary, after she fell prey to being targeted by other candidates with deep pocketbooks and no chance to win.
Gillum, the eventual nominee, escaped scrutiny along the way, which proved to be a fateful decision against Republican nominee Ron DeSantis as he exploited issues in the General Election that Democrats avoided.
A post from the gravesite of her father Bob Graham, a former Governor and Senator, first made people think she believes she has unfinished business.
“Visiting Dad today. Really wish I could talk to him. Need his wisdom more than ever. Miss him beyond words,” Gwen Graham posted.
As her words got noticed, she emphasized that her social media posting had “no ulterior meaning.”
“I’m not calculating like that. I simply want to make the right decision,” Graham said. “I have just completed 3 plus years in DC. I am mourning my Dad every day. I want to spend quality & quantity time with the people and animals I love while I ponder how I can further contribute. That’s what my Dad would want me to do.”
Graham isn’t saying anything at this point about how seriously she is considering a second statewide campaign after working for the Joe Biden administration. But it’s clear there is appetite among her base for a sequel to 2018, especially since many Democrats expressed buyer’s remorse after the Gillum campaign’s collapse and his subsequent personal fall from grace.
Florida in 2026 is a different landscape than the swing state it was eight years ago, when Democrats had an advantage in party registration. DeSantis has led Republicans to dominance in all metrics: party registration, composition of the Legislature and congressional delegation, and control of all statewide offices.
Republicans look to have at least two strong candidates to consider: First Lady Casey DeSantis, who gives every indication that she wants to continue the current administration’s work, and U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who is at this point President Donald Trump’s endorsed candidate.
Trump won the state by double digits against a largely absent Kamala Harris campaign, but the Midterms will offer Democrats the chance to mobilize voters the national Democratic campaign couldn’t in November.
On the Democratic side, Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo is expected to run, and would be an attractive candidate for many of the moderates who supported Graham in 2018 if he did. Meanwhile, state Rep. Angie Nixon of Jacksonville also is not ruling out a run. She would appeal to voters further left on the political spectrum if she becomes a candidate.
10 comments
Peachy
March 7, 2025 at 9:34 am
Gillum beat her because he had better rave parties. Drugs and prostitutes win every time 🤣
Skeptic
March 7, 2025 at 12:27 pm
Tell me about it — look at Epstein’s besty in the White House.
MH/Duuuval
March 7, 2025 at 4:35 pm
Anxiously awaiting Blondi’s release of documents listing names, all of them.
MH/Duuuval
March 8, 2025 at 9:43 am
Gwen appeals to both registered Democrats and Republican conservatives who are not deluded by MAGA. An excellent candidate if she still has the fire.
SuzyQ
March 8, 2025 at 5:22 pm
Gwen Graham would make a great gubernatorial candidate and Governor of Florida. I was rooting for her in 2018 against the Democrats’ Bolshevik candidate from Tallahassee. After she lost to him/them/it, I supported Adam Putnam. After Adam lost, I supported America’s Governor ever since and have never regretted it. That said, I would have to consider Gwen Graham if she decides to run. That said, I don’t think she can win Florida’s Democratic gubernatorial primary election, for the Democratic Party has too many neo-Marxists within its ranks. If Casey DeSantis runs, she’ll win by a historic landslide. Either way, Casey or Gwen would break the glass ceiling.
Casey ’26! or Gwen ’26!
MH/Duuuval
March 10, 2025 at 10:38 am
So, you’re all in for Dee who now wants to abolish property taxes — in favor of what? And is pushing open carry of firearms?
The D in Dee is starting to emerge as a marker for demented and desperate.
MH/Duuuval
March 10, 2025 at 10:43 am
And, this gem is on the list of 2A fanatics: SB 1234 – Repeals prohibition on bump stocks.
Like this one, too?
Lynn
March 10, 2025 at 1:13 pm
Casey has no legislative experience so essentially you will have the same guy as Governor who only listens to lying insurance companies and public utilities, not citizens.
tom palmer
March 11, 2025 at 10:32 am
Gwen Graham’s main problem is that she wasn’t fast on her feet in debates and was against a young clever candidate who was more form than substance. Still amazed oppo research never uncovered his secret life.
JFG
March 18, 2025 at 11:05 am
We need Gwen Graham, someone who wants to serve the people, instead of the highest bidder.
She will bring integrity to the Governor’s office.