Gwen Graham Says She's Considering Gubernatorial Run In 2018

WFSU | By Lynn Hatter

Published April 21, 2016 at 8:35 AM EDT

U.S. Representative Gwen Graham (D-FL) says she won't run for re-election in CD 2. Instead, she's considering running for governor in 2018.

North Florida Congresswoman Gwen Graham is mulling a run for governor. She announced her plans in a video message.

Graham is a first-term congresswoman. And she’s planning to make it her only term. Graham’s Congressional District Two was redrawn by lawmakers and now leans more conservative. A challenge to the redrawn map also failed. Graham has been silent on her plans, until now:

“Floridians are hungry for new leadership. And I am so excited to tell you first I am seriously considering running for Governor in 2018. Public servants must focus on the job they’re elected to do. So I will spend the remainder of my term fully representing you in Congress. But I will not seek re-election while considering this next step in service," she said in a video posted to YouTube.

There are four Republicans and a Libertarian vying to represent the Second Congressional District. It splits Tallahassee and runs east to Panama City.

Graham has about $2.1 million in her campaign account.

The 2018 Gubernatorial race is shaping up to a be a who’s who of Florida politics. State Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam is also expected to jump into that race, and others could follow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WB9i0MLqAyE