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Former Rep. Gwen Graham Enters Florida Governor’s Race

May face criticism in primary for Keystone, refugee, Wall Street votes

Former Rep. Gwen Graham, D-Fla., served one term in the House. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Former Rep. Gwen Graham, D-Fla., served one term in the House. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Former Florida Rep. Gwen Graham announced Tuesday she would be a Democratic candidate for governor in 2018.

Florida Republican Gov. Rick Scott is term-limited and is looking to challenge Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson next year, leaving the race wide open.

Graham, who is the daughter of former Sen. and Gov. Bob Graham, served one term in the House before leaving in 2017.

Graham focused on education in her announcement speech according to the Miami Herald.

“As governor I will not just criticize this culture of teaching to the test: I will end high-stakes testing,” she said.

Other Democrats in the race include Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, and businessman Chris King. Republican Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam filed paperwork to run and state House Speaker Richard Corcoran is considering a run.

Graham will likely face criticism from other Democrats for some of her votes in Congress, such as voting in favor of the Keystone XL Pipeline, tightening restrictions on Syrian refugees, and loosening regulations on Wall Street.

When asked about these votes, Graham said “I am proud of my record. I would ask people to take a look at my whole record and my record is one that supports my district as well as the state of Florida.”

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