Democratic gubernatorial candidate
He stumps against Trump as early voting opens in Orange
Philip Levine calls Florida the “last line of defense” against President Trump as early voting opens in Orange County.
Former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine grabbed a megaphone and called out to dozens of supporters, making his stake as the top Democrat in this year’s gubernatorial field.
He stopped by the Orange County Supervisor of Elections’ office Friday after visiting the memorial at Pulse nightclub, which he said reinforced his message as the Aug. 28 primary nears.
“It makes you realize how important this election is,” Levine called out to the Kaley Street crowd of about 50. “In order for us to change our state, to make our gun laws as safe in the country as we possibly can be, to make sure people have health insurance, to make sure we have affordable housing, to make sure we reform our criminal justice system and raise the minimum living wage, we have to win this election.”
Early voting started Friday in Orange County and will run through Aug. 26. Polls are open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Levine, who most polls show at second in the five-way primary, also stopped at the Kissimmee Civic Center earlier in the day to chat with voters.
Also in the Democratic primary are former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham; Palm Beach billionaire Jeff Greene; Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum; and Winter Park businessman Chris King.
The winner faces either Republican Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam or U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis.
Levine urged his supporters to vote in the race and said that Florida is “the last line of defense” against President Donald Trump, who endorsed DeSantis.
His message resonated with Seminole County Elementary School Teacher Brenda Lambie, who was voting for Levine.
With a crowded field, she said it was a tough call for her this year.
“After the Parkland shooting … it really stood true to me that we need to protect our children and I also like the fact that he is very vocal in helping not just us, but Puerto Rico,” Lambie said.