Orlando Mayor Dyer backs Graham in governor’s race

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is endorsing Gwen Graham for governor, her campaign said Friday.

Dyer and Graham, the former U.S. representative from Tallahassee who has been living in Orlando for the last few months during the campaign, will officially make the announcement this morning at the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office, an early voting site.

“Here in Orlando, together we have transformed our community by creating an inclusive place, where people from all walks of life have united behind the shared goal of creating opportunities for everyone,” Dyer said in a statement.

“Gwen Graham has spent her life bringing people together to solve problems,” he said. “She has spent a tremendous amount of time here in Orlando over the last year, and she understands how the State of Florida can be a true partner to help Orlando grow into the future.”

Dyer added, “We want to make sure our Orlando community has a loud voice in selecting our next governor, and I hope people will join me tomorrow in casting an early ballot for Gwen.”

Graham called Orlando “a real example of what Florida can be, a place with a growing economy, shared prosperity, and a community open to a diversity of ideas.”

“Mayor Dyer has accomplished these goals by bringing together people from different perspectives, forcing compromise to solve problems, while at the same time never backing down from his progressive values,” she said. “I am honored by his support, and eager to work with him to move Florida forward.”

Graham has also been endorsed by Central Floridians including state Sen. Vic Torres, state Sen. Linda Stewart, state Rep. Amy Mercado, state Rep. John Cortes, and former state Rep. Karen Castor Dentel.

The Democratic primary for governor is Tuesday.

Early voting will continue at various sites in Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties today and Sunday.