Rep. Crist Resigns Before Face-Off With DeSantis: Key Loss For Democratic House
Topline
Rep. Charlie Crist (D-Fla.) officially resigned from his post in Congress Wednesday after winning the Democratic primary to take on Republican incumbent Ron DeSantis in Florida’s governor race, an expected step that eats away at Democrats’ hopes to retain their majority in the House of Representatives this fall.
Charlie Crist gives a victory speech last week after winning Florida's Democratic gubernatorial ... [+] primary. Getty Images
Key Facts
His resignation will take effect end-of-day Wednesday, Crist said in a statement. Crist’s seat in Florida’s 13th Congressional District has a 97% chance of turning Republican, according to FiveThirtyEight’s model, contributing to the site’s prognostication Democrats have just a 23% chance to keep their House majority following midterm elections.
Key Background
Crist, who served as Florida’s governor from 2007 until 2011 as a Republican, became a Democrat in 2012. The 66-year-old defeated Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, Florida’s only elected Democrat, in last week’s primary. A popular but controversial figure for his outspoken stances on cultural and political issues, DeSantis is expected to run for president in 2024. He endorsed the Democratic candidate for his House seat, Eric Lynn, in June.
Surprising Fact
DeSantis’ gubernatorial campaign has raised a massive $172 million compared to Crist’s $15 million, according to research group Open Secrets. DeSantis is planning to use leftover money from the record fundraising for his presidential run, a source told CNN last month.
Big Number
51%-46%. That was the margin favoring DeSantis in the sole poll conducted since Crist won the primary conducted by Impact Research and commissioned by the Democratic Governors Association. Crist outperformed DeSantis among independent voters in the poll, with 52% of the group opting for Crist compared to 39% for DeSantis.
Further Reading
Charlie Crist resigns from Congress as campaign for governor heats up (Tampa Bay Times)
Florida Governor’s Race: Charlie Crist Wins Democratic Primary—And Will Face DeSantis (Forbes)