Sen. Annette Taddeo to drop out of FL gubernatorial race and run for U.S. Congress

State Sen. Annette Taddeo of Miami-Dade, one of the top contenders for the Democratic nominee in the 2022 Florida gubernatorial race, will end her bid for governor, according to CBS News Miami.

The news outlet initially broke the story Monday, saying Taddeo would challenge Republican Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar, who started her term in January 2021.

In an interview with the Miami news site and in a Twitter feed, the CBS outlet said that Taddeo mentioned, “We are at a critical point in our country, and frankly, I am not going to stand on the sidelines and not go in there and fight, especially after what we saw in Buffalo and Uvalde.”

Taddeo also called Rep. Salazar a “demagogue, a liar and an embarrassment and someone that has not even voted in the best interests of our community,” according to CBS Miami.

Taddeo currently serves in the state Senate as a Democrat who represents part of Miami-Dade County.

The Crist campaign responded with a statement:

“Senator Taddeo is a dear friend and a force to be reckoned with. She is a tireless public servant and fearless advocate for working Floridians across the Sunshine State and in South Florida. I thank her for her leadership, civility, and fighting spirit in Tallahassee and in this governor’s race. And I wish her nothing but the best as she embarks on her run for Congress.”

Fried tweeted Monday:

“Thank you @Annette_Taddeo for inspiring many to ‘believe’ during your campaign. Best of luck to you and your team on the next campaign!” referencing Taddeo’s campaign slogan.

However, Fried Campaign team sung a different tune in an email:
“The choice for Democrats couldn’t be any starker — this race is now only between a proven statewide Democratic winner and a three-time statewide loser and self-described ‘pro-life’ former Republican.”

Fried is referring to Crist here, doubting his stance on his support for reproductive rights and access to abortion, even though he previously stated his intention to enact an executive order to protect access to abortion if elected governor.

Fried’s email continues: “We wish Senator Taddeo well and expect a new South Florida Democratic Congressmember and an ally of the Fried Administration in 2023.”