Early look at Possible Next Year Governor Runs…..

Right leaning RRH takes a look at Florida, New York, Wisconsin and Texas early dancing….

Fl-Gov: Here’s a decent rundown of the Democrats who are mulling bids to challenge Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) next year. Rep. Val Demings (D) and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (D) have been nosing around the race for a while, but this article also mentions Rep. and former governor Charlie Crist (R->I->D) and former Rep. Gwen Graham. Also of note is State Rep. Anna Eskamani (D) of Orlando, who might be able to carve out a left-wing lane in the primary. Graham is quoted in the article as saying that it’s going to be tough to beat DeSantis. While true, she is also likely trying to shape the narrative to her benefit, as she’s probably the most moderate big name that might run.

NY-Gov: Rep. Lee Zeldin (R) of Long Island is being bandied about by the Great Mentioner as a possible challenge to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) reelection efforts next year. Normally, doing so would probably be a stupid suicide run. Cuomo is currently in hot water over his administration’s decision to put Covid patients in nursing homes that may have killed thousands of seniors. Fuel is being added to the fire as those who hate Cuomo within the state Democratic firmament air their grievances. It still might not be a good idea for Zeldin to run, but it’s a not a definite suicise mission at the moment. His status as both a Downstater and a Jew, along with bis regular political skills, could make him a decent choice to take on Cuomo.

WI-Gov: Former RNC Chair and White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus (R) is exploring a run for Governor in his native Wisconsin. Preibus didn’t fit in at the Trump White House, but he was a pretty good RNC Chairman. He should be able to count on good fundraising and get great campaign staffers. However, insiders aren’t usually the best picks for statewide office, especially in swing states. If he does run, he’ll also likely face other significant candidates in the primary.

TX-Gov: Former Rep. Robert Francis ‘Beto’ O’Rourke (D), last seen dropping out of the Democratic presidential race last cycle, is feeling out a run against Gov. Greg Abbott (R) in his native Texas. Abbott is currently dealing with the fallout from the recent winter storm. Large swaths of the state have been without power for days, largely due to the state’s energy systems not being fully winterized. The situation seems to improving, but it could theoretically still give O’Rourke an opening if the anger is lasting and is directed at Abbott.