Former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine greeted Leon County voters casting early ballots Wednesday. The gubernatorial candidate says he’s knocking on doors around Florida during the home stretch to the primary election.
The Democratic primary will be decided in days, and Levine has his sights on who he believes will be his potential foe in the general election.
“We realize now that Ron DeSantis is going to be the Republican nominee. And we understand that he doesn’t know much about Florida,” Levine said. “But what he does know is Washington.”
Recent polls show Levine competing with Gwen Graham for a razor-thin lead over the other three Democrat candidates. If he wins, Levine says he hopes to give increased autonomy to local governments.
“We want to go back to what Thomas Jefferson said: Government works best when it’s closest to the people,” Levine said. “We want local elected leaders, local council people, commissioners and mayors to make their own decisions based on their local community.”
Levine also reflected on his gradual rise in the polls since he jumped into the race.
“You know, when I entered the race early on I was in last place. Now I understand myself and Gwen are right at the top, the two of us together,” Levine said. “I walked into this race with no name, just Philip Levine. So I’m honored to be in the position we’re in.”
Levine is closing out the week with campus appearances at Florida State University, University of Florida and University of Central Florida.
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