Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried admitted on Wednesday that she is considering a run for governor in 2022.
"I'm hearing throughout the entire state that people are worried about the current leadership and so it's definitely something I'm looking into but right now my focus is certainly getting our state through this pandemic and agriculture stronger than ever."
She made the comments two days after launching a coronavirus mitigation campaign that some say isn't under the purview of her office.
"Well first of all we're not using any taxpayer dollars. But more importantly I'm a member of our cabinet. I'm a statewide elected officer. I'm a member of the Board of Trustees. Also as part of my job as Commissioner of Agriculture, I'm also Agriculture Commissioner and Consumer Services."
Fried, a Democrat, says Republican Governor Ron DeSantis isn't showing leadership at a time when Floridians need it, so she had to stand up.
Her "Be Smart" campaign launched two days after the governor's "One Goal, One Florida" campaign and they both resemble each other.
Photo: Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services