Florida Democrats to Hold Gubernatorial Debate in Fort Myers

This Wednesday, July 18, the Florida Democratic Party will be hosting a Democratic Gubernatorial Debate in Fort Myers. The debate will be held at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Cohen Center and will be broadcasted live on WINK News in Southwest Florida and on Winknews.com.

This will be the first time all five Democratic candidates—Andrew Gillum, Gwen Graham, Jeff Greene, Chris King and Philip Levine—will share a stage for a formal debate. After Wednesday’s debate, there is one more scheduled debate before the August 28 Democratic primary.

“Taking back the Governor’s Mansion is critical to ensuring a better future for all Floridians,” said FDP Chair Terrie Rizzo. “Thankfully, we have been gifted with an amazing group of Democratic candidates.

“We are confident that, once voters hear what our candidates have to say, they will be as optimistic as we are about our chances to take back Florida. Our message is about expanding healthcare access, providing quality education, and making life better for all Floridians, whereas the Republican message is about who can be more like President Trump. It is a stark contrast and one that Floridians will see on full display at the debate.”

This is the first time the Florida Democratic Party has hosted a debate of this size for statewide candidates in Southwest Florida​—and is part of the Party’s larger program to turn Florida blue by recruiting and organizing Democrats in traditional GOP strongholds​. In addition to the Gubernatorial Debate, FDP will be hosting a pre-program ​showcasing many of the record number ​of local ​Democratic ​candidates​ running in Southwest Florida. This event will be live streamed through the Florida Democratic Party’s Facebook page and will begin at 5:30pm.