The hotly contested Senate seats in 2022 would inculcate the real taste in the midterm elections.
As Florida is also up for grabs in the 2022 Senate race alongside Nevada, Missouri, Arizona, and Pennsylvania, this race is also expected to be a closely contested one. This makes the 2022 Florida Senate race even more interesting.
The involvement of Val Demings in this race boosts Democratic hopes, owing to her irreplaceable popularity in the state.
If she wins the primary, it will be a setback for Marco Rubio, who has announced to seek another term in the Senate amid Trump’s support.
This election is also important, considering the amount of money that the political candidates will flood into this Senate race.
Val Demings: The Entry of a Dark Horse in the Senate Race:
Representative Val Demings has officially entered the 2022 Florida Senate race. Demings served as the Police Chief in Orlando and is now serving a third term in the United States House of Representatives. She was also listed as a potential vice-presidential candidate in 2020.
She came to the limelight when she was selected as one of the seven impeachment managers in the first trial of former President Donald Trump.
Democrats have won just two state-wide elections in Florida since 2010, which would seem a worrying sign for them.
Nevertheless, the entry of Representative Val Demings has raised hopes in the Democratic Party that they can break the winning streak of Republicans in the state by defeating the incumbent Republican senator, Rubio.
Deming’s move has also disturbed Florida Democrat Stephanie Murphy’s sleep, who was also seeking the Democratic ticket.
It is not yet decided whether Murphy will face Demings in the primary or move towards the safer central House seat from Florida after redistricting.
However, Demings is in an excellent position to defeat these challengers, owing to her national profile, popularity, and the political career she enjoys.
A Congested Path for Marco Rubio
In the Republican ranks, Marco Rubio’s worries are increasing manifold as he is about to face a tough Republican primary election.
Marco Rubio is one of the few Republican senators who backed all of former President Donald Trump‘s false claims on the 2020 Presidential race.
Now it’s Donald Trump’s time to return the favor. Marco Rubio has successfully won the endorsement of the most important Republican, i.e., Donald Trump.
Former President Donald Trump won Florida by four percentage points, which is a considerable margin in a state known for its tight contests.
Florida Republicans have continuously supported Trump in his legal efforts to overturn the presidential election results.
So, this endorsement from Trump would mean a lot for Marco Rubio in making the 2022 Florida Senate race conclusive.
In the Republican Primary, Rubio can be challenged by:
- Brian Mast, Representative of the 18th Congressional District of Florida.
- Michael Waltz, Representative of the 6th Congressional District of Florida.
Val Demings Introduction has Jumbled the 2022 Florida Senate Race
The official announcement of Val Demings to challenge Republicans in the 2022 Florida Senate race has jumbled the game completely.
Demings was previously considered to be a strong candidate for Florida Governor, but now her pivoting to the Senate race has left the vacancy to be filled by other candidates.
So, another political circus is expected in the gubernatorial race.
Florida State Senator Annette Taddeo is now considering running for Governor, and is likely to go head to head with Charlie Crist.
Crist is the only Democrat who has officially challenged Governor Ron DeSantis.
Democrats were pushing Demings for the governor’s race because she iss a Black woman and an ardent stalwart against white supremacy in Florida.
Final Thoughts
Now, Nikki Fried is also expected to enter the race next month. State Senator Randolph Bracy is also considering making a bid for running for governor, resulting in crowded primary elections.
Owing to the national profile of Val Demings, Democrats have the potential to flip the state in the 2022 Florida Senate race.
Even if Rubio manages to pass the Republican primary safely, he will still have to inject a lot of money in a race against Val Demings.
Florida race is expected to be the most expensive Senate race of the 2022 midterms, so big money will play a conclusive role in the race.
Eli is a Political Data Scientist with over thirty years of experience in Data Engineering, Analytics, and Digital Marketing. Eli uses his expertise to give the latest information and distinctive analysis on US Political News, US Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, and Racial Justice equipping readers with the inequivalent knowledge.