So much for The Last Temptation of Crist.
Charlie Crist, the perma-tanned Republican-turned-independent-turned-Democrat who has sought nearly every statewide office of note in Florida, will not run for Senate in 2016, he said Monday.
“I will not be seeking office in 2016, but I will be working alongside you,” Crist wrote in a Facebook post. “Too much is at stake for our beautiful Florida to be on the sidelines. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.”
The news comes after CNN reported last week that Crist, much to the bemusement of Republicans who love having the former GOP governor to kick around now that he’s changed his stripes and become a Democrat, was considering a Senate run following his narrow loss in last year’s governor’s race.
A number of Florida Democrats are thinking about running for Senate next year, though none have the kind of star power and financial connections that Crist does. If Sen. Marco Rubio decides to abandon his seat to run for president, several Republicans are eyeing bids, too.
Crist had been sounding out supporters and making calls about a potential run, but it was not clear how resolute he actually was about mounting another campaign.
His decision clears the way for a number of lesser-known Florida Democrats, who had perhaps been more serious than Crist about running, to move forward with their decisions.
Other Florida Democrats looking at the race include Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, the Democratic National Committee chairwoman, Rep. Alan Grayson, a liberal firebrand with a penchant for gaudy ties, and Rep. Patrick Murphy, a 31 year old from Jupiter who has been the most aggressive about a statewide bid despite having only been in Congress for two years.
