Editor’s Note: A previous version of the post incorrectly said Rep. Murphy had announced a presidential run. TKNN regrets the error.
Representative Alan Grayson (D-FL) is expected to announce that he will run for the United States Senate. The announcement is set to come Thursday.
With incumbent Senator Marco Rubio running for the Presidency, the Florida Senate seat will be open. Grayson will have to beat Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-FL) on the Democratic side. Rubio has already announced a presidential run.
The establishment has often thought of Grayson to be problematic. Many of the party members have disagreed with Grayson on a variety of issues and tactics. The Democratic primary is shaping up to be an establishment-versus-grassroots competition. Murphy, the more moderate of the two, has the backing of the national Democratic Party and its infrastructure. However, liberal activists have been encouraging Grayson to run. He is a favorite on the left, with his progressive policies and willingness to attack Republicans.
In the past, Grayson has made comments which caused some controversy. He had compared the white supremacist group, the KKK, to the Tea Party.
Grayson is also involved in a public divorce battle, which has gone somewhat ugly.
Funding will not be a problem for Grayson. He holds the 17th wealthiest in Congress, with around $26.2 million.
On the opposite side, Murphy has successfully fundraised in the past. He raised $2.5 million by June.
Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera is expected to be running on the Republican side.