Rod Smith tells the Buzz that he's "moving very rapidly" toward locking down the votes to take over as state chairman of the Florida Democratic Party.

He rolled out some big name support as Andrew Gillum announced he would also seek the spot.

Backing Smith are Sen. Bill Nelson, Rep. Alcee Hastings, Rep-elect Frederica Wilson, Florida Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich, House Democratic Leader Ron Saunders, former Sen. Al Lawson and past House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands.

“We stand unified in our support of former Senator Rod Smith for party chair. We believe his experience, his style, and his commitment to our Party will serve our state very well," the officials said in a statement.