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Charlie Crist: I'm not running for any office in 2016

 
Published March 16, 2015

Charlie Crist said Monday he will not run for public office in 2016, ending talk that he might seek the U.S. Senate seat Marco Rubio is expected to give up for a presidential bid.

"As members of the Florida Democratic Party, we stand for something — fairness, growing the middle class, and policies that strengthen future generations," Crist wrote on Facebook. "I will not be seeking office in 2016, but I will be working alongside you. Too much is at stake for our beautiful Florida to be on the sidelines."

Crist lost a close campaign for governor in November — seeking to return to the office he once held as Republican — and has kept a low profile. In recent days, as Rubio's presidential bid became more certain, allies of Crist floated him as a possible Senate candidate.

But a number of other Democrats have been lining up for the race. Most clearly is U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy of Jupiter, whose announcement is imminent. Others include Reps. Alan Grayson of Orlando, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Weston.

An even bigger crop of would-be Republican candidates is building, including some GOP members of Congress.

Crist, 58, could not be reached for comment Monday evening.