Charlie Crist Says DeSantis is Not ‘Focused’ on Floridians, Cites High Gas and Grocery Prices

TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Democrat candidate for governor Charlie Crist released a new campaign ad attempting to cater to “ticked off” voters as inflation continues at high rates.

“If you’re fed up ever time you fill up or ticked off whenever you pick up groceries, well, maybe it’s time you have a governor focused on you,” Crist says while standing next to a gas pump.

While gas prices have slowly dropped over the last several weeks, the prices remain at an average of $3.43 per gallon in Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis approved a gas tax holiday goes into effect, on October 1, reducing the tax by $0.25 per gallon for one month.

Crist advocated for Florida to suspend the state gas tax for a year in 2021. He also wanted President Joe Biden to tap into the United States Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which Republicans have harshly criticized and said does not solve the underlying problem.

The ad claims “Ron DeSantis is dividing Florida, bullying school children, passing an abortion ban with no exception for rape or incest and doing nothing to lower costs for you.”

Crist’s claims that DeSantis is “dividing” Florida come weeks after Crist himself labeled DeSantis supporters as those with “hate” in their hearts. The Democrat then said he did not want the vote of DeSantis voters.

“Those who support the governor should stay with him and vote for him and I don’t want your vote,” he said. “If you have that hate in your heart, keep it there.”

Crist also applauded Biden’s speech where he called Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans an extreme group that “threatens the very foundations of our republic.”

Crist’s claim that DeSantis is “doing nothing to lower the costs for you” comes shortly after DeSantis announced a proposed plan to provide discounts for commuters on all state toll roads. The governor said would save the average commuter $550 in one year.

In May, DeSantis also signed the largest tax relief package in Florida’s history. Floridians are expected to see tax breaks for items including gas, diapers, disaster supplies, tools for skilled trades, and recreational activities throughout different parts of the year.

At the end of Crist’s ad, the candidate said he would “veto any bill that threatens a woman’s right to choose, force property insurance companies to lower rates and cut the gas tax. DeSantis won’t do it but I will.”