Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist won the Democratic Party primary over Nikki Fried to face Governor Ron DeSantis in the general election this November.

In prepared marks at a speech Tuesday night, Crist stated “the people of Florida delivered a clear message. They want a governor who cares about them, who solves real problems, who preserves our freedoms – not a bully who divides us and takes our freedoms away.”

Crist said “our fundamental freedoms are on the ballot. A woman’s right to choose is on the ballot. Democracy is on the ballot. Your rights, as minorities, are on the ballot,” Crist said. “That’s what at stake in this race. Make no mistake about it. Because this guy wants to be president of the United States of America. When we defeat him on November 8th, that show is over.”

The former Republican said his old party “are extremists. They want to turn back the clock on our freedoms, and they’re trying to undermine our democracy in ways no one could have imagined.”

Crist called the election “the most consequential race in our state’s history. And when we win in November, we will send shockwaves across the country.

“I proudly served as your governor once before. And unlike the current governor, I represented every Floridian – regardless of what political party they belonged to, or how much money was in their wallet, or who they loved.”

As governor, Crist said “we made it easier to vote. We stopped huge electric rate increases. We lowered property insurance premiums. We fought the special interests. And together, we’ll do it again.

“Together, we will restore our precious freedoms that Ron DeSantis is taking away.”

Crist vowed to sign an executive order protecting the right to choose as it stood under Roe v. Wade. .

Crist also vowed to restore Andrew Warren to his elected position as Hillsborough County State Attorney.

“The truth is, this governor could care less about our freedoms. It’s an abuse of power. It’s dangerous. He imitates the worst of authoritarian leaders. It’s all a political game he’s playing, to appeal to extremists across the nation as he seeks the Republican nomination for president in 2024.

“He won’t condemn hate or extremism — like the Nazis running around our state waving his flags and spreading anti-Semitic hate.”

DeSantis, he said, “only cares about the White House, not your house. So don’t be fooled by the DeSantis propaganda machine. He doesn’t promote freedom. He takes away freedoms. But we can put a stop to this wanna-be dictator. If we work together and stand up to this bully, we will defeat him in November.”