Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine officially launched his campaign for the Democratic primary election for Florida governor in 2018.

He will be competing with three other Democratic hopefuls including Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham and entrepreneur Chris King.

On Wednesday, Levine delivered a speech to hundreds of supporters at his campaign headquarters at Wynwood Design District in Miami. The hall is surrounded by large murals depicting images of his political heroes. They include President John F. Kennedy, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. migrant labor leader Cesar Chavez, and abolitionist Harriet Tubman.

In his remarks, Levine noted one simple yet timeless truth powered the principles and achievements of his heroes. “We are only strong as we are together, united as one.”

Levine also reminded his supporters about the significant contributions of these leaders to make America a great country. He quoted King’s statement, “The time is always right to do what is right.”

According to him, “Today, here in Florida it’s time to do what is right. It’s time to address climate change by changing Tallahassee’s climate of denial. It’s time to restore power back to the local level.”

Levine promised to do the right things for Florida

“It’s long past time to say we’ve had enough of the political bickering and posturing. Enough of the calculated words of hate, enough of those who would tear us down and tear us apart just to score a political point. They’ve had their turn. Today belongs to us,” said Levine.

He then declared, “Today, before friends and family and inspired by the heroism of those who dream big and achieve big, I am announcing my candidacy for governor of the State of Florida.”
Levine promised to make Florida an international leader not just in climate change but also in solar and renewable energy. “After all, we are the sunshine state,” he said.

Additionally, Levine emphasized that the government must not act alone instead it must partner with innovators in the private sector. He promised that protecting Florida’s precious lands and waters will be an “urgent priority.”

Furthermore, he promised to fight for a statewide living wage for workers because it is the right thing to do.

Levine criticized Trump’s relief effort in Puerto Rico

During his speech, Levine also criticized President Donald Trump particularly his handling of the relief effort in Puerto Rico.

According to him, “Puerto Rico needed a lot more of Eisenhower and a lot less of Trump.” He noted, “When the President finally showed up, he descended on the people there with rolls of paper towels, and a boatload of criticism.

Levine said when Washington politicians we pointing each other regarding the situation in Puerto Rico. What he did was “point a cargo plane full of life-saving supplies” to the U.S. territory. He emphasized that he will never turn his back on the people of Puerto Rico.