Gallagher to Run for Fla. Governor

CFO Tom Gallagher will make an announcement today outside Florida’s Capitol in Tallahassee announcing he is running for governor in 2006 on a platform stressing education, public safety, economic development and preserving families. Gallagher will discuss those themes before filing his campaign paperwork with the Division of Elections.

Gallagher is the first person to serve as Florida’s chief financial officer, a position that combined the treasurer and comptroller posts during a Cabinet realignment. In addition to being a watchdog over the state’s money, the office also oversees the Office of Insurance Regulation.

Gallagher has served in state government for more than 30 years, including 12 years in the Legislature. He was also elected insurance commissioner and education commissioner before becoming the state’s CFO in 2002.

The four hurricanes that struck the state last year raised the profile of Gallagher’s position as he’s dealt with insurance issues in the aftermath.

He has put pressure on insurance companies that have been slow paying claims and put a moratorium on rate increases while the Legislature addressed insurance issues. He has also held public hearings around the state to hear directly from residents about their concerns.

This will be Gallagher’s third run for governor. He lost a primary to Bob Martinez in 1986 and to Bush in 1994.

Republican Attorney General Charlie Crist announced last week he is running for governor and Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings is thinking about getting in the race. Early polling has shown Crist and Gallagher far ahead of Jennings, with both receiving nearly the same amount of support.

Democratic candidates include former state party chairman Scott Maddox, U.S. Rep. Jim Davis and state Sen. Rod Smith.

Topics A.J. Gallagher