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Fried says she is the better opponent against DeSantis despite polling numbers

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Florida agriculture commissioner Nikki Fried headed into Tuesday’s primary trailing Congressman Charlie Crist in the polls.

Fried said she isn’t concerned with what she calls “fluff” and inaccurate polling, and is confident she has the best shot at beating Gov. Ron DeSantis in November.

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Read: 2022 Florida primary: What you need to know

Fried and DeSantis have been at odds since the pandemic began in 2020. Fried has been a staunch critic of just about every decision the governor has made.

Read: Crist confident he will be Democrats’ choice to take on DeSantis in November

She feels the fight over Florida’s abortion ban and her stance on reproductive rights will make her a better opponent in the November election.

Read: Fried, Crist make final push in race for gubernatorial primary

After voting in Tallahassee, Fried attended a cabinet meeting hastily called by the governor in Tallahassee before making some scheduled campaign stops en route to Fort Lauderdale.

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Shannon Butler

Shannon Butler, WFTV.com

Shannon joined the Eyewitness News team in 2013.

Matt Reeser

Matt Reeser, WFTV.com

Matt Reeser joined WFTV in 1998 as a news photographer and has worked for television stations in Kentucky and West Virginia.