Attorney John Morgan Considering 2018 Governor’s Race

ORLANDO, FL — Fresh off a big win with Florida voters on the medical marijuana amendment, prominent Orlando attorney John Morgan is reportedly considering a run for the governor’s office in 2018.

Morgan, a Democrat, is a household name in the Tampa Bay area and other parts of the state. The founder of the Morgan & Morgan law firm, whose slogan is “For the People,” Morgan admitted on Thursday he is considering the possibility.

An online petition was launched earlier this week to “Draft John Morgan” to run in 2018. A Facebook page was also created.

Morgan responded to the petition in writing on Thursday, saying the outpouring of encouragement for him to run has been “overwhelming and unexpected. It is either extremely flattering that so many people put such faith in me, or sad that people have so little faith in the typical politicians of both parties who are expected to seek the office.”

Morgan said he would like to see some things done in the state. He said he’d like to see marijuana decriminalized with “no more arrests.’ In addition, he’s backing a $15 an hour minimum wage and would like to see stronger protections for Florida’s wildlife, water and lands.

While he’s considering taking petitioners up on their request, he’s not quite ready to commit.

“I’m not ready to decide what I want my legacy to be,” he wrote. “It might just be, ‘he was true to himself, passed medical marijuana in Florida, and had fun being a granddad for the rest of his life.’”

Should Morgan enter the race, he might face such other Democrats as U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham of Tallahassee and Tampa’s Mayor Bob Buckhorn.

Incumbent Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican, ends his second term in office in 2018. He’s ineligible to run again under state law.

Morgan was a major backer of the medical marijuana amendment Florida voters overwhelmingly approved on Nov. 8.

Morgan’s full statement can be read here. To join the drive to get Morgan to run, check out the online petition here. To follow the petition's progress on Facebook, visit the For the Governor page.

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