Rick Scott's candidacy announcement for U.S. Senate prompted anti-Scott rallies in Tampa and St. Pete.
Democrats organized the rallies, which are operating as a kind of rebuttle to Scott's announcement.
Florida Governor Rick Scott aims to unseat Florida's Democratic senator
Scott will face off against U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, who is on Capitol Hill on Monday meeting with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerburg about personal data.
Organize Florida scheduled the #RejectRickScott rally at Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa for 4:30 p.m., with speakers including community members who have felt adversely impacted by Scott's policies as Governor for seven years.
Democrats, including St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman and Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch, also held an event at Sea Dog Brewing Company in Treasure Island at 2:15 p.m., accusing Scott of prioritizing "self-serving politics at Florida's expense."
Florida's Democratic Party also put out a statement saying in part, "Here's his record: lost jobs, low wages and an economy that works for himself and his political donors, not to mention higher healthcare bills, a broken public education system and scandal after scandal."
Bill Nelson, 75, was asked about Scott's candidacy on Monday, and responded by saying he takes all candidates seriously and would "run like hell" to keep his seat.
Nelson added that he felt the difference between himself and Scott would reveal itself over the course of the campaigning.
