The Democratic field could be crowded. | AP Photo Political unknown enters 2018 race for Florida governor Independently wealthy, Orlando businessman Chris King has hired former President Barack Obama’s prior campaign consultants.

Chris King, a political unknown and businessman from Orlando, announced his campaign for governor on Thursday and instantly took a veiled shot at a fellow Democrat who’s seeking for the open seat Rick Scott leaves due to term limits after 2018.

In a four-paragraph press statement, King’s campaign referenced Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum’s troubled Tuesday campaign rollout in which he was accused by Republicans of breaking a state law prohibiting the expenditure of campaign funds before opening a campaign account.


“King is taking this step today pursuant to Florida law, which requires this filing in order for a candidate to seek contributions or make expenditures with a view to win an election,” the campaign said in a written statement.

Gillum avoided the topic in a statement welcoming King to the race. "Floridians in every corner of our state deserve a contest of ideas, and I’m looking forward to Chris adding his thoughts," he said.

At age 38, King is just a year older than Gillum. Unlike Gillum, King has no experience in politics and is unknown to the establishment or grassroots.

Independently wealthy, King has hired alums of President Barack Obama’s prior campaigns, AKPD Message and Media and 270 Strategies.

King is a third-generation Floridian who graduated from Harvard University, earned his law degree from the University of Florida and founded Elevation Financial Group, a private-equity firm that says it specializes in affordable housing. King’s campaign said he leads a non-profit that help mentor poor Florida students.

He is married and has three young children.

The Democratic field could be crowded. Former Tallahassee Congresswoman Gwen Graham, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine and Orlando trial lawyer John Morgan have expressed interest in running for governor.