President Trump warned Saturday of an attempt to “steal” the major races for governor and Senate in Florida moments after recounts were declared.
“Trying to STEAL two big elections in Florida! We are watching closely!” Trump tweeted from Paris. He did not provide further comment.
The tweet came about an hour after the deadline for unofficial results for 2018 midterm election races and within minutes of Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner declaring that the results triggered a recount in the races for governor, Senate, and agriculture commissioner.
Trying to STEAL two big elections in Florida! We are watching closely!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2018
Gov. Rick Scott has a slim lead over Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., while former Rep. Ron Desantis, R-Fla., has a small lead over Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum in the race for governor.
Democrat Nikki Fried also has a slim lead over Matt Caldwell in the race for state agricultural commissioner.
Trump, like Scott, has alleged that there has been massive voter fraud in Florida.
He tweeted on Friday that Gillum conceded on Election Day “and now Broward County has put him ‘back into play.’ Bill Nelson conceded election – now he’s back in play!? This is an embarrassment to our Country and to Democracy.”
“As soon as Democrats sent their best Election stealing lawyer, Marc Elias, to Broward County they miraculously started finding Democrat votes,” Trump said in another tweet. “Don’t worry, Florida – I am sending much better lawyers to expose the FRAUD!”
Despite these claims, the Florida Department of Elections staff say they have not found evidence of criminal activity in Broward County.
