Florida Democrats have put former NBA legends Dwyane Wade and Grant Hill at the top of their wish list as they look for a strong candidate to run against Sen. Rick Scott in the 2024 election.
There have been strong efforts led by Democratic donors to get both men to consider stepping into politics, but three sources familiar with the efforts say the push hasn’t been from the state or national parties, according to NBC News. Some donors feel recruiting a candidate who is popular throughout the state and has the ability to self-fund their own campaign could reset the political narrative.
The Democrats in Florida have not won a Senate race since the 2012 reelection of Bill Nelson, who was defeated by Scott in 2018. They also reportedly have not held the governor’s mansion or either chamber of the Legislature since the 1990s.
“Grant Hill has great name ID. He would raise a boatload of money and is one of the smartest guys you will ever meet,” said John Morgan to NBC News, an Orlando-based trial attorney and national Democratic donor, who has spoken directly with Hill about his desire for him to run. “Grant Hill would beat the s— out of Rick Scott.”
Morgan reportedly brought the idea up of Hill running for Senate during a Sunday night dinner with Larry Grisolano, a partner and the CEO of the David Axelrod-founded Democratic consulting firm AKPD Message and Media. The discussion took place at Bob Mandell’s house. Mandell served as the Obama administration’s ambassador to Luxembourg from 2011 to 2016.
Hill played seven seasons with the Orlando Magic and reportedly still lives in the Orlando area. He campaigned with Hillary Clinton in 2016 in Jacksonville and has criticized former President Donald Trump over disrespectful comments he made about the city of Baltimore. Hill hasn’t shown political aspirations in the past.
“That’s what Larry and I talked about — Grant Hill,” Morgan said. “I’m not sure it’s his…
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