As death toll passes 80,000, COVID-19 fades as election issue in Florida

The number of Floridians who have died of COVID-19 passed 80,000 this month, another tragic milestone amid the latest wave that’s still killing as many as 400 state residents a week.

But as the race for governor enters its final stretch, the pandemic has barely played any role in the campaigns.

DeSantis’ “freedom” agenda celebrates the state’s lack of COVID restrictions. Democrat Charlie Crist’s attacks on DeSantis have focused on abortion rights and culture wars. COVID policy isn’t listed among the main issues on Crist’s campaign website.