State Rep. David Richardson is delaying his bid for the Florida Senate seat in the best 
indication so far that rumors of Sen. Gwen Margolis‘ retirement are greatly exaggerated.
Richardson (D-Miami Beach) may have bee under the impression in January that Margolis was not going to run for re-election when he opened an account for the Senate race in their district. But he has always maintained that he would not run against her. He recently switched his candidacy to his own House seat.
And he’s been going to community events together with her.
Read related story: David Richardson sets sights on Sen. Gwen Margolis’ seat
“Sen. Gwen Margolis and I hosted a Town Hall meeting with Miami Beach residents tonight to discussed the most recent legislative sessions,” Richardson posted on Facebook Wednesday, laying it a little thick with praise (or penance?). “Gwen Margolis and I have worked closely in Tallahassee 
to achieve results for our community. I have learned so much from her about the budget process.”
Earlier that day, the two had been together at the Lighthouse for the Blind “Legislative Appreciation” event. Last week, they were both at the Latin Builders Association legislative update panel discussion, a day after Richardson sponsored the First Annual Yeshiva of Miami Dinner, which honored Margolis and Harold Foster, board member of Jewish Community Services of South Florida.
“My two Tallahassee dinner buddies,” Richardson called them. “They both do great work for our community and I’m so happy to call them friends.”
Maybe he’s angling for Margolis’ endorsement. Not just for 2020, where he did file for the district — because Margolis will be forced to retire by term limits. But also next year. Because the first openly-gay person elected to the House (key word: openly), will need more than the gay 
vote to save him in 2016. He’s never really had the tough opposition his may face in this race.
Miami Beach Commissioner Deede Weithorn is also running for the seat, as is Little Havana activist Rey Valdes in what will be a rare, three-way Democratic primary next August. Weithorn, a longtime city commissioner, pulls the old, established and Jewish Miami Beach vote. Valdes pulls the Hispanic viejitos, particularly across the bridge in the small but dense Miami part of the district. Both said Richardson’s switch would not chase them off the race.
“This was not unexpected,” Weithorn told Ladra.
“I have lots of respect for David Richardson,” Valdes said.. “However, I have made a commitment to run and represent the residents of District 113. My candidacy will continue regardless of who may or may not run.
“May the best man or woman win.”
Doubletake: David Richardson jumps back to House for 2016 added by Ladra on
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