Tampa Manager Launches Write-In Race for Florida Governor

Erik Morris is running for Florida governor as a write-in candidate.

Morris, a project manager based in Tampa, filed his candidacy with a focus on public education, insurance reform, and local control over technology infrastructure. He has never held elected office but cites his work in coordinating complex installations for theme parks and museums as relevant experience.

The campaign began when Morris struggled to find a channel for his policy ideas. His wife, who heard him discuss these plans repeatedly, urged him to take the step. He entered the race to place his proposals directly before voters without relying on party machinery.

Morris describes himself as a registered Democrat. His running mate, LeRoy Alaways, is a registered Republican. The pair stated they prioritize practical results over partisan labels. Morris said he intends to meet with every state legislator to map out shared concerns across different districts.

The candidate’s central education proposal is the ENOUGH Act, which stands for Educational and Nutritional Funding for Florida. The plan would raise minimum teacher salaries and tie them to inflation. It would also provide free lunches for students and staff, while expanding free breakfast options for lower and middle-income families. Morris wants Florida farmers and ranchers to supply these meals. He proposes funding the initiative through taxes on high-end luxury tourism and by closing corporate tax loopholes. He claims the plan would avoid tax increases for 98% of businesses in the state.

On insurance, Morris argues that current policies fail homeowners during hurricanes and floods. He stated that insurers should cover these specific risks or consider leaving the market. He supports keeping the state’s insurance option as a fallback for residents who cannot secure private coverage.

Morris also wants to pause new data center projects until developers address community concerns. He wants local residents to review plans for electricity use, water consumption, and noise. He suggested developers look to solar energy and water recycling to reduce their environmental footprint. He said he would support projects only when communities approve them.

His other proposals include an excise tax on ammunition to fund mental health services and school resource officers. He also plans to close the detention facility known as Alligator Alcatraz and investigate its costs. He seeks to remove certain charitable organizations from the state’s terrorism list.

The campaign operates on a limited budget. Morris noted that his team could not afford many yard signs. Some local organizations asked for hundreds or thousands of dollars for event participation. He said he would not compromise his beliefs to attract donors.

Morris said he has no ambition to seek higher office after a term as governor. He plans to return to his work as a designer and project manager at Quince Imaging.