Florida governor, Senate and agriculture races could be headed for recounts

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Florida's gubernatorial race appears to be headed for a recount as Republican Ron DeSantis' official edge over Democrat Andrew Gillum has shrunk to 0.44 percent, based on the state's latest unofficial tally.

According to the state's website, DeSantis has 4,072,759 votes to Gillum's 4,036,537.

That puts DeSantis at 49.61 percent and Gillum at 49.17 percent.

State law calls for an automatic recount when the victory margin is equal to or less than 0.5 percent of the total votes cast.

More: Florida 2018 election results

More: How do I check if my Florida mail-in ballot was rejected, or received and accepted?

Gillum had already conceded the race, but his campaign since has made a push on social media for voters to make sure their voice is heard.

"On Tuesday night, the Gillum for Governor campaign operated with the best information available about the number of outstanding ballots left to count," a statement reads. "Since that time, it has become clear there are many more uncounted ballots than was originally reported. Our campaign, along with our attorney Barry Richard, is monitoring the situation closely and is ready for any outcome, including a state-mandated recount.

"Mayor Gillum started his campaign for the people, and we are committed to ensuring every single vote in Florida is counted."

Gillum's attorney, Barry Richard, represented former President George W. Bush during his recount process in 2000.

Earlier: Ron DeSantis elected Florida governor, defeating Andrew Gillum

The vote different in the U.S. Senate race between Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Bill Nelson is down to 0.18 percent, with Scott in the lead, based on the latest data.

Earlier: Florida’s Senate race between Rick Scott and Bill Nelson might require a recount

Florida's commissioner of agriculture race is even closer and now, Democrat Nikki Fried takes a 2,910-vote lead over Republican Matt Caldwell. Fried already has called for a recount.

Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner held a conference call with county elections supervisors Thursday morning to discuss a possible recount and plan ahead for one.

The earliest Detzner could issue a recount is Saturday.

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