Nikki Fried announced the hiring of media consultant Keith Edwards as her gubernatorial campaign’s new Communications Director for the homestretch of the statewide election cycle.

Edwards, who formerly served both as a digital advisor to Sen. John Ossoff’s senate campaign and as Communications Director of The Lincoln Project, is brought on amid a high rate of turnover in Fried’s staff, highlighted by the departure of campaign manager Farah Melendez. 

“We can beat Ron DeSantis and Nikki Fried is the one who can do it,” said Edwards. “I’m excited and grateful to be joining her as Communications Director for her race for governor.”

An additional two people were also hired on Monday to assist on the media side of affairs. Benjamin Kirby and Caroline Korba will join to serve as communications and policy advisor and press secretary, respectively.

Help me welcome @KeithEdwards, @BenjaminjKirby, and @carokorba to our team! Give them a follow! #SomethingNew

— Nikki Fried (@NikkiFried) March 14, 2022

Kirby worked from 2014 to 2022 as Communications Director for St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, Also working under former President Bill Clinton’s administration from 1993 to 2001.

“An honor to join Team Fried,” said Kirby. “From taking action on the climate crisis to protecting FL consumers, Commissioner Fried’s record reflects a vision for Florida that builds bridges instead of political and social divides. Looking forward to working with this outstanding team.” 

Korba previously worked as a Senior Development Coordinator for the International Women’s Media Foundation.

“I am beyond thrilled to join this incredible team. We need real change in Florida and [Nikki Fried] is the one to make it happen. Let’s do this!” Said Korba.

Fried’s campaign continues to trail that of Democrat opponent Charlie Crist, reflected in recent polling conducted by Mason Dixon Polling and Strategy. The poll gives Crist a 17-point edge over Fried in a head-to-head matchup.

“Our campaign’s vision of a Florida for all Floridians is continuing to resonate with Floridians across our state and from all walks of life,” Crist said. “I could not be more humbled or thankful for the support I’ve received from the Panhandle to the Keys. Together, I know we will change the tide and deliver the leadership our state deserves. Our campaign is gaining momentum every day, and we’re ready to fight for all Floridians.”

Another recent poll published by GBAO Strategies gives Crist a hearty lead over Fried, where a sample pool of 800 likely voters favored the former Governor 54 percent, compared to just 28 percent for Fried. Sen. Annette Taddeo rounded out the poll with 7 percent of the polling vote.

The poll found Crist leading among all impactful demographics, leading over Fried and Taddeo in each region of Florida and winning pluralities in both men and women. Crist also led among white, black, and hispanic voters, and among Democrats who describe themselves as liberal or progressive, moderate, or conservative.