Former Congresswoman Gwen Graham on Tuesday made official her candidacy for governor of Florida.

Graham made her announcement in Miami-Dade County, where she lived until she moved into the governor's mansion at age 15 when her father, Bob Graham, took office.

  • Gwen Graham is third candidate to announce run
  • She is daughter of former Florida Gov. Bob Graham
  • She served one term in U.S. Congress, representing 2nd District

"I'm so proud of Dad, but I stand on my own two feet. I've certainly learned from him, but I would never expect anyone to support me simply because I am Dad's daughter," Graham told The Associated Press before her announcement.

In an online post she called "My Love for Florida," Graham said, "My love for Florida runs deep. My dreams for Florida run wide. But my patience for inaction has run out. That is why I’m running for governor - and that is why I’m determined to win."

Graham, 54, is the third Democrat to enter the race to replace Gov. Rick Scott, who will leave office after his current term ends.

In 2014, Graham ran for Congress in Florida's 2nd District, covering Tallahassee and the Panhandle. She won and served one term but declined to seek re-election.

In her online post, Graham said she would "raise the minimum wage, pass paid sick leave, and diversify our economy to create good paying jobs."

By making her announcement in her original hometown instead of her current home of Tallahassee, Graham opted for a large media market in a county that will be a key to winning what will be a crowded primary.

Bob Graham served as Florida's governor from 1979 to 1987 and as a U.S. Senator from 1987 to 2005.

Gwen Graham has three children, Sarah, Graham and Mark Ernest, and she is married to Stephen D. Hurm, a former law enforcement officer and attorney, who currently serves as a faculty member at Florida State University.

Graham is the second candidate this week and the third Democrat overall to announce a gubernatorial run.

Republican Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam filed to run on Monday.

Democrat and Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum made his announcement March 1.

Orlando businessman Chris King made his announcement two days later on March 3.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.