TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Central Florida Urban League President Allie Braswell Jr. is running for the Democratic nomination to challenge state Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater. Braswell announced his plans Thursday. He has never run for political office.

Braswell held management positions with Walt Disney World for seven years before being named to lead the Central Florida Urban League in 2010. He also served 13 years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

He is also author of the online book "Rekindling The Passion'' as well as an inspirational speaker.

Braswell said Republican leadership in Tallahassee is not doing enough to help improve the lives of the poor and middle class.