...
By Peter Aitken and Gabe Whisnant
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Florida Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo stunned colleagues Thursday by announcing on the Senate floor that he is leaving the Democratic Party and registering with no party affiliation.
Why It Matters
The Democrats have continued to reel following former Vice President Kamala Harris's loss to President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
Read More on Politics
Part of that defeat occurred thanks to Florida's increasing swing towards the Republican Party, shedding its long-time status as the country's premier swing state in which presidential elections would be decided by the narrowest of margins.
What To Know
Pizzo on the floor of the Florida Senate on Thursday declared the "Democratic Party in Florida" as "dead," criticizing modern partisanship as "a mess" and calling for practical leadership over politics.
"Stripping myself of the title of a party designation allows me to run free and clear, clean and transparent," he said, a nod to his rumored 2026 gubernatorial ambitions.
The announcement provoked a strong reaction from Florida's Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried, who called Pizzo "ineffective and unpopular" in a statement issued after Pizzo's announcement.
...
"Jason's failure to build support within our party for a gubernatorial run has led to this final embarrassing temper tantrum. I'd be lying if I said I'm sad to see him go, but I wish him the best of luck in the political wilderness he's created for himself," Fried said. "The Florida Democratic Party is more united without him."
Pizzo's departure marks another blow to Florida Democrats, who have faced a series of demoralizing defeats and continued party infighting—a conflict that is playing out on the national stage, as well.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has entered a period of infighting as various actors make a play to try and shape the direction of the party moving forward, with Vice Chair David Hogg spending $20 million to oust Democratic incumbents in safe seats while DNC Chair Ken Martin rebuked him by telling media outlets that "No DNC officer should ever attempt to influence the outcome of a primary election."
Meanwhile, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) Chair Suzan DelBene previously told Newsweek that the party is "united in taking back the majority in the House."
In the former Democratic stronghold of Miami-Dade County, registered Republicans now outnumber registered Democrats by over one million voters.
What People Are Saying
Axios White House Reporter Marc Caputo wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "If there were any doubt that Republicans would hang on to the governor's mansion in Florida, this basically seals it. The FL Senate Dem leader quit the party as he plans to run for governor. So he'll split left-leaning votes w/the Dem nominee."
Far-right activist Laura Loomer wrote on X: "Jason Pizzo is only switching sides to become an independent because he wants to run for Governor of Florida. As I reported last year, Pizzo was in Palm Beach telling donors his plans to run for Governor last year. He recognizes fractures in the FL GOP and FL Dems."
"Smart move on his part, but totally planned and opportunistic," Loomer continued. "He'll likely announce his candidacy for Governor of Florida when the FL session ends. Perhaps June or July."
What Happens Next
Pizzo has yet to announce a bid for the governorship but is expected to do so later this year.
Update, 4/24/25 at 7:42 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information, context and comments.
Reporting by the Associated Press contributed to this story.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines