1 week Ago
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida's top Senate Democrat switched political affiliations live on the Senate floor Thursday evening — prompting a scathing response from his former party. “I hope that the members of the Democratic Caucus will elect a new leader.
For today, I Fed-Exd my voter registration form to change my party affiliation to ‘No Party Affiliation,'" Senate Democratic leader Jason Pizzo said in a surprise announcement on the chamber floor. “Our constituents are craving practical leaders, not political hacks," he continued. Pizzo went so far as to say that the state's Democratic party is "dead.
" "Here's the issue: the Democratic Party in Florida is dead," he said. "There are good people who can resuscitate it but they don't want it to be me." He explained that he "got elected because of NPAs (voters with no party affiliation)" and that stripping himself of a party designation will allow him "to run free and clear, clean and transparent and help many, many more.
" Pizzo has hinted at a run for Florida governor in 2026. This marks the third Florida lawmaker to leave the Democratic Party in the last six months. Rep.
Susan Valdés switched from Democrat to Republican on Dec. 9 followed by Rep. Hillary Cassel on Dec.
27. Florida Democrats respond to Pizzo's party switch In a scathing response, Chair of the Florida Democratic Party Nikki Fried called Pizzo's move "one of the best things to happen to the party in years," likening it to an "embarrassing temper tantrum." You can read her full statement below: “Jason Pizzo is one of the most ineffective and unpopular Democratic leaders in recent memory, and his resignation is one of the best things to happen to the party in years.
His legacy as leader includes continually disparaging the party base, starting fights with other members, and chasing his own personal ambitions at the expense of Democratic values. “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.
The Florida Democratic Party is more united without him.” Florida Republicans weigh in Evan Power, chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, said Pizzo's decision was reflective of the "radicalization of today’s Democratic Party." You can read his full statement below: "Senator Pizzo didn't leave the Democratic Party; the party left him.
Senator Pizzo is the third Florida Democrat to leave the party in the last few months. He could have waited until the end of the legislative session to make this announcement, but it’s clear he could no longer tolerate the direction of the party. This decision underscores the radicalization of today’s Democratic Party under the likes of Nikki Fried, Maxwell Frost, and David Hogg.
It stands in stark contrast to the party of JFK or even Senator Bob Graham, who was honored yesterday at the Florida State Capitol.".
