In a dramatic moment on the Senate floor, Florida Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo announced Thursday he is leaving the Democratic Party, calling it “dead” and declaring his intention to register with no party affiliation.
Pizzo’s stunning departure marks the latest high-profile exit from a party struggling with identity, internal division, and a string of devastating losses in what was once America’s most hotly contested swing state.
“The Democratic Party in Florida is dead,” Pizzo said, criticizing the state’s political dysfunction. “Constituents are craving practical leaders, not political hacks.”
Once a reliable battleground, Florida has veered sharply red in recent election cycles. Republicans now outnumber Democrats by over 1.2 million registered voters, and the GOP has steadily expanded its reach into traditional Democratic territories such as Miami-Dade County.
Pizzo, a former prosecutor who represents parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, is widely regarded as a sharp debater unafraid to challenge both parties. He’s also considered a potential 2026 gubernatorial contender, as Republican Governor Ron DeSantis is term-limited.
“I think stripping myself of the title of a party designation allows me to run free and clear, clean and transparent, and help many, many more,” Pizzo told lawmakers, hinting at broader political ambitions.
The announcement drew sharp rebuke from Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried, who called Pizzo “ineffective and unpopular.”
“Jason’s failure to build support within our party for a gubernatorial run has led to this final embarrassing temper tantrum,” Fried said in a statement. “The Florida Democratic Party is more united without him.”
Democratic state senators expressed surprise but not disbelief at Pizzo’s decision.
“He’s always been an independent thinker,” said Sen. Shevrin Jones. “We’re currently in a refocusing phase. I wouldn’t say we are dead. I will say that the Democrats have a lot of work to do.”
Republican leadership, however, had a heads-up. Senate President Ben Albritton’s office was notified Thursday morning of Pizzo’s plans, a courtesy not extended to his own caucus.
Just months ago, Pizzo had dismissed any notion of leaving the Democratic Party, insisting he welcomed the challenge of working within its ranks. His change of heart comes amid a growing trend: a small but notable wave of defections from the party. State Reps. Susan Valdés and Hillary Cassel both recently switched to the GOP. On Thursday, Valdés presided over a House floor session dressed in red, symbolizing her new party allegiance.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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