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Top Florida Senate Democrat Quits: 'Dem Party in Florida Is Dead'

Two other former Democratic Florida state Reps. - Susan Valdes and Hillary Cassel — became Republicans. DeSantis and Trump effect in FL?

"Florida State Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo abruptly quit as Democrat leader on Thursday and announced he's leaving the party altogether in remarks from the chamber floor," said right-leaning Newsmax.

"Here's the issue: The Democratic Party in Florida is dead. But there are good people that can resuscitate it. But they don't want it to be me," Pizzo said, as left-leaning Politico also reported.

Pizzo became the third sitting lawmaker to leave the Democratic Party in the past six months. The other two — state Reps. Susan Valdes and Hillary Cassel — became Republicans. Nikki Fried, chair of the Florida Democratic Party, said Pizzo won't be missed, calling him "one of the most ineffective and unpopular Democratic leaders in recent memory."

Jason Pizzo is the single most authentic person I know in elected office. He never wavers from his values or hesitates to do what he believes is right.

He’s one of the smartest people I know.

I’m damn proud to have him representing me in the Florida Senate.

I’d be proud to…
— Evan Ross (@MrEvanRoss) April" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/MrEvanRoss... 24, 2025

Some sources say that Pizzo may be preparing for a run for governor.

Find out what's happening in Lakelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Per @FLVoiceNews: "Sen. Jason Pizzo, Democratic Minority Leader, switches from the Democratic Party to No Party Affiliation

"I hope the members of the Democratic Caucus will elect a new leader, for, today, I have FedEx'd my voter registration form to change my party affiliation to No Party Affiliation."

Find out what's happening in Lakelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"Our constituents are craving practical leaders, not political hacks." - @senpizzo

"His resignation is one of the best things to happen to the party in years," Fried said in a statement.

Fried also said, per Newsmax: "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."

That same source noted the following.

"For today, I FedExed my voter registration form to change my party affiliation to no party affiliation," he said, The Hill reported.
The other two who quit their Democratic Party held seats — state Reps. Susan Valdes and Hillary Cassel — became Republicans.
Senate Democrats later Thursday elected Lori Berman as minority leader, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.
Florida has 1.2 million more registered Republicans than Democrats, and no Democrat holds statewide elected office, Politico reported.

Rep. Byron Donalds is the only Republican to announce a gubernatorial bid to replace Gov. Ron DeSantis so far. DeSantis cannot run again due to term limits. Congressman Donalds has the endorsement of President Donald Trump.

Less than two weeks ago, this writer for this Patch shared the following on Florida's solid move away from a swing state into a clearly pro-Republican state.

https://patch.com/florida/lake...

DeSantis' leadership is widely credited with making Florida a 'safely' GOP state.

That will be a wrap on this "Reality Check" series post for this Patch. Thanks for checking in. Other topics on an array of subjects follow.

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L. A. “Tony” Kovach is a publisher who has earned multiple awards in history. He and his family live in a manufactured home on private property in Winter Haven, FL. He is the co-founder of Manufactured Home Living News.com (MHLivingNews.com) and Manufactured Home Pro News.com (MHProNews.com), trade publications serving segments of the manufactured home industry. Having worked in several segments of the manufactured home industry for over 3 decades, Kovach is a widely acknowledged and often praised expert on manufactured housing. ###

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Top Florida Senate Democrat Quits: 'Dem Party in Florida Is Dead'

Two other former Democratic Florida state Reps. - Susan Valdes and Hillary Cassel — became Republicans. DeSantis and Trump effect in FL?

L. A. "Tony" Kovach, Neighbor

Find out what's happening in Lakelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Lakelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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