Florida Senator Leaves Democratic Party, Cites Personal Liberation

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – State Senator Jason Pizzo announced on Thursday that he is resigning from the Democratic Party, declaring it ‘dead’ in Florida. His decision to change his party affiliation to ‘no party affiliation’ was made public during a speech on the Senate floor.

‘Here’s the issue, the Democratic Party in Florida is dead,’ Pizzo said. He compared the current political environment to the fall of Rome, citing issues such as infighting and corruption. ‘So, too, are we players, or perhaps props, in the mess that is bottom partisanship,’ he stated.

Pizzo, who was first elected to the Senate in 2018 and represents parts of Broward and Miami-Dade counties, indicated he feels liberated by leaving the party. ‘Stripping myself of the title of the party designation allows me to run free and clear,’ he said. He is considered a potential candidate for governor in the next election.

His announcement follows the recent departure of several other lawmakers from the Democratic Party. State Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried responded to Pizzo’s resignation, calling it one of the best things to happen to the party in years. ‘Jason Pizzo is one of the most ineffective and unpopular Democratic leaders in recent memory,’ Fried said.

Pizzo did not immediately respond to Fried’s comments. Senate Democrats quickly elected Senator Lori Berman to replace him as leader.

In recent months, other lawmakers have also switched their party affiliations, including State Representatives Susan Valdes and Hillary Cassel, who became Republicans. Following these changes, Evan Power, chair of the Republican Party of Florida, remarked that Pizzo ‘didn’t leave the Democratic Party; the party left him.’

Pizzo’s remarks highlighted his desire to advocate for the 3.7 million voters without party affiliation in Florida. He stated, ‘I will continue to fight incredibly hard for everyone in the state of Florida.’

As the political landscape shifts, Pizzo’s departure adds to a growing trend of lawmakers seeking alternatives outside the traditional party system.