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From the New York Post: The knives are coming out within the demoralized Florida Democratic Party after state Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo jumped ship, proclaiming the party’s “dead” as he draws buzz about a potential gubernatorial bid as an Independent.
Pizzo, 48, lamented that the Democratic Party that his father volunteered for in the 1960s is “not the party today,” while acknowledging the internal pressure he faced to step aside as state Senate leader.
“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,” he said during a floor speech Thursday.
Pizzo posted a video of his speech on social media:
Floridians deserve public servants, not politicians. Senator Jason Pizzo has announced his decision to become an Independent. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/IZoTa4zPoB
— Team Pizzo (@TeamPizzo) April 26, 2025
Pizzo then spoke with News Nation about his exit from the Democrat Party.
Tonight – Former Florida Democrat @senpizzo sits down with The Hill in his first interview since leaving the party. What he thinks about Democrats in his state and nationwide. ⬇️@thehill @newsnation #happeningonthehill pic.twitter.com/L3KBJaZUMy
— Blake Burman (@BlakeBurman) April 25, 2025
Pizzo also spoke to Fox News Monday afternoon:
Florida state @senpizzo explains why he is quitting the Democratic Party, citing his former party not backing the blue and explaining that the Republican Party is resonating more with Americans on ‘The Story.’ pic.twitter.com/z0bRcSt8S7
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 28, 2025
Florida Democrats are fuming.
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried reportedly sneered, “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.”
Scathing rebuke from @NikkiFried of @senpizzo after he announced he is leaving the Florida Democratic Party pic.twitter.com/p0t3MokALz
— Tristan Wood (@TristanDWood) April 24, 2025
Democrat State Rep. Fentrice Driskell also slammed Pizzo, declaring, “The party isn’t dead, but someone’s chances of being governor are.”
The party isn’t dead, but someone’s chances of being governor are. pic.twitter.com/tMtBr5yNuc
— Representative Fentrice Driskell (@FentriceForFL) April 24, 2025
Pizzo is also being commended by conservatives for the stand he took.
Former state Sen. Jeff Brandes wrote, “@senpizzo is the most talented leader in Florida—period. His passion, vision, and generosity have always set him apart. He’s long operated independently of party politics. Today, he just made it official.”
@senpizzo is the most talented leader in Florida—period. His passion, vision, and generosity have always set him apart. He’s long operated independently of party politics. Today, he just made it official.
— Jeff Brandes (@JeffreyBrandes) April 24, 2025
State Sen. Danny Burgess (R) wrote, “I commend @senpizzo for standing up for what he believes in and making what I’m sure was a difficult decision to step away from a leadership position within the @FLSenate and a Democratic Party that no longer represents him or the majority of his constituents. Regardless of his party registration or position within our chamber, he is a passionate and effective advocate for those he is elected to represent.”
I commend @senpizzo for standing up for what he believes in and making what I’m sure was a difficult decision to step away from a leadership position within the @FLSenate and a Democratic Party that no longer represents him or the majority of his constituents. Regardless of his…
— Danny Burgess (@DannyBurgessFL) April 24, 2025
Evan Ross wrote, “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 cast my vote for him for any office he’d be willing to serve in.”
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 24, 2025
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