Head of Florida's Democratic Party in legislature quits, leaves party

On Thursday, Florida state Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo announced that he was leaving the Democratic Party, declaring on the Senate floor that the state party was "dead." He said he would remain a senator but would register without party affiliation. This comes following months-long speculation of a potential Gubernatorial bid.

Speaking on the floor, Pizzo, a former prosecutor in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, told his fellow state senators: "The Democratic Party in Florida is dead. There are good people who can resuscitate it, but they don't want it to be me."

"I will continue to fight incredibly hard for everyone in the state of Florida," said Pizzo, adding that he was "not in this position because of Democrats. I got elected because of non-party-affiliated voters. The 3.7 million people who have no party, who have no representation...Stripping myself of a title, of a party designation, allows me to run free and clear, clean and transparent, and help many, many more."

The senator's exit follows in the footsteps of several other Florida state Democratic legislators who have also left the party in recent months, including state Reps. Hillary Cassel and Susan Valdes.

Previously regarded as a critical swing state, Florida has moved sharply red in recent election cycles. This includes Miami-Dade County and other former Democratic strongholds. The rightward shift threatens the Democratic Party's established bases, and Pizzo's resignation reflects a deeper identity issue with Florida Democrats, Fox 35 reported.

"Constituents are craving practical leaders, not political hacks," Pizzo added.

Nikki Fried, chair of the Florida Democratic Party, responded to Pizzo's resignation, slamming him in a statement as "one of the most ineffective and unpopular Democratic leaders in recent memory."

"His resignation is one of the best things to happen to the party in years," she said. "His legacy as a leader includes continually disparaging the party base, starting fights with other members, and chasing his own personal ambitions at the expense of Democratic values."

Under Florida state law, political candidates who want to change parties must do so at least one year before qualifying.