Florida Senate: Democratic leader says his political party is "dead" and abandons it
Jason Pizzo, state senator and Democratic minority leader in Florida, has changed his party affiliation to "no party," citing the collapse of the Democratic Party in the state and criticizing political partisanship.
Jason Pizzo, the Democratic minority leader in the Florida Senate, announced Thursday that he is officially leaving the Democratic Party and registering as an independent voter. According to his remarks before the State Senate, the decision stems from a deep disappointment with the party's inner workings and its current role in state politics.
"The Democratic Party in Florida is dead," declared Pizzo, who noted that he has already submitted his form to change his party affiliation to "no party affiliation." The senator compared the state's political climate to the decline of the Roman Empire, denouncing infighting, corruption, and the loss of civic principles.
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Pizzo Justifies His Departure for Ethical and Operational Reasons
During his announcement, Senator Jason Pizzo asserted that his decision will allow him to act with greater independence and transparency in his legislative administration. “Shedding my party title allows me to act with freedom, integrity, and transparency,” he expressed. He added that this new position will allow him to help a greater number of people without being constrained by party structures.
Pizzo, elected to the State Senate in 2018 and with a background as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade, has been mentioned as a possible gubernatorial candidate in the 2026 elections. His departure from the party comes amid a context in which several legislators have also left the Democratic ranks, changing their political affiliation in recent months.
Divided Reactions Among Party Leaders
Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried celebrated Pizzo's departure in a statement, calling him an ineffective and conflicted leader. "His resignation is one of the best things to happen to the party in years," said Fried, who accused the senator of prioritizing his personal interests over party values.
In contrast, Florida Republican Party Chairman Evan Power stated that "the party has abandoned Pizzo," noting that the senator's departure reflects an internal radicalization within the Democratic Party. Currently, the number of registered Republican voters exceeds that of Democrats by more than 1.2 million in Florida, while 26% of the electorate remains unaffiliated.