Florida Democratic Party

House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell says if the state cuts property taxes, the fallout will be on the shoulders of local government

Hillsborough County is the latest county in Florida to turn red. There are now more registered Republicans than Democrats in central Florida's most populous county.

Fried, who will serve a four-year term, said her party will "continue to organize, mobilize and hold Republicans accountable.”

State Rep. Hillary Casel, a Dania Beach attorney, said the Democratic party “doesn’t represent my values.” Tampa Rep. Susan Valdes switched parties earlier this month.

More Republicans registered in counties across the Tampa Bay region cast ballots than their Democratic counterparts, according to a WUSF analysis of 2024 election data.

Political analyst and USF Professor Emerita Susan MacManus says the party also put too much emphasis on issues that didn't resonate with many Floridians.

They include the Republicans' continued dominance in the state and Gov. Ron DeSantis' influence in the outcome of the abortion and recreational marijuana amendments.

In at least eight House races and two Senate races statewide those Democratic candidates don't live in the legislative districts where they are running, according to recent voter registrations, candidate filings and other government records.

While it was unlikely the president would win Florida even before the debate, Florida Democrats have been hoping to use a strong top-of-the-ticket draw to turn the tides in several local races.

The marijuana issue could boost turnout among young voters, who traditionally skew toward Democrats.

Speaking on WLRN, Florida Democratic Party Chair, Nikki Fried, explained her decision to suspend three local party leaders so close to voting in a high-stakes election year.

Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Warren from his post in 2022, a move that the attorney characterizes as a political stunt. A recent court ruling sided with Warren, opening the door for his reinstatement.