The Democratic Party is in shambles and Americans are taking notice, with a favorability rating at a record low, according to recent polling. It’s no different at the state level, as the latest move from a top Democrat in Florida laid things bare.
Last week, state Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo made headlines when he issued a “scathing seven-word rebuke” of his party, as the media described it.
On the Senate floor Thursday, Pizzo announced he is changing his voter registration to “no party affiliation" and explained why.
“Here’s the issue,” Pizzo told his colleagues. “The Democratic Party in Florida is dead.”
Pizzo said the state's political system resembled "the infighting, power struggles, corruption and decline of civic virtue tha pervaded and eventually ushered in the fall of Rome."
"So, too, are we players, or perhaps props, in the mess that is bottom partisanship,” Pizzo said.
Pizzo, who is considered a potential candidate for governor next year, said he felt liberated by his decision.
“I think stripping myself of the title of the party designation allows me to run free and clear, clean and transparent and help many, many more,” he said in his remarks.
Pizzo, who was first elected to the state Senate in 2018, represents a district that includes parts of Broward and Miami-Dade counties. He previously was an assistant state attorney in the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office. (NBC News)
The Florida Democratic Party blasted him on the way out.
“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,” said FDP Chair Nikki Fried. “His legacy as leader includes continually disparaging the party base, starting fights with other members, and chasing his own personal ambitions at the expense of Democratic values.
“Jason’s failure to build support within our party for a gubernatorial run has led to this final embarrassing temper tantrum," Fried continued. "I’d be lying if I said I’m sad to see him go, but I wish him the best of luck in the political wilderness he’s created for himself. The Florida Democratic Party is more united without him.”
The Democratic caucus unanimously elected state Senator Lori Berman to replace him as the new minority leader after Pizzo's announcement.
🚨 #BREAKING: A POLITICAL EARTHQUAKE JUST OCCURRED IN FLORIDA AS THE SENATE MINORITY LEADER LEAVES THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY...
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 24, 2025
Ho-lee SHLIT.
Jason Pizzo is the Florida Senate Democratic Minority Leader.
He said constituents are so fed up with "political hacks" and he is switching… pic.twitter.com/UcPdc1hoWO
