FDP News

MEMO: FLORIDA DEMOCRATS ON THE RISE

• Democrats were able to recruit a Chair with the strongest statewide and national profile in decades. In 2018, Chair Nikki Fried was the first Democrat to be elected to the statewide Florida Cabinet office in 20+ years. She made a name for herself on the state and national stage as a fierce advocate for Democratic issues and as a statewide elected leader who had a unique ability to point a spotlight on Governor Ron DeSantis’ shortcomings and failures as a leader.

• Resources are already flowing to Florida: The DNC has provided the Florida Democratic Party with a significant early cycle grant totaling $100,000+ and commitments for more support in short order.

• The Biden for President Campaign included Florida in their Battleground Ad Buy: The campaign began airing ads in Florida earlier this month, indicating the campaign intends to invest in Florida.

• Fried’s election brought national Democratic support back to the State. Within one month of Nikki Fried’s ascendancy to Chair of the Florida Democratic Party, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison toured the state with the Chairwoman – signaling that Florida will be a priority for Democrats in 2023 and 2024.

• Vice President Kamala Harris also made a recent stop in FL.

• Newsom raises funds for FDP: In addition, national Democrats have made visits to the state including Governor Gavin Newsom. Newsom also paired his visit with a fundraising effort for the Florida Democratic Party raising tens of thousands of dollars for FDP.

• The White House prominently featured Florida in their Investing in America Tour. The inclusion of Florida in the President and administration’s upcoming tour signals that Florida is a priority for national Democrats and they are once again committing support to the Florida Democratic Party and Florida Democrats.

• Democrats are Making National Headlines Standing Up for Democratic Issues Bringing Money and National Attention to the Florida Democratic Party: Last month Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book and Chair Fried made national headlines for standing up for women’s rights and against Florida’s near universal abortion ban. She was arrested, alongside Minority Leader Senator Lauren Book and others during a peaceful protest in a public park outside the Florida Capitol Building.

~~Letrecia Brown, Lee County DEC State Committeewoman

Florida Progressives Condemn Authoritarian Move
to Silence Women and Endanger Florida’s Families

Brandon – Vanessa Lester, President of the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida (DPCF), has released the following statement:

The Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida condemns the arrests outside Tallahassee City Hall tonight of more than a dozen peaceful, pro-choice protestors, including Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book and Florida Democratic Party Chair, Nikki Fried. They were protesting the passage this afternoon of a blatantly unconstitutional 6-week abortion ban, which violates the right to privacy in the Constitution of the State of Florida. Abortion is health care!

Also, this afternoon the Legislature passed and Governor Ron DeSantis-in a private ceremony with NRA Lobbyists- signed permitless concealed carry into law. Guns are now less regulated than women’s bodies; and in Florida it’s easier to obtain a gun than to obtain healthcare. It’s clear that Governor Ron DeSantis and the Republicans in the Florida Legislature do not care about the health and well-being of Florida families. We are all less safe as a result of their actions.

We urge all of our members to call Mayor John Dailey’s office (850-891-2000) and tell him you are disgusted by the arrest of peaceful protestors, including Senator Lauren Book and Chair Nikki Fried, on City Hall property.

~~Letrecia Brown, Lee County DEC State Committeewoman