Florida politician, previously identified as a Democrat, shifts political affiliation and launches campaign for state governorship.
Loose Cannon Politician: Florida Senator Bails on Dems, Aiming for Sunshine State's Top Spot
In an unexpected move, Florida Senator Jason Pizzo, former Democratic leader, has revealed he's fleeing the party's ranks, switching to no party affiliation - and eyeing a shot at the Sunshine State's governorship.
"You bet your boots I am," Pizzo told CBS News Miami, following a query from Jim Defede about his gubernatorial aspirations.
Pizzo took to Digital to explain his rationale, stating, "Florida is ripe for someone who champions people over party and refocuses on the basics of good governance. The state currently grapples with significant fiscal and resilience challenges, and I'm the perfect candidate to steer us through the storm."
*FLORIDA SENATOR DITCHING DEMS? "DEMOCRATIC PARTY IN FLORIDA IS SUNK"*
Earlier this month, Pizzo made headlines when he publicly pronounced the Democratic Party in Florida as a sinking ship.
*GOVERNOR DE SANTIS EXITING STAGE RIGHT: FLORIDA CONSTITUTION HEADERING HIM OUT IN 2026*
Incumbent Governor Ron DeSantis, a two-term Republican, will be ineligible to run for a third term as per the Florida state constitution, which states no individual who has served for over six years in two consecutive terms can seek a third term.
*BROWARDED POLITICIAN CRITICIZES DEM PARTY AS 'RUDDERLESS' AND 'ADRIFT'*
With DeSantis sidelined in 2026, the race is on to succeed him. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Republican, announced his candidacy in February, earning the endorsement of former President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform.
Donalds, should he choose to run, would have Trump's unwavering support. Trump declared on his Truth Social post, "Byron Donalds would make a phenomenal Governor for Florida, and I'll back him all the way if he decides to throw his hat in the ring."
Alex Nitzberg is a writer for Digital.
- Pizzo's switch from the Democratic party signals a shift in Florida's political landscape, as he aims to promote health in governance and resiliency, ready to tackle the state's fiscal and resilience challenges.
- The upcoming policy-and-legislation concerning the Sunshine State's governorship might see a new contender, as Pizzo criticizes the Democratic Party's direction and positions himself as an independent candidate, challenging the status quo.
- Amidst the general news about Florida's political dynamics, reports suggest that Pizzo sees additives like resilience and people-oriented governance as key to steering the state through stormy waters and improving its overall health.
- As Pizzo launches his bid for Florida's governorship, he chips away at the Democratic Party's dominance in the state, echoing his assertion that the Democratic Party is sinking.
- With Democrats feeling the heat from within their ranks, the race to replace Governor DeSantis in 2026 grows more complicated, as high-profile candidates like Byron Donalds, with endorsements from influential figures like former President Trump, ready to challenge the conventional political landscape.
