
This week marked a pivotal moment for our nation, as President Joe Biden announced his intention to seek re-election. Thanks to President Biden’s strong leadership, we have managed to overcome the pandemic and reopen our economy. Unemployment rates have reached historic lows, underscoring the undeniable fact that under Democratic leadership, the economy works better for all Americans.
President Biden’s accomplishments in domestic policy are remarkable, and his unwavering commitment to promoting democracy across the globe is equally impressive. In foreign policy, he has consistently stood up to Russia to safeguard democracy worldwide, while strengthening and protecting NATO. The free world is more united than ever before, thanks to President Biden’s leadership.
Extreme members of the Republican Party, like Trump and DeSantis, will stop at nothing to curtail the rights of Americans and isolate us from the rest of the world. That’s why I strongly support President Biden. He is a compassionate leader that puts partisanship aside for the betterment of America. He was the right person for the job three years ago and he is the right person for the job now.
Forward,
Nikki Fried
Chair
Florida Democratic Party
2024 Campaign
Click Here to watch the first TV ad President Biden released in Swing States. Let’s finish the job.
Chair’s Travels

This week in Tallahassee, I had the opportunity to meet a with the Democratic Environmental Caucus as part of their Legislative Days of Action.
In Orlando, I had the opportunity to visit and see a lot of friends at the Democratic Womens Club of Florida Conference.
I want to congratulate Meri Forte-Namuj on her election to President of the Florida Democratic Womens Club!

Saturday, I joined Young Dems in St. Johns to march for our freedoms before heading to Jacksonville to join Duval DEC Chair Daniel Henry in a Day of Action for their upcoming election! I want to thank the great group of volunteers who showed up. We are coming down to the wire and need all hands-on deck from around the state to help get our Democrats across the finish line.

I also joined the Lauren’s Kids 42 hour walk at the Capitol. Congratulations to Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book on organizing this successful event and helping to bring awareness to sexual assault and child abuse prevention.
Marcelle Bessman
During the past week, I received the sad news of Marcelle Bessman’s passing. I would like to express my gratitude to her family and friends for allowing us to know her and cherish her for many years. May her memory bring solace to those who knew and loved her. Marcelle served as the President of the Duval Democratic Senior Caucus until February of this year, and is survived by her husband, John, and her daughter, Sharon Sweet. I would like to invite everyone to join me in sending thoughts and prayers to her family and friends during this difficult time.
DEC Spotlight
This past week Florence Shelton-Clark received a Community Service Award at the Manatee County Democrats Annual Gala. I want to congratulate State Committeewoman Shelton-Clark on this award and thank her for all the work she has done over the years for our Party. To view the whole article, please click below.
Stand United Rally May 7
This legislative session has made our state more dangerous and less free. From permitless carry and bans on reproductive rights to attacks on our public education and diversity initiatives – we must fight back with one strong voice. The urgency of this moment calls us to stand together.
Join Florida Dems in Tampa on May 7 as we demonstrate a united movement and raise our voices against the divisive and dangerous legislation passed in this session.
Sign up below and bring your voices, friends, banners, and flags to show our movement is united. If your organization would like to partner with FDP, please contact abi@floridadems.org. Once you register, you will receive the location of the event.

Municipal Elections
Once again because of the hard work of our DECs, Clubs, and Caucuses, Tampa will have a Democratic majority on the city council.
As we approach election day in Jacksonville, we need all hands on deck to maintain our momentum and ensure victory in Duval. Sign up below to call voters in Jacksonville about their elections on May 16. Let’s turn Duval Blue!


Vote-by-Mail
As we draw closer to the 2024 campaign cycle, it is crucial that we prioritize the collection of Vote-by-Mail applications. Republican voter suppression tactics have resulted in the disenfranchisement of Floridians who would have otherwise been eligible to receive a Vote by Mail ballot.
Now that VBM rolls have been cleared, I urge each DEC, club and caucus to commit time every week to making phone calls, canvassing, and texting fellow Democrats to encourage them to reenroll in Vote-by-Mail. Want to share your VBM program with other DECs and Caucuses?
Email partyaffairs@floridadems.org.
Voters can check their Vote by Mail status on our website here.
Delegate Selection Plan – 2024
The DNC announced this week that the 2024 Democratic National Convention will be held in Chicago! Running from August 19th to August 22nd, 2024, this event promises to be a significant moment in American political history.
As part of the preparations for the convention, the Florida Democratic Party is presenting the proposed Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plan for public review. The 30-day comment period began on April 5th, 2023, and will end on May 5th, 2023, at 5:00 pm. You can access the plan below and share your feedback by emailing delegateplan@floridadems.org.
We encourage all members of the public to take part in this important process and help shape the future of the Democratic Party.
New Logo
Help us find our new logo! FDP is now accepting design submissions for our new logo. To enter, submit a design to logo@floridadems.org with subject line “New Logo Submission.”
Chair’s Challenge
Competing and winning demand resources, and I am proud to announce the launch of our Chair’s Challenge. You can join the chair’s monthly challenge by becoming a recurring donor to FDP. Every time I speak with a group, I urge Democrats from Florida and across the country to donate a small amount each month. With just $5 a month, you can help fund our party infrastructure, focus on long-term mobilization efforts, and revitalize our grassroots movement.Â

Caucus Events:
If your Caucus is having an event and you would like shared to our members, please email a flyer to partyaffairs@floridadems.org. Please click on the graphic to learn more about the events!
The Democratic Black Caucus of Florida looks forward to celebrating 40 years of continued Excellence with you at our Annual Conference and Gala on May 19-21 at the beautiful Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, FL. Join, Register, Donate, and Support us as we “Remember the Past …..Fight For Our Future!”Â
