From the Chair's Desk

Happy Pride Month, Democrats!

During Pride Month we honor the LGBTQ+ community and the progress we’ve made in the fight for equality. Let’s stand strong in our commitment to love, acceptance, and inclusive policies. Together, we can build a brighter future where everyone can live authentically and proudly.

This week marked this end of our transition period at the Florida Democratic Party. We are thrilled to have Phillip Jerez join FDP as our next Executive Director. Many of you remember Phillip from his roles as Political Director for the gubernatorial campaigns of Charlie Crist and Andrew Gillum. Phillip began his political career as an aide to Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and most recently was Deputy Director of Engagement for Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General. As Executive Director, Phillip will help me execute our strategic plan to build Democratic political power throughout Florida.

I am filled with immense pride for the remarkable and diverse team we have assembled at FDP. Our journey has only just begun, and with your invaluable support, we will overcome every obstacle in our path and achieve extraordinary heights. Together, we will not only defeat Rick Scott, but also ensure that neither Ron DeSantis nor Donald Trump ever come close to the White House.
Forward,
Nikki Fried
Chair
Florida Democratic Party

Ballot Petitions

Two weeks ago, Floridians Protecting Freedom launched a citizen-led ballot initiative campaign to give Florida voters the chance to ensure that their personal medical decisions are theirs and theirs alone to make. Volunteers can sign up to help and also sign up for training at the FPF page linked here.

Many DECs and Caucuses are also carrying the Florida Right to Clean Water petition as they knock on doors and talk to voters. We encourage all of our DECs to carry both of these petitions.

FDP will be supporting these effort and we have added both petitions to our petitions page.

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.