Florida Democratic Party

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried is urging Republican U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody to release a grand jury report related to $10 million in taxpayer funds diverted to the Hope Florida Foundation. The funds, part of a legal settlement, were allegedly used to support political committees and oppose a 2024 recreational marijuana ballot initiative. A grand jury investigation followed, but the report remains unsealed despite state law requiring its release unless objections are raised.

Annette Taddeo and Earle Ford are competing in the Democratic primary for Florida’s CFO position to challenge incumbent Blaise Ingoglia. Both candidates entered the race close to the qualifying deadline, with Ford switching from a congressional bid and Taddeo joining shortly after. The CFO oversees financial and insurance regulation in Florida.

The U.S. House rejected an amendment by Thomas Massie to cut $3.3 billion in aid to Israel, but 103 Democrats, including Maxwell Frost, supported it. Retired Lt. Col. Alex Vindman and Jacksonville state Rep. Angie Nixon, both U.S. Senate hopefuls, expressed differing views on the funding cut, with Nixon endorsing it and Vindman advocating for a two-state solution while emphasizing Israel's security.

The Florida Democratic Party has voted to oppose Amendment 3, which seeks to expand the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes and reduce property taxes. The party argues the amendment would cut local government funding for services like public safety and infrastructure. The Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association and other groups also oppose the measure, citing concerns over reduced emergency services funding.

Pete Buttigieg addressed Florida Democrats at the Leadership Blue gala, expressing cautious optimism about the party's ability to compete and win in November elections despite Republican registration advantages. He highlighted recent Democratic victories in Miami and state legislative races as evidence of shifting opportunities.

The July 19, 2026 episode of 'This Week in South Florida' featured host Glenna Milberg and guests including Broward County Supervisor of Elections Joe Scott, Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia, Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried, and Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association Executive Director Harold Theus. The full episode is available for viewing.

Nikki Fried, chair of the Florida Democratic Party, appeared on the latest episode of 'This Week in South Florida' with host Glenna Milberg.

Florida Democrats held a 'Comeback' themed fundraiser in Orlando to energize supporters ahead of the 2026 midterms, with speakers including Pete Buttigieg and state Sen. Brian Nathan discussing affordability and housing costs. The event highlighted challenges like Republican voter registration advantages and district maps favoring Republicans, while candidates emphasized cross-party collaboration and core values.

Jack Latvala, a longtime Florida Republican lawmaker, died at 74. He opposed privatization of state prisons and supported public employees, faced sexual harassment allegations in 2017 leading to his retirement, and was remembered for his independent stance and bipartisan respect.

Florida's high SNAP error rate could cost the state up to $1 billion, with Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried alleging the errors are intentional to limit program participation. USDA data shows Florida's 12.97% error rate exceeds the national average, potentially requiring state contributions to the federal food program for the first time.

Florida Republicans criticized the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold Mississippi's law allowing mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day and received within five days. They argued it undermines election integrity and emphasized urgency to pass the SAVE America Act, which would require voter photo ID and proof of citizenship. Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried supported the ruling, calling it a win for voting rights.

Jerry Demings, a gubernatorial candidate, has suspended his 2026 campaign due to a treatable prostate cancer diagnosis. He will continue serving as Orange County Mayor until his term ends in November.

South Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson announced she will not seek re-election. The announcement was made during a street naming ceremony in Miami Gardens, where the street is named after her elementary school. Wilson has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2011 and previously held roles in the Florida Senate and House of Representatives.

Al Sharpton condemned Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for impersonating House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, amid an ongoing redistricting battle and feud over political rhetoric. DeSantis imitated Jeffries' bombastic rhetoric and voice, which Sharpton deemed offensive. The Supreme Court recently ruled to limit how race can be used in districting.