Nikki Fried

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.

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.

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.

First vote-by-mail ballots for the 2026 Florida primaries have been returned, with 523,083 Democratic voters requesting VBM ballots compared to 391,149 Republican voters. Supervisors of elections must send ballots by Thursday, and 477 overseas ballots have already been returned. A 2021 law requires voters to request mail ballots annually, leading to challenges in voter education and retention.

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.

Ron DeSantis praised the U.S. Supreme Court's 6-3 decision allowing the Trump administration to terminate temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitians and Syrians, leading to potential deportations. The ruling permits the end of TPS for 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians, with Florida Democrats criticizing the decision as harmful and un-American.

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.