Another Top Florida Democrat Leaves The Party, Calls it 'A Mess'

Another top Florida Democrat announced he will be leaving the party, a new instance of an exodus that has intensified over the past months, particularly since President Donald Trump's victory in the November election.

The latest elected official to make the announcement is state Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo, who said the "Democratic Party in Florida is dead" and is changing his registration to no party affiliation.

Speaking on the Senate floor, Pizzo said his now former party is a "mess" and blasted political partisanship, saying "constituents are craving practical leaders, not political hacks." "I think stripping myself of the title of a party designation allows me to run free and clear, clean and transparent, and help many, many more," he added.

Nikki Fried, party chair in the state, criticized the decision, calling it "ineffective and unpopular," linking it to aspirations to run for governor next year. "Jason's failure to build support within our party for a gubernatorial run has led to this final embarrassing temper tantrum. I'd be lying if I said I'm sad to see him go, but I wish him the best of luck in the political wilderness he's created for himself," she added.

Pizzo's is not the only Democrat to leave the party in the past months, with others even joining the Republican party. In January Doral Vice Mayor Maureen Porras said she would do so as the last election "was a clear and resounding message from voters that our country needed a strong leader." "President Trump's leadership transcends all levels of government," she added.

The official then criticized her now former party, saying it does not represent her "values and those of the majority of Americans." "They have prioritized minority opinions and neglected to understand and address the real issues affecting our communities," she added.

State Reps. Hillary Cassel and Susan Valdes also crossed the aisle in December. The former did so citing concerns including the party's position on the Israel-Hamas war. Cassel, a "proud Jewish woman," expressed frustration with the Democratic Party's "failure to unequivocally support Israel" and its tolerance of "extreme progressive voices" she believes justify or condone terrorism. "I can no longer remain in a party that doesn't represent my values," she said.

Valdes, on her end, also cited frustration with the Democratic Party, saying "I will not waste my final two years in the Florida Legislature being ignored in a caucus whose leadership expects me to ignore the needs of my community."