Latest news with #JasonPizzo
CBS News
05-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Former GOP Congressman David Jolly launches Florida gubernatorial bid as a Democrat
Former Republican Congressman David Jolly, who represented Florida's 13th District from 2014 to 2017, is officially running for Governor of Florida as a Democrat. Jolly, a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, joins a growing and diverse field in the 2026 race, which includes Republican Congressman Byron Donalds and former Democrat-turned-Independent Jason Pizzo. In an interview with CBS News Miami's Joan Murray, Jolly explained his decision to run under the Democratic banner, despite the significant voter registration gap favoring Republicans. "My values align with the Democratic Party. And I think in the state of Florida and the two-party system, the Democratic Party is the right vessel to bring about change, to lead a coalition of Democratic voters, traditional Democratic voters, independents, and common-sense Republicans. I think the Democratic Party can lead that coalition best," Jolly said. Jolly previously left the Republican Party, citing a lack of alignment with his core beliefs, and spent several years as an independent before recently registering as a Democrat. "Even when I was in Congress as a Republican, I supported marriage equality, gun control, climate science, campaign finance reform. Republicans didn't want me. Democrats didn't need me. I spent the last six or seven years as an independent, as an MPA in the state of Florida, and I love the independent thought that comes with that. You know, I say I'm for lower corporate taxes, but more gun control. That makes me left and right, and I think most voters have a real independent thought when it comes to politics, but my values have largely always aligned with the Democratic coalition," he explained. Affordability, culture and party rebuilding at center of campaign Jolly said his campaign will focus heavily on Florida's affordability crisis, a concern he says affects every community. "…In the state of Florida, that's impacting everybody, every walk of life, every community. People are concerned about their ability to afford quality housing, their ability to access a quality education, either through the public education system or through the voucher program, utility bills, car insurance. The affordability crisis in Florida is number one for voters, and it's number one for our family. We have young children. This is a lived experience for us. If we don't tackle the affordability crisis, people will continue to ask if they can raise their families in Florida. If they can continue to live in Florida." He blamed the Republican-controlled legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis for worsening the crisis. "I think Ron DeSantis has created the affordability crisis by favoring developers over responsible growth, by refusing to fix our property insurance crisis and by failing to address true property tax reform. He has created this moment." Jolly also criticized the cultural tone set under DeSantis' leadership. "I also would say that he has created a culture in Florida that does not represent the values that this state can hold. I believe in a state that lifts everybody up, that recognizes, regardless of who you love or who you worship, you're valued, and you're celebrated, that whether you moved here from another country, from another state, or were born here, you're welcome here. We're going to recognize your contribution to our state and our community. I think the culture wars have divided us. I think it's wrong in many ways. I think it's gross. I think we need to return to a value set where everybody is welcome in the state of Florida." A divided party and a crowded race Florida Democrats face steep challenges following significant losses in 2024. One of Jolly's opponents, Jason Pizzo, left the Democratic Party and declared it politically dead. In response, Jolly said, "I disagree, obviously, with Senator Pizzo, but I also will tell you this, I have enormous respect for Senator Pizzo. I respect anyone who follows their political conviction. I did that when I left the Republican Party. I understand his journey. I think he wants to bring about change in the state of Florida, and so do I. I think the way we do that is through the Florida Democratic Party." Candidates for Florida governor have until June 8–12, 2026, to qualify for the race.
Miami Herald
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Is David Jolly the savior Florida Democrats need?
I saw the future of the Florida Democratic Party in Coral Gables Sunday night and news flash: It's alive and kicking. That's despite state Sen. Jason Pizzo's recent political obituary for the party, which he just left. The future is David Jolly, a former Republican congressman–turned–independent–turned–Democrat, who says he's contemplating a run for governor in 2026. Fact is, he's well past the contemplating stage. He's holding well-attended town halls around the state. More than 300 people showed up on a holiday weekend night in Coral Gables. Jolly, who's familiar to many from regular appearances on MSNBC, is already running hard — and connecting with dispirited voters, primarily Democrats. He's got a story to tell, and he tells it well. His main campaign theme is the affordability crisis. He talks about tackling the painfully high cost of living, the shortage of workforce housing, skyrocketing insurance rates and underfunded public schools. He says school vouchers should be means-tested, not handed out to parents who can already afford private school tuition. A 52-year-old lawyer, Jolly told the audience at the Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ that he's undergone an 'evolution' in his political thinking over the past decade. He was often out of step with fellow Republicans during his time in Congress from 2014 to 2017, representing a Tampa-area district. He supported marriage equality and a pro-LGBTQ amendment to a defense spending bill. He was the only Republican in the House to vote against an investigation of Planned Parenthood. On the House floor in 2016, he called for Trump to resign over the Muslim travel ban. Perhaps Jolly's biggest shift has been on abortion. He grew up in Southwest Miami-Dade, where his father was a Baptist pastor and he was taught that abortion is a sin. He says life experience changed his mind. The shift was not for political expediency, but it will certainly help him in a state where 57% of voters supported a constitutional amendment last year granting women the right to choose. 'Government should get out of our bedrooms and doctors' offices,' Jolly told the audience, drawing cheers. He's also moved center-left on gun control. He opposes revoking the state's post-Parkland ban on selling guns to anyone under 21. He supports comprehensive background checks on all gun sales. 'We need to respect law-abiding gun owners,' he said, 'and get guns out of the hands of criminals and gang-bangers.' Some other salient points that drew applause at the town hall: Jolly said the Legislature should stop overriding local government decisions, ordinances and voter referendums. 'If the people of Key West vote to ban large cruise ships from docking, they should have that right.' He also said Florida high school graduates who qualify for state universities should be given admission priority over out-of-state applicants. He argued that state colleges and universities shouldn't serve as landing spots for retiring politicians — a recurring practice under Gov. Ron DeSantis. He criticized DeSantis for allegedly diverting $10 million in Medicaid money to fund his campaign against legalizing recreational marijuana. There were a couple of soft spots in Jolly's presentation. His position on immigration needs more clarity, and he was at a loss when asked how he would appeal to Hispanic voters. 'I'll need your help,' he said. And how. But for a very early campaign stop — we're still 17 months from Election Day —Jolly made an impressive showing. Sources say he's already lined up some deep-pocketed donors and might get help from the Democratic National Committee. He admitted his biggest threat could be a wealthy independent candidate entering the race. That might be Pizzo, a smart and very rich state senator from Sunny Isles Beach. I like and respect Pizzo, whom I consider a friend. But spending millions of dollars in a quixotic quest for governor is a dead end — and could siphon off enough votes to ensure victory for Rep. Byron Donalds, the Republican candidate endorsed by Donald Trump. But if the economy tanks in the next year, if DeSantis (and his attorney general) get further entangled in the Hope Florida Foundation charity scandal, and if Jolly runs a campaign that truly meets Floridians 'where they're at,' as he promises, he might be the long-awaited Democrat who turns Florida back from red to purple. As we say in Miami, nos vemos. Michael Putney is a retired former political reporter at WPLG-Channel 10.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DeSantis says anyone running for Florida governor as a Democrat is ‘dead meat'
Gov. Ron DeSantis says prominent ex-Democrats may run for governor next year as no-party independent or third-party candidates because the Democratic Party label has become toxic in Florida. 'You're seeing this stuff about a three-way race because people know if you have a 'D' next to your name in this state, you are dead meat because this party is a disaster,' the Republican governor said. DeSantis, who narrowly won the 2018 election and won a blowout victory in 2022, delivered his political analysis in response to a question at a news conference in Tampa. He ran through a long list of issues on which he said Democratic Party views diverge from what most voters want. 'If you look at all the things that we've done, the Democrat Party in this state fought us tooth and nail,' he said, citing his policies on reopening schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, and government money for people sending their children to private schools. On crime, DeSantis said, Democrats 'wanted to have California-style policies.' 'That's the type of stuff that they wanted and so I think what you're seeing is you're seeing an effort for people to try to think if they remove that albatross around their neck, then somehow they're going to be viable,' DeSantis said of potential no party/independent or third-party candidates. 'But here's the thing: You can dress it up anyway you want. If you put lipstick on a donkey, guess what? That thing's still a donkey,' he said. The Democrats' longtime symbol has been a donkey. The Florida Democratic Party didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Ex-Democrat Jason Pizzo, a state senator, has said he's running as a no-party affiliation/independent candidate for governor. Ex Democrat John Morgan, the well-known personal injury lawyer, plans to form a new political party that could be a vehicle for him to run next year. Democrats are in terrible shape in Florida. The party hasn't won an election for governor in more than three decades, haven't won a top-tier race since 2012, and have fallen behind Republicans in registered voters. On Tuesday, Republican Party leaders were gathering in Miami-Dade County to celebrate their overtaking Democrats in the number of active registered voters in the state's largest county. If inactive voters, who still can cast ballots, are included, Democrats are still ahead. As hurricane season nears, DeSantis allays concern about federal disaster agency: 'We've never relied on FEMA' Florida's 2026 governor race: Would third-party candidates lock in another Republican victory? Jason Pizzo says he'll run for Florida governor as an independent David Jolly entices Florida Democrats with dream of winning 2026 governor's race Confidence among Hispanics in U.S. economy dips, FAU national poll finds The governor and his wife, Casey DeSantis, were in Tampa to talk up the Hope Florida program, her initiative to help single parents, people on public assistance, seniors and others who need help get assistance, often through religious organizations. It's been under scrutiny, including by Republicans, for its financial practices. On Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Times first reported that a prosecutor's office opened an investigation relating to the Hope Florida Foundation. Casey DeSantis hasn't said if she plans to seek the Republican nomination for governor next year, when term limits prevent her husband from running for reelection. She didn't provide any clarity about her plans on Tuesday. After the governor's assessment of the Democrats, Casey Desantis said, 'All I have to say is 'Preach, brother.' I mean it's true. We've got to save the free state.' She demurred about next year's election. 'We literally just went through an election cycle,' and 'people are so tired of politics.' She then offered criticism about 'these career politicians.' She answered after a reporter said he wanted to pose a question to her during the question-and-answer session that followed both DeSantises talking about Hope Florida. 'You can ask it to me and if I think it's good for her to answer I'll pass it along,' DeSantis said. After hearing the question, DeSantis said, 'I'll let her come up and take a swing if she wants to,' before giving his views. Anthony Man can be reached at aman@ and can be found @browardpolitics on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and Mastodon.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Jason Pizzo says he'll run for Florida governor as an independent
State Sen. Jason Pizzo, who's talked about running for Florida governor for much of the past year, is ready to move beyond talk. He says he will run for the job next year. The part that was unexpected, until just a few weeks ago, is the label that he'll be running under. On April 24, he denounced and quit the Democratic Party and changed his registration to no party affiliation. So he'll be running as a no party affiliation/independent candidate. 'Yes, I am,' Pizzo said in an interview that aired Sunday on WFOR-Ch.4's 'Facing South Florida.' Pizzo said he is equipped to handle the challenge of what he predicted would be a coming state budget deficit. He said he would focus on issues that matter to people, not 'the rhetoric that the Republicans want to push' and won't offer the 'visceral reaction that Democrats have to every little step or statement that the Republicans make.' 'We need somebody who can balance a checkbook, who understands finance, not just economic theory, who's concerned about infrastructure and resiliency and the environment and education and all of these things that are at the top of mind for people that are just trying to keep a roof over their head, keep their kids clothed and educated,' Pizzo said. 'They want people that say, 'Listen, how am I going to pay my taxes? How am I going to pay my mortgage or my rent? Is my environment, when I flush my toilet, will it work? When it rains, is it going to inundate me with flooding, and can I really even afford to live here with property insurance?'' he said. Pizzo, a longtime Miami-Dade County resident, is now registered to vote in Broward County. In April, when he announced his departure from the Democratic Party during a speech from the floor of the state Senate, he alluded to his move when he said he sent his registration change to Broward Supervisor of Elections Joe Scott. The Elections Office confirmed Monday that he is a registered NPA in the county. Other details are exempt from public disclosure because of Pizzo's past work prosecuting dangerous criminals as an assistant Miami-Dade County state attorney. A statewide campaign in Florida, a large state with 10 media markets, is an expensive undertaking. Gov. Ron DeSantis and his allied political committee spent $100 million on his 2022 reelection. His unsuccessful Democratic challenger Charlie Crist spent about $31 million. Four years earlier, DeSantis and his Democratic opponent Andrew Gillum spent about $100 million total. Pizzo is in a position to self fund a large part of a campaign if he chooses. His latest financial disclosure filed as a state senator showed he estimated his net worth as of Dec. 31, 2023, was $59.1 million. When 'Facing South Florida' host Jim DeFede asked Pizzo if he planned on self-financing his campaign and would decline political action committee or other outside money, Pizzo said this: 'It'll be private. I'll raise it myself.' Florida Senate Democrats change course with new leader Lori Berman. 'She doesn't fly off the cuff.' Democrat Pizzo, edging closer to run for Florida governor, sees Republican Donalds candidacy as irrelevant Campaign cash flows to state Rep. Cassel after her switch to Republican Party Looking for relevance in Republican Florida, Democratic leader seeks distance from progressives Dissatisfied with his party's potential candidates, Democratic state senator may run for Florida governor David Jolly entices Florida Democrats with dream of winning 2026 governor's race In the past, Pizzo said, he has refused to accept campaign contributions from special interests seeking to influence his position on particular issues. 'I'm going to be on the right position, that I think is the right position based on the merit of the position, and not based on a donation, and it sucks that we're here, Jim, but that's the reality,' Pizzo said. Pizzo didn't immediately return a request for comment on Monday. Regardless of whether Pizzo wins or loses, his decision has an impact on Broward County. Since the 2022 election, Pizzo's district has been a mostly Broward district. He was elected last year to a four-year term, but under the state's resign-to-run law he would have to resign the Senate seat to run for governor. He would have to submit an irrevocable resignation at the end of May 2026, 10 days before candidates officially begin qualifying to get on the ballot. That would trigger an election in November 2026 to fill the remaining two years on Pizzo's Senate term. Former Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book, who left office because of term limits last year, has already filed paperwork to run for the Pizzo-held Senate seat, and has said she'd run in 2026 or 2028, whenever the seat opens. Another potential candidate is state Rep. Hillary Cassel, who represents much of the same territory that's in the state Senate district. In December, after last year's election, Cassel also quit the Democratic Party and registered as a Republican. She previously filed paperwork to run for reelection, but could switch. Cassel didn't immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. The 37th state Senate district takes in most of Broward east of Interstate 95 from Davie Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale north to the Palm Beach County line. South of Davie Boulevard it takes in nearly all of Broward east of Florida's Turnpike. It includes the downtown Fort Lauderdale business district, wealthy enclaves along the coast, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades. It also includes a pocket of northeast Miami-Dade County, including Aventura. It may seem early for candidates to declare their plans for the 2026 governor's race, but it isn't. Candidates often file formal paperwork, or at least signal their intentions, during the first half of the year before a major statewide election. Republican Congressman Byron Donalds is already seeking his party's nomination, and has been endorsed by President Donald Trump. Casey DeSantis, wife of the governor, also may run in the Republican primary. Term limits prevent Ron DeSantis from running again. Former Congressman David Jolly, a former Republican and now a Democrat, has been traveling the state as he gears up for a run. And another much talked about potential no party affiliation/independent candidate for governor, the trial lawyer John Morgan, whose firm is ubiquitous on TV ads and on billboards, is set to deliver a major speech Wednesday in Tallahassee. Pizzo, 48, first elected to the Senate in 2018, is well known in political circles. A statewide poll conducted May 5-7 for the James Madison Institute, a conservative think tank, found Pizzo isn't well known. The poll found 35% said they weren't familiar with him and 21% said they had no opinion. He was viewed favorably by 22% and unfavorably by 23%. In a September 2024 interview, Pizzo described a scenario where 'somebody like me' could get elected. 'I think I would offer the best chance' for the Democrats, Pizzo said. 'When you go down the checklist of boxes, the pros and cons, yeah, I would like my chances.' He said at the time that the large number of no party affiliation voters — who make up more than a quarter of the state's registered voters — are looking for something different than what Democrats have offered up in recent elections. They would 'love to have an alternative, would like to dip their toe into something else,' he said last year, a message he leaned into during his WFOR-Ch. 4 appearance. 'NPAs decide who wins elections in this state.' As recently as February, he said he might be the Democratic nominee for governor. He spent much of his five months as Senate Democratic leader emphasizing a centrist message and seeking to distance the party from its progressive wing. It concluded with a late-April speech when he resigned his leadership position, declared the party 'dead,' and became an NPA. Anthony Man can be reached at aman@ and can be found @browardpolitics on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and Mastodon.
CBS News
11-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
One-on-one with Jason Pizzo
One-on-one with Jason Pizzo Jim interviews State Senator Jason Pizzo, who represents portions of South Florida, in the aftermath and amid the fallout following his sudden departure from the Democratic Party, switching to "no party affiliation." The two discuss what was behind his move and if he plans to run for governor as an independent. Guest: State Sen. Jason Pizzo/NPA-Broward County About the issue Two weeks after proclaiming the Democratic Party "dead" in Florida and switching his registration to NPA, State Senator Jason Pizzo declared he was running for governorOne in 2026 as an independent during an interview with CBS News Miami. Although it was widely viewed that he made the switch with the intention of running for governor, this was the first time he stated it as a matter of fact. "Yes, I am," he said when asked the question. "We need somebody who can balance a checkbook, who understands finance, not just economic theory; who's concerned about infrastructure and resiliency and the environment and education and all of these things that are top of mind for people that are just trying to keep a roof over their head, keep their kids clothed and educated," Pizzo said. He said the needs of most Floridians are not being met by "the rhetoric that the Republicans want to push" or by the Democrats overreacting "to every little step or statement that the Republicans make." "They want people that say, listen, how am I going to pay my taxes? How am I going to pay my mortgage or my rent? When I flush my toilet, will it work? When it rains, is it going to inundate me with flooding? And can I really even afford to live here with property insurance?" Pizzo, a former prosecutor whose family built a multimillion-dollar housing business in the Northeast, said he is prepared to invest $25 million into his campaign and raise another $30 million from friends and family.
