With state Rep. Ben Diamond, D-St. Petersburg, running for Congress next year, Democrats in the Florida House have turned to state Rep. Ramon Alexander, D-Tallahassee, to be their next leader.
The caucus announced this week that Alexander, currently serving as his party’s whip, will take over after the 2022 elections and will serve through the 2024 elections. Diamond is running for the seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, D-Fla., who is running for governor, a post he held from 2007 through 2011.
For the two years after the 2024 elections, House Democrats will be led by state Rep. Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, who was announced as the caucus’ leader for that period. Currently the policy chair for the caucus, she will be the first Black woman to lead Florida House Democrats.
The two current House Democratic Co-Leaders–Bobby DuBose, D-Ft. Lauderdale, and Evan Jenne, D-Hollywood–weighed in on the incoming leaders.
“I congratulate my colleagues Representatives Ramon Alexander and Fentrice Driskell for rising to the task of leading our caucus for their respective terms. I’m proud of our strong caucus for coming together to make these important choices. The future of our caucus is in extremely good hands. If their work ethic is any indication of their future success, then I strongly believe they will continue tirelessly fighting for all Floridians,” DuBose said.
“I’m proud of the choices this caucus made today. By making Representatives Ramon Alexander and Fentrice Driskell leader designates for the next two terms, they have made sure that strong, principled individuals will be at the forefront of our caucus into the foreseeable future,” Jenne said.
“I appreciate the trust that members have placed in me to serve in this role. I am confident that the election today shows a united House Democratic Caucus, and I am ready to lead the way to meet the challenges ahead,” said Alexander.
“I am honored the House Democratic Caucus elected me to be their leader designate for the 2024-26 cycle. As policy chair, I worked hard to strengthen our caucus through focused and inclusive leadership that led to increased unity within our ranks. It’s not lost on me that the caucus chose to make history and elect the first Black woman to lead our caucus. My colleagues have placed their trust in me, and now I look forward to rising to the occasion and working closely with them to continue making history for the betterment of Florida,” said Driskell.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
