Political consultant and Hispanic advocate Alex Berrios announced his candidacy to lead the Florida Democratic Party.
Berrios announced his run on Tuesday via his Twitter Account, saying that “Florida needs bold leadership with experience, vision, and a plan to win.”
Florida needs bold leadership with experience, vision and a plan to win. Thats why Im announcing my candidacy for Chair of the @FlaDems
A changing of the guard can be hard but necessary. New ideas and approaches are what we need
I worked hard for years, starting as a…
🧵1
— Alex Berrios (@Aberrios04) January 10, 2023
Berrios continued to make a case for himself, arguing that his extensive experience as a Democrat volunteer would translate to being chair and that, unlike former chairs, he’d be able to “hit the ground running.”
Because of my yrs of direct experience, I will hit the ground running and not lose 1 yr as other Chairs do when they start from scratch
Ive stayed involved at the executive level and am ready to get to work for us
3— Alex Berrios (@Aberrios04) January 10, 2023
Berrios founded Mi Vecino, a voter registration organization explicitly focused on Hispanics. He suggested his on-the-ground experience would deliver necessary change to the state political party.
The announcement comes a day after Florida Democratic Party Chair Manny Diaz retired following a disastrous Midterm Season for Florida Democrats. November 2022 saw Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis win re-election by over 19 percentage points, Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio did the same by a commanding 17 points, and the GOP picked up four U.S. House seats. DeSantis endorsed school board candidates also found success, and Republicans secured a supermajority in the state House and Senate. Moreover, Republicans held a dominant 9 to 1 lead over Florida democrats in newly registered voters.
Berrios, however, denied the red wave, saying DeSantis only did a little better than in 2018. In the same November tweet, Berrios claimed that Diaz should not resign.
I disagree. Every single year since I've been involved there have been Dems calling for the resignation of whoever is in charge. Every single year. Trust me it can be much worse
— Alex Berrios (@Aberrios04) November 24, 2022
Now, Berrios is running on fixing the party and is eager to fill the vacuum Diaz left behind, sparking mixed reactions.
Some observers on Twitter voiced their support for his candidacy.
I stand behind you!
— Up against a Wall (@ellaportman1) January 10, 2023
I am now following you and 100% agree!! Our leadership in the state is awful!!!
— Makeadifference☮️🇺🇸🐝💙🏈🌊 (@wepersistusa) January 10, 2023
You have my vote! The group you founded that is registering voters door to door is exactly the kind of organizing the Democrats needs in Florida….that along with a decent candidate and not an old, tired, recycled white guy!
— Alicia Smith (@AliciaS92460079) January 10, 2023
Others, however, replied with opposition and skepticism, with some partially blaming Berrios for the Florida Democratic Party’s failures.
Follow Florida Jolt on Twitter
You are literally responsible for breaking last years FDP field operation
— Ciera Smith 🐊 (@cieradsmith) January 10, 2023
Can you list specific tangible achievements you had a hand in from your time at FDP?
— Woke&Proud (@MShatzy) January 10, 2023
I really hope you reconsider, you seem to ignore certain areas and candidates not to mention we don’t know if you lean too far left or not if so then it’s a problem as long as it’s not @tomaskenn then I hope I’m wrong about you
— Call me Frank 🇺🇸🇨🇺🇨🇱 (@frank0775) January 10, 2023
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