‘More determined than ever’: Senate Democrats elect Lori Berman as new Leader

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. 4/20/22-Sen. Lori Berman, D-Boynton Beach, speaks against the congressional redistricting map the Senate later approved, Wednesday at the Capitol in Tallahassee. COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

Senate Democrats have elected a new leader: Lori Berman of Boynton Beach, who is taking the job after Jason Pizzo stepped down from the role and announced he is leaving the Democratic Party.

Berman will serve as Senate Democratic Leader for the remainder of the 2024-26 term, a press note from the Florida Senate Democratic Office said, adding that the “caucus thanks former Leader Pizzo for his service.”

Berman said in a statement that she is “honored and humbled” by the support of her colleagues.

“At a time when Floridians are demanding results, clarity, and courage, our caucus is more unified and more determined than ever,” she said.

“Across the country and here at home, we’ve seen what happens when Democrats lead with vision and values — from winning special elections to shifting the conversation on issues that matter most to working families.”

Democratic Leader Pro Tempore Tracie Davis, who expressed gratitude that Pizzo gave her “the opportunity to serve as his partner,” said Berman’s election is “a well-deserved recognition of her service and deep dedication to supporting Democratic values in the Florida Senate.”

“I have no doubt that under Leader Berman’s leadership, our caucus will continue to address the issues most important to Floridians,” she said. “I am committed to continue my service as Leader Pro Tempore — as I believe there is much more work to do — and look forward to succeeding my good friend in 2026 as Leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus.”

Sen. Shevrin Jones, a former Chair of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party, applauded Berman’s selection.

“I am thrilled to congratulate my longtime friend and colleague Sen. Lori Berman on this new role as Leader of our caucus. Throughout her time in the Legislature, she has led the fight for our shared values, working hard to improve everyday people’s lives and always standing up for what’s right. I am confident Sen. Berman will be the steady, focused champion we need in this moment,” he said in a statement.

“Too many in this work lose sight of what really matters: delivering for people. Florida Democrats are anything but ‘dead’ as we continue to organize, mobilize, and work to deliver tangible results for Floridians. I’m excited to work with Sen. Berman in this mission.”

A lawyer, Berman has been a state lawmaker representing Palm Beach County since 2010 and has long championed legislation to help families, women and Florida’s less well-to-do residents. She has also repeatedly carried bills focused on “common-sense gun” safety.

Pizzo resigned as Senate Democratic Leader in an intense speech on the Senate floor Thursday, announcing he’d filed paperwork to register with no party affiliation and lamenting that members of his soon-to-be-former party no longer supported him.

“Here’s the issue: The Democratic Party in Florida is dead, but there are good people that can resuscitate it,” he said. They don’t want it to be me. That’s not convenient. It’s not cool.”

Pizzo has long been rumored to be mulling a run for Governor and all but confirmed his intention to do so with Florida Politics just before Session began. However, he also said in January that he would not run as an independent.