Ryan Nicol
After taking over mid-Session following the resignation of former Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo, the caucus’ new leader has named her top lieutenants.
Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman says Sen. Tracie Davis, a Jacksonville Democrat, will serve as Senate Democratic Leader Pro Tempore for the remainder of this term. Davis is slated to lead Senate Democrats during the 2026-28 term.
Berman selected St. Petersburg Sen. Daryl Rouson for Rules Chair and Boca Raton Sen. Tina Polsky for Policy Chair. And Sens. Rosalind Osgood of Tamarac and Shevrin Jones of Miami Gardens will serve as Democratic Whips.
“I am thrilled to announce a leadership team that reflects the strength, diversity, and dedication of our caucus,” Berman said in a statement Thursday announcing the appointments. “Each of these Senators brings a deep commitment to public service and a bold vision for Florida’s future. Together, we will continue to advocate for justice, opportunity, and equity across our state.”
Berman took over the position after Pizzo’s surprise decision to leave the Democratic Party and register as an independent. Pizzo declared during his explanation on the Senate floor that “the Democratic Party in Florida is dead.”
The caucus selected Berman to succeed Pizzo shortly after he resigned. Earlier this week, in some of her first public comments following the shakeup, she rebutted her predecessor’s assessment despite Republicans earning historic margins of victory the past two election cycles.
“I take issue with what was said last week,” Berman said. “We are alive and kicking, passing good bills, fighting bad policy and getting appropriations for projects that impact our districts. We may not hold the majority, but we have something just as powerful: a vision rooted in fairness, in justice, in equality and in care.”
She reiterated that positive messaging Thursday when announcing her leadership team.
“We are united in purpose and ready to meet the moment,” Berman added. “Our caucus will lead with integrity, compassion, and a fierce commitment to the state of Florida.”
One comment
SuzyQ
May 1, 2025 at 8:21 pm
“We may not hold the majority.” Did she actually use the modal verb “may”? She and her ever‐shrinking phone‐booth caucus is a historically unprecedented superminority. She’s just as delusional as the rest of the Democrats.