Related coverage: Florida democratic chair responds to claim the party is “dead”

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida state Sen. Jason Pizzo confirmed on Friday that he will be running for governor next year.

Pizzo, who was the Senate minority leader, made headlines last month after his dramatic exit from the state’s Democratic party, which he declared is dead.

The senator confirmed to WFLA that he is running for governor with no party affiliation, emphasizing that he is not joining the Independent party.

“Our constituents are craving practical leaders, not political hacks,” he said while announcing his departure on the House floor last month.

Pizzo is not the only Democrat to jump ship in recent months.

Rep. Susan Valdés, who was elected as a Democrat to represent Tampa, joined the Republican Party shortly after her reelection.

“I’m tired of being the party of protesting,” Valdés wrote on X in December.

The 2026 gubernatorial race is sparse so far, with only U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) officially declaring his candidacy in addition to Pizzo.

Donalds has been endorsed by President Trump, giving him a leg up over Casey DeSantis, who is rumored to be considering running to replace her term-limited husband.

No Democrats have said they are running yet, and the state hasn’t elected a Democratic governor in over 25 years.