Florida Governor’s Choice of Words Sparks Debate on Race and Politics

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has come under fire for sharing a post that labeled a black Democratic lawmaker as “ghetto” following her arrest during a sit-in protest at the state capitol.

State Representative Angie Nixon spent several hours at the capitol in Tallahassee on Friday, hoping to discuss with Governor DeSantis the state’s newly enacted and contentious redistricting map. This map, signed into law by DeSantis in a special session back in April, has stirred significant debate.

The new redistricting plan in Florida reshapes 21 of the state’s 28 districts and introduces four additional seats that favor Republicans, potentially boosting their prospects in the upcoming November midterm elections.

Nixon, who has been vocal in her opposition to DeSantis’ redistricting efforts, staged her protest by sitting on the floor outside the governor’s office. She expressed to reporters her desire to engage in dialogue with DeSantis about the issue at hand.

“I am here today to represent the everyday hardworking Floridians who are essentially being denied a functional government,” Nixon told local reporter Douglas Soule.

‘Of a government that is actually trying to strip them of their voices by rigging, and drawing, [and] gerrymandering unconstitutional and illegal maps of a dysfunctional government that is making sure they are not meeting the needs of hardworking Floridians.’ 

After hours of sitting in protest, Nixon was arrested by Capitol Police, she said in a statement. 

DeSantis then appeared to celebrate her arrest by re-sharing a post that labeled her a ‘ghetto Rep.’ 

State Rep. Angie Nixon sat inside the state capitol building in Tallahassee for hours on Friday waiting to speak with the Republican about the state’s new and controversial redistricting map. She was later arrested by Capitol Police

DeSantis then appeared to celebrate by sharing a post made by conservative commentator Eric Daugherty that labeled her a ‘ghetto Rep’ 

Eric Daugherty, a digital media intern for the local publication Florida’s Voice, posted about her arrest on Friday evening, giving her the contentious title. 

‘NOW: Gov. Ron DeSantis just had ghetto Rep. Angie Nixon (D) ARRESTED after she did an illegal “SIT-IN” at his office because of the 2026 Florida House map that adds +4 GOP seats,’ the conservative commentator posted. 

‘She melted down, and FAFO’d! LMAO!! Florida is the best.’ 

DeSantis then reposted what the reporter said about Nixon, adding ‘FAFO,’ which means F*** Around and Find Out. 

He also posted a follow-up about her arrest, sharing a post by his chief of staff, Jason Weida, that stated that Nixon had been ‘reprimanded and now arrested.’ 

‘Deservedly so. Our office isn’t a platform for this performative nonsense,’ the governor shared.     

The redistricting map initiative, which is part of a larger effort brought forward by President Donald Trump to maintain a Republican majority in the US House, has enraged Democrats as they are likely to have four of their seats snatched away. 

Nixon, 42, previously took to the house floor in late April, donning a bright pink outfit and a matching bullhorn in hand as she protested the effort while the vote was taken. 

The Sunshine State’s map, pushed forward by DeSantis (pictured in March), alters 21 of Florida’s 28 districts, adding four additional GOP-leaning seats that could improve the party’s chance of winning during November’s midterm elections

DeSantis made another post, stating that she was ‘deservedly’ arrested on Friday 

She screamed into the megaphone: ‘This is assault on our democracy! This is a violation of the constitution! It is! It’s a violation of the constitution!’ 

As she did so, the house moved on with the vote which passed with 83 yeas and 28 nays. 

Several representatives clapped as the speaker of the Florida House of Representatives announced that the bill had passed. 

Meanwhile, others recorded Nixon and supported her efforts. 

Following her arrest, Nixon issued a statement detailing how she does not plan to back down. 

‘My commitment has always been to the people of my district and to the Constitution I swore to uphold, not to any political party or agenda. I will continue to honor that commitment by fighting against injustice, defending our democracy, and demanding action on the issues that matter most to the people we serve,’ she said. 

Nixon, who represents District 13 and has been a state rep since 2020, then addressed her and other protestors being arrested on Friday. 

‘I will not allow our rights and representation to be taken away in silence. At a time when people need their leadership to step up and govern, Gov. DeSantis and the Republican-controlled legislature in Florida are playing politics with people’s lives.

‘I was arrested today along with outraged constituents demanding action instead of doing the job taxpayers send them to Tallahassee for. I am calling for the release of all the peaceful protesters arrested today and for this legislature to revisit the Constitution they claim to uphold so that we can have representative maps.’ 

Nixon, 42, previously took to the house floor in late April, donning a bright pink outfit as she protested the effort while the vote was taken

Nixon represents District 13 and has been a state rep since 2020

The Florida Democratic Party also released a statement following the sit-in and Nixon’s arrest. 

‘Arrests and intimidation from Governor DeSantis will not change the truth. The maps passed last week by Florida Republicans are illegal, discriminatory, and anti-democratic. 

‘Floridians have the right to peacefully protest when their communities are under attack and elected officials have a responsibility to stand with them.

‘We’re deeply concerned by reports that journalists covering the protests were removed from the Capitol. Freedom of the press is a fundamental part of democracy and any threat or limitation to that freedom weakens our country, state, and communities. Only wannabe dictators arrest their political opponents in the shadows.

‘Florida Democrats will keep fighting to protect every voter’s voice.’

The Daily Mail contacted Nixon and DeSantis for comment.