Alexander, Driskell to lead Democrats

News Service of Florida Staff report

Rep. Ramon Alexander, D-Tallahassee, and Rep. Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, will be the next two leaders of Florida House Democrats.

The House Democratic caucus last Wednesday elected Alexander to serve as its leader for a two-year period starting after the 2022 elections. The caucus chose Driskell to serve as leader for the two-year period starting after the 2024 elections.

The votes came after Rep. Ben Diamond, D-St. Petersburg, decided to run for Congress next year instead of seeking another term in the state House. Diamond had been slated to become House Democratic leader for the term starting in fall 2022.

Current House Minority Co-leader Bobby DuBose, D-Fort Lauderdale, plans to run in a special election for a congressional seat that opened when U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fla., died. Co-leader Evan Jenne, D-Dania Beach, will be term-limited in 2022. Alexander currently is the Democratic caucus whip, while Driskell is the caucus policy chair.