In the News
Florida Democrats Raise Half a Million Dollars at Leadership Blue Weekend
Florida Democrats are buzzing after raising over $500,000 and welcoming more than 1,000 local and national donors, guests and supporters during Leadership Blue at the Fontainebleau in Miami Beach this weekend.
The highly anticipated conference and gala sold out before Emmy award winning actor and producer star Bradley Whitford was announced as the keynote speaker, generating even more hype in an otherwise ‘off-year’ on the election calendar for Florida Democrats.
On Saturday, hundreds of party leaders and supporters engaged in a series of workshops, presentations, and training sessions focused on new voter registration laws, field organizing, messaging, and more to develop a game plan ahead of 2024.
That evening, the sold out Leadership Blue gala attended by 750 guests opened with a fiery launch video unveiling a new brand for Florida Democrats reclaiming the red, white, and blue in a new look and feel for the party.
Republicans are trying to burn our state and your @FlaDems to the ground.
— Nikki Fried (@NikkiFried) July 8, 2023
Not on our fucking watch. pic.twitter.com/9vySYWr3hv
In remarks, Chair Nikki Fried declared “it’s a new day for Florida Democrats” and promised the party would swing back harder than ever before, riding on the momentum of recent electoral victories, including the historic Jacksonville mayor’s race, a new leadership team in place and an aggressive strategy as we approach 2024.
Unity was on display throughout the evening with appearances from municipal, state and congressional democratic leaders including Miami’s mayors – Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber, State Senators Bobby Powell and Victor Torres, and House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell and Representatives from Florida’s Congressional delegation – all singing from the same playbook.
Keynote speaker Bradley Whitford said it best:
You know why you preach to the choir? So they will sing – and Florida Democrats have a lot to sing about.
— Actor & Producer Bradley Whitford
With record attendance, big fundraising numbers and a memorable program of speeches and performances including a step team, salsa dancers, and a surprise drag show, it was the biggest night of the year for Florida Democrats.