| Tampa, FL – More than 2,000 Florida Democrats gathered in Tampa over the weekend for organizing sessions, caucus forums, campaign trainings, and strategy meetings at the Florida Democratic Party’s annual Leadership Blue weekend. The sold-out event brought a rally-like atmosphere to the Bay area as Democrats from every corner of Florida came together to focus on shifting Florida blue. Blue Shift Florida, launched by the party under Chairman Manny Diaz, is a coordinated effort with record investments in organizing, voter protection, and data infrastructure. Blue Shift Florida brings together candidates and campaigns around the state to build the foundation for Democratic unity and a Democratic Party that can compete and win in Florida in 2022 and beyond. “Tonight, I come to you with a sense of urgency. Winning takes work – a common purpose and cooperation. A mission,” said Chairman Diaz as he addressed the sold-out crowd on Saturday night. “Blue Shift includes the entire Democratic ticket and our national and state affiliated organizations. Blue Shift will institutionalize party unity and a team approach – year round work, year round staff, year round strategy and organizing. Blue Shift is building a campaign to last and a campaign to win.” The weekend highlighted the work Democrats are doing across the state at every level to elect more Democrats and offered candidates and activists free trainings on organizing, volunteer building, and running for office. On Saturday night the Florida Democratic Party held its annual Leadership Blue Gala where Democrats heard from Gubernatorial candidates Nikki Fried and Charlie Crist as well as Senate candidate Val Demings. The gala wrapped up with a fiery speech from keynote speaker JB Pritzker. “Florida Democrats heard from all of our exceptional candidates running across the state, from Governor and Senate, to our Congressional, Cabinet, and state legislative candidates,” said Chairman Diaz. “We saw this weekend that Florida Democrats are fired up. I’m leaving this year’s Leadership Blue more motivated than ever and confident that candidates, staff, organizers, and volunteers are ready to get to work and ready to win.” |
