Florida Democratic party faces long-term demise in the state for the next seven decades

In a recent interview on the Chuck Toddcast, Democratic Representative Jared Moskowitz expressed his concerns about the prolonged Republican rule in Florida. The Sunshine State, once a swing state, has not elected a Democratic governor since 1994, and according to Moskowitz, it may be a while before that changes.

The current political landscape in Florida is shaped by various factors, as hinted by Moskowitz. One of these factors is the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike many blue states that pursued strict lockdowns, Florida opened its schools early during the pandemic. This decision was based on data showing that COVID-19 was not spreading in schools, leading to the state's early reopening.

This approach seemed to resonate with Florida's voters, as Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis won re-election by a nearly 19-point margin in 2022, a significant increase from his 2018 victory where he won by less than a percentage point. This shift in voter base is also reflected in the increase of registered Republicans in Florida, which now stands at 1.2 million.

Moskowitz believes that the policies regarding COVID-19, including the closing of schools, alienated voters. He also mentioned difficulties in raising funds and attracting top talent to Tallahassee as logistical issues hindering the Democrats.

Florida's voter base shift is also evident in its political climate during the pandemic. The state eliminated all vaccine mandates, allowing even unvaccinated children to attend schools and daycare, reflecting a political climate favoring fewer public health restrictions. This move, along with other Republican-led policies, has turned Florida into a Republican stronghold, attracting many new voters from other parts of the country.

One local news outlet described Florida as a "crimson hellscape" after recent Republican victories. However, Moskowitz fears that the Democratic Party may be in Florida for another 70 years. He stated that even when Democrats had a registration advantage, Republicans continued to win governor's races.

Alexander Hall, an associate editor for our website Digital, reports this development in Florida's political landscape. As the state continues to lean Republican, Democrats like Moskowitz face challenges in changing the political tide. However, Moskowitz remains hopeful and continues to voice his concerns, aiming to shed light on the factors contributing to Florida's current political situation.

Florida Democratic party faces long-term demise in the state for the next seven decades