Democratic Lawmakers Ignored Praise for First Lady DeSantis, Law Enforcement

TALLAHASSEE— The stark division and animosity that exists between Democratic and Republican lawmakers in the Florida Legislature, was in full display during the 2023 State of the State address.

Democratic lawmakers sat in the two back rows of the House of Representatives, where they expressed their dissatisfaction with Gov. DeSantis’s legislative accomplishments by tuning out of the speech to them.

But while a couple of Democratic lawmakers, namely Reps. Robin Bartleman and Dan Daley were seen clapping in support of several points in DeSantis’s legislative accomplishments, and House Democrats sat on their hands throughout DeSantis’s speech.

Democrats could be seen texting others and scrolling through social media even as DeSantis spoke about combatting fentanyl, praising law enforcement, and acknowledging First Lady Casey DeSantis for beating breast cancer in 2022.

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The entire House Chamber stood up and gave First Lady DeSantis a standing ovation she was recognized for her efforts to beat breast cancer.

Here are images of House Democrats expressing their disinterest in First Lady Desantis and combatting the fentanyl crisis during the State of the State speech.

Rep. Angie Nixon did sit and softly clap twice, as did Rep. Bartlemen, who did acknowledge the First Lady’s accomplishments moments later.

But Rep. Anna Eskamanani and others on her row and on her side of the aisle were not moved.

Were Democrats just tuned out of the entire speech?

Not really.

When DeSantis declared, “We are proud to be pro-family. We are proud to be pro-life in the state of Florida,” a chorus of boos shot out from those very same Democrats who refused to acknowledge First Lady DeSantis and law enforcement.

It's probably safe to say that Democratic lawmakers absolutely loathe DeSantiss, and because they are in the minority, they really don't have much leverage this legislative session.