This week, several elections took place across the state, and Democrats are celebrating. Nikki Fried (D), the Florida Democratic Party Chair, celebrated election victories and lamented Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ (R) “extreme” immigration bill.
In a video posted on social media, Fried cheered as Democrats “flipped Duval County blue, a 15-point swing from 2022!!” This is indicative to her that Democrats have a chance of winning in 2024.
The win in Jacksonville is seen as a crushing blow to Republicans.
Hey Democrats. Your new @FlaDems just flipped Duval County blue, a 15-point swing from 2022!!
We can win here in 2024.
Taking a risk here and asking you to help us send a message by raising $24,000 in 24 hours for '24. https://t.co/M7COZDozKW
— Nikki Fried (@NikkiFried) May 17, 2023
Given that Governor Ron DeSantis won his reelection in 2022 by a high margin against Governor Charlie Crist (D), it’s difficult to note the influence Democrats can have across the state to turn Florida blue. However, with Governor DeSantis poised to announce a presidential bid at the end of the month, political pundits are questioning the implication that could have on Republican leadership in the sunshine state.
Fried, who unsuccessfully ran for Governor in 2022, has continued to criticize DeSantis at every move, and she shares that his most recent effort on immigration is damning.
“Ron DeSantis is using immigrants as pawns to score political points with his MAGA base in hopes of securing his presidential ambitions,” Fried said in a statement, adding that DeSantis “is so hellbent on ‘owning the libs’ that he is willing to tank Florida’s economy to prove a point.”
“How does DeSantis plan to help these businesses fill the labor shortage he just created?” Fried questioned, further noting that “immigrants are the backbone of Florida’s economy and enrich the state’s culture; they should be embraced not vilified and forced to leave the state.”
Senate Bill 1718 goes into effect on July 1st, and it would place a fine of $10,000 on a business for every undocumented employee the business has working for them. As well, the businesses license could be revoked.
In addition, the bill also enforces that hospitals report the patients’ immigration status if they are using Medicare.
