Florida State Senator Jason Pizzo, the former Democratic Minority Leader who announced last month that he was leaving the party to register as a voter with no party affiliation, is planning to run for state governor in 2026.
In a speech on the floor of the state senate in late April, Pizzo announced his change in party affiliation from Democrat to that of “No Party Affiliation.” He criticized the modern Democratic Party, describing it as “dead,” and praised the state’s independent voters, crediting them for his past electoral success. Pizzo was first elected to the state senate in 2018 as a Democrat and was later elected to party leadership in 2023.
Speculation about Pizzo’s gubernatorial ambitions began earlier this year when he was still a Democrat and gradually increased following his party switch. In a CBS News Miami interview last Friday, he confirmed his candidacy, stating, “Yes, I am,” when asked directly about his plans to run for governor. In the interview, Pizzo stressed the need for leadership focused on practical concerns, such as infrastructure, education, and the environment, which he believes are top priorities for Floridians.
“We need somebody who can balance a checkbook, who understands finance, not just economic theory; who’s concerned about infrastructure and resiliency and the environment and education and all of these things that are top of mind for people that are just trying to keep a roof over their head, keep their kids clothed and educated,” Pizzo is quoted as saying to CBS News Miami in his interview.
To qualify for the ballot as a candidate with no party affiliation, Pizzo will either need to collect signatures from registered Florida voters equal to at least 1% of the total number of registered voters in the state or pay a filing fee equal to 4% of the annual salary of the governor. As of 2025, the governor’s annual salary is $141,400, making the filing fee based on that figure approximately $5,656.
Be First to Comment