New House Minority Leader Chosen
Rep . Fentrice Driskell , an attorney with Carlton Fields and a Tampa Democrat who will become the first Black woman to lead House Democrats , told reporters she will aim to “ build a sort of unity ” in the caucus when she officially takes over as leader following the November elections . Driskell had previously been in line to become leader in November 2024 . Now , she is expected to serve a rare four-year term in the role .
“ I think this is a great step forward for our caucus as well . What this means is that I have the opportunity to serve in this role for four years , as I was already elected to serve as leader-designate from 2024 through 2026 . So it will be an unprecedented opportunity for our caucus to have some stability as we try to chart our pathway forward ,” Driskell told reporters .
The shakeup came after Rep . Ramon Alexander , D-Tallahassee , dropped his bid for re-election this year after he became embroiled in a controversy related to allegations of sexual harassment . Alexander had been slated to become Democratic leader in November .
“ The general sentiment has been that our caucus , and myself included , wish my predecessor and his family the best ,” Driskell said of Alexander . “ It ’ s a very tough situation . But what I ’ ve also found is that members are excited and want to move forward .”
12 DITCHMEN • MAY 2022