On Thursday, The Florida Democratic Party announced the launch of the 2020 “Path to Power” commission, made up of elected officials, party and community leaders, and progressive activists.

The Commission will look back at the 2018 elections, examine contributing elements to narrow statewide losses, better understand what went right in our wins and develop a Path to Power in advance of the 2020 elections.

FDP Chair Terrie Rizzo released the following statement when announcing the Commission:

“Democrats had a lot of bright spots in this election: record turnout for a midterm including African Americans and young people, two Congressional seats flipped, flipping 8 legislative seats, Democratic control of the five largest counties in the state and we elected our first cabinet member in more than a decade. “We also had some tough losses and as a Party and we need to examine and assess the 2018 outcomes. We have put together a group of Florida’s most experienced and talented leaders who will be crucial in our efforts to forge a ‘Path to Power’ in 2020.”

Committee Chairs:

Honorary Chair: Commissioner Nikki Fried

Honorary Co-Chairs: Senator Audrey Gibson, Representative Kionne McGhee

Chairs: Dr. Cynthia Chestnut, Sean Shaw, Jeremy Ring

Members:

Congressman Darren Soto

Congressman Ted Deutch

Senator Jose Javier Rodriguez

Representative Amy Mercado

Judy Mount, First Vice Chair, Florida Democratic Party

Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith

Mayra Macias, Vice President, Latino Victory Project

Susan Smith, President, Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida

Representative Shevrin Jones

Lydia Hudson, President, Democratic Black Caucus of Florida

Noemi McGregor, President, Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida

Roxey Nelson, FL Dir. of Politics and Strategic Campaigns at SEIU 1199

Shirin Bidel-Niyat, Assistant Director, Political Action AFSCME

Wendy Williams, President, Small County Coalition

Fedrick Ingram, President, Florida Educators Association

JoAnne DeVries, Chair, Sarasota County Democratic Exec. Committee

Samantha Herring, State Committeewoman Walton County

Representative Anna Eskamani

Senator Gary Farmer

Karen Greene, President, Vice Chair, Florida Democratic Caribbean Caucus

Representative Ramon Alexander

Patricia Farley, President, Democratic Women’s Clubs of FL

Annisa Karim, Chair of Collier County Democratic Executive Committee

In addition to the 2020 Commission the Florida Democratic Party has released a statewide survey and is engaging leaders across the state in dialogue and regional meetings to provide input to a plan to take back our state in 2020.