Stephen Bittel was just elected to the post in January following a contentious race. He had the support of Sen. Bill Nelson and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Bittel resigns as Florida Democratic Party chief following report of demeaning women

TALLAHASSEE — Florida Democratic Party Chairman Stephen Bittel resigned on Friday in the face of a torrent of top Democrats — including the entire 2018 gubernatorial field — demanding he step down from the high-level post.

His resignation follows a POLITICO report published Thursday night that he had a history of making demeaning remarks toward women, according to former party staffers and consultants.


“When my personal situation becomes distracting to our core mission of electing Democrats and making Florida better, it is time for me to step aside,” Bittel said in a statement.

The women interviewed by POLITICO said Bittel created an unprofessional workplace environment for women, noting that he made persistent inappropriate comments, leered at young women and even invited them on his private jet.

The women, who were reached independently by POLITICO and insisted on anonymity out of fear for their jobs, said Bittel never inappropriately touched or threatened them. But he made them feel so uneasy that they didn’t want to be alone with him due to his body language, suggestive remarks and even the breast-shaped stress squeeze-ball he has been known to keep on his desk.

Bittel was just elected to the post in January following a contentious race. He had the support of Sen. Bill Nelson and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, two of the most prominent Florida Democrats.

On Friday morning, the entire 2018 Democratic gubernatorial field was calling on him to resign.

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, one of three top gubernatorial candidates, applauded Bittel's decision to leave the job.

“I am glad Stephen Bittel resigned — there was no alternative," he said in a statement. "The FDP must move forward quickly to rebuild their culture and create an inclusive, safe work environment."

Earlier, Democratic candidates Gwen Graham, Chris King and Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine had all urged Bittel to turn in his resignation.

Graham, a former congresswoman, said she had called Bittel and “told him that he should step down.”

“None should have to work in an uncomfortable environment,” her campaign said in a statement. “Bittel’s behavior and the atmosphere he has created is unacceptable."

Levine said it was time to “change the culture” at the Florida Democratic Party. “No individual should feel less than safe and comfortable in their workplace," he said in a statement.

King, a businessman, said the stories of Bittel and others in the Capitol speak to "a larger problem with the environment in Tallahassee and more generally in our politics."

Nelson and Wasserman Schultz could not be reached for comment Friday.