The organizer said his on-the-ground experience would deliver important change to the state’s political party. He thinks Latinos in Florida are tired of seeing candidates that don’t look or sound like them.
Political consultant Alex Berrios has announced his candidacy to lead the Florida Democratic Party.
“Florida needs bold leadership with experience, vision, and a plan to win. That’s why I’m announcing my candidacy for Chair of the Florida Democrats. A changing of the guard can be hard, but necessary. New ideas and approaches are what we need,” Berrios tweeted last week.
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The announcement came one day after Florida Democratic Party Chair Manny Díaz resigned.
In 2021, Berrios, who is of Puerto Rican and Cuban origin, co-founded Mi Vecino, a nonprofit organization dedicated to registering voters.
The organizer told Newsweek that Latinos in Florida are tired of seeing candidates that don’t look or sound like them.
In his announcement, Berrios said his on-the-ground experience would deliver important change to the state’s political party.
“I worked hard for years, starting as a local Dem volunteer and ending as Senior Advisor at FDP, where I managed multiple departments. I co-founded the data-driven org @MiVecinoFlorida and raised millions for year-round voter registration and organizing. I’ve been on every side of this equation, and know what the job takes,” Berrios tweeted.
As he announced his resignation, Díaz sent a long letter to the state’s executive committee members complaining about a lack of resources, a lack of volunteers to knock on doors, and a failure to present unified messaging.
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On Tuesday, Berrios recalled past elections when young voters in Florida had a large advantage.
“In 2022, the GOP matched Dems in votes cast from age 18 to 34. The GOP turned out almost 1 million more voters ages 35+ than Dems. We are struggling on every front. It’s time to dig in, fight back, and turn this around,” he tweeted.
Mivette Vega is our Puerto Rico Reporter. This seasoned journalist reports on what happens on the island. She is passionate about justice, equality, environmental matters, and animals. She is a Salvadorrican—Salvadorian that grew up in Puerto Rico—that has lived in San Juan, Venice, and Miami.
