ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida Democrats are trying to turn the tide.
Big names in the state party met with donors and volunteers in Orlando this weekend during their biggest fundraiser, hoping to drive momentum in the fast approaching midterms.
Historically seen as a swing state, Florida has swung right in recent elections.
Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was there, telling a packed crowd that no state is permanently red.
Latino voters helped President Trump become the first Republican to win Miami-Dade County since 1988.
Buttigieg was asked how Democrats can gain those voters back in the next election.
“I think Democrats need to be relentlessly focused on the issues that drive people’s lives,” he said. “A lot of that is economic messaging. Whether we’re talking to Latino communities or Black voters, a lot of it starts and ends with these everyday life concerns and how expensive costs have become.”
Competing visions atop the Democratic Party include top candidates for governor, like David Jolly, a former Republican himself, and State Rep. Dotie Joseph from North Miami.
“I’m in a very post-ideological space in my life,” said Jolly. “I believe in the Democratic values, but this is bigger than one party.”
“I’m somebody who’s not afraid to work across the aisle, but also not afraid to fight,” said Joseph. “There are times when we need to stand up and make sure our rights are protected.”
Meanwhile, there is also a heated race for U.S. Senate.
State Rep. Angie Nixon and retired U.S Army Lt. Col. Alex Vindman were there looking to convince voters they’re the best pick to challenge incumbent Republican Ashley Moody.
“Deliver checks and balances, deliver accountability,” said Vindman.
“People are literally going bankrupt just cause they’re trying to stay alive,” said Nixon.
Democrats want to see more stories like State Sen. Brian Nathan’s.
He won a special election in Hillsborough County earlier this year, flipping a Trump district.
“When you’re knocking on someone’s door, (you ask them) ‘in the last 10 years, has your life gotten better?’ If the answer is no, it’s time for someone new,” said Nathan.
Overall, Democrats are hoping for a blue wave despite Florida Republicans having 1.5 million more registered voters, and the state’s redistricting maps give Republicans an advantage.
“It’s not about waves, it’s not about statistics,” said incoming Florida House Minority Leader Christine Hunschofsky. “It’s about people want to feel seen and effectively represented by the people who serve them.”
Just a few weeks ago, Local 10 News covered the Sunshine State Showdown, the big event on the calendar for Florida Republicans.
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