Florida House Democrats on Tuesday unanimously tapped Tampa Rep. Fentrice Driskell to be their next leader, making her the first Black woman to lead the House Democratic caucus.
Driskell, who was the first Black woman elected student government president at Harvard University and one of the first Black women to make partner at the Carlton Fields law firm, said she appreciated this opportunity and a chance to again be a “first.”
“The fact that my colleagues put their confidence in me and trust me to not only do a good job but also have the opportunity to break this barrier means a lot,” she said.
Driskell had been slated to be leader for the 2024-2026 session. Instead, she takes over after the November elections after Tallahassee Rep. Ramon Alexander, who had originally been chosen next for the role, dropped his reelection bid earlier this month amid sexual harassment allegations.
Driskell, who has been a state representative since 2018, is expected to serve as leader for four years.
