The Democratic brand is severely diminished nationwide, but perhaps nowhere more than in Florida.
Several candidates appear to be taking the advice of independent Sen. Bernie Sanders and dropping the “D” next to their name entirely. That trend continues in Florida, where Jason Pizzo, the former state Senate minority leader, has left the party — calling it “dead” — and hopped into the race for governor. Another potential third-party candidate, Florida political fundraiser and lawyer John Morgan, is also weighing a run.
The bigger the field, the lower the percentage a winner needs to carry a plurality. Some Democrats worry that a three- or four-way race would open a more viable path for a candidate with a loyal base, but a ceiling of support — like, say, former Rep. Matt Gaetz. But given how toxic the Democratic brand has become, an independent, self-funded candidate could make inroads where the national party could not.