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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida state Sen. Jason Pizzo confirmed on Friday that he will be running for governor next year.

Last month, Pizzo, formerly the Senate minority leader, made waves with his abrupt departure from the state’s Democratic party, pronouncing it as defunct.

The senator confirmed to WFLA that he is running for governor with no party affiliation, emphasizing that he is not joining the Independent party.

“Our constituents are craving practical leaders, not political hacks,” he said while announcing his departure on the House floor last month.

Pizzo is not the only Democrat to jump ship in recent months.

Rep. Susan Valdés, who was elected as a Democrat to represent Tampa, joined the Republican Party shortly after her reelection.

“I’m tired of being the party of protesting,” Valdés wrote on X in December.

The 2026 gubernatorial race is sparse so far, with only U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) officially declaring his candidacy in addition to Pizzo.

Receiving an endorsement from President Trump, Donalds gains an advantage over Casey DeSantis, who is speculated to be contemplating a run to succeed her husband, who is reaching his term limit.

No Democrats have said they are running yet, and the state hasn’t elected a Democratic governor in over 25 years.