Florida state lawmaker who recently ditched Democratic label announces gubernatorial bid

Fox News - May 10th, 2025
Open on Fox News

Florida state Senator Jason Pizzo, previously the Democratic leader in the state Senate, has shifted to no party affiliation and announced his intention to run for governor. Pizzo believes Florida needs leadership that prioritizes citizens over party politics and faces the state's fiscal and resiliency issues head-on. His announcement introduces a significant dynamic change to the gubernatorial race, as he positions himself as an independent candidate amidst a political landscape dominated by Republicans and Democrats.

Current Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, is unable to seek re-election due to term limits, leaving the race open for new contenders. U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Republican supported by former President Donald Trump, has also declared his candidacy, highlighting the competitive nature of the upcoming election. The political shift by Pizzo underscores a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction within the Democratic ranks in Florida, a state where the party has struggled in recent years, and could influence voter dynamics in the 2026 gubernatorial election.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and accurate account of Jason Pizzo's political shift and gubernatorial ambitions, supported by credible sources and direct quotes. It effectively communicates the main points while maintaining a high level of factual accuracy. The story is timely and addresses a topic of significant public interest, particularly in the context of Florida's political landscape. However, the article could benefit from a broader range of perspectives and additional context to enhance balance and engagement. Overall, the article is well-written and informative, with room for improvement in providing a more comprehensive analysis of the political implications.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The story accurately reports on Jason Pizzo's switch from the Democratic Party to no party affiliation and his gubernatorial candidacy announcement. These claims are supported by multiple sources, including CBS News Miami and Fox News Digital. The article correctly states that Pizzo plans to run for governor and provides a direct quote from him confirming this intention. Additionally, the story accurately notes that Ron DeSantis is ineligible to run for governor again due to term limits, as outlined in the Florida state constitution. The article's factual claims are consistent with the information available from reliable sources, indicating a high degree of accuracy.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced perspective by including statements from Jason Pizzo about his motivations for running as an independent and his criticisms of both major political parties. However, the story could improve balance by including responses or perspectives from other political figures or analysts, particularly those from the Democratic Party, to provide a fuller picture of the political landscape in Florida. The article primarily focuses on Pizzo's perspective, which may skew the reader's understanding of the broader political implications.

8
Clarity

The article is clear and concise, effectively conveying the main points about Jason Pizzo's party switch and gubernatorial ambitions. The language is straightforward, and the structure logically presents the information, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative. However, the inclusion of additional background information on Pizzo's political history and the current political climate in Florida could enhance the reader's understanding of the significance of his actions.

8
Source quality

The article cites credible sources such as CBS News Miami and Fox News Digital, which are reputable news organizations. These sources provide reliable information about Jason Pizzo's political moves and the context of the gubernatorial race. However, the story could benefit from a broader range of sources, including academic or expert analysis, to enhance the depth and authority of the reporting. The use of direct quotes from Pizzo adds to the article's credibility by providing firsthand information.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent in its reporting, clearly attributing statements to Jason Pizzo and providing context for his political actions. However, the story could improve transparency by explaining the methodology behind the information gathering, such as the context of interviews or the selection of quotes. Additionally, disclosing any potential conflicts of interest or affiliations of the news organizations involved would further enhance transparency.

Sources

  1. https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/state-sen-jason-pizzo-tells-cbs-news-miami-yes-i-am-running-for-governor/
  2. https://floridapolitics.com/archives/737506-jason-pizzo-says-hes-running-for-governor-plans-to-spend-25m-on-his-campaign/
  3. https://floridianpress.com/2025/05/sen-jason-pizzo-announces-florida-gubernatorial-run/
  4. https://wfin.com/fox-political-news/florida-state-lawmaker-who-recently-ditched-democratic-label-announces-gubernatorial-bid/
  5. https://www.fox8tv.com/florida-state-lawmaker-who-recently-ditched-democratic-label-announces-gubernatorial-bid/