Key Points:
- Florida Democratic Party exploring open primaries to engage independent voters.
- Party Chair Nikki Fried confirms internal discussions on reform.
- Proposal would allow all voters, regardless of party, to vote in Democratic primaries.
- Around 27% of Florida’s electorate is registered with no party affiliation (NPA).
- Reform aims to rebuild Democratic strength after Republican dominance in the state.
- Past open primary effort, Florida Amendment 3 (2020), failed at the ballot.
- GOP leaders oppose open primaries, warning of ideological dilution.
- National Democrats still view Florida as a key battleground.
- Democratic figures like Cory Booker and Andy Beshear to headline upcoming party events.
- Internal Democratic defections and party infighting remain challenges.
Florida Democrats consider opening primaries to independents to reenergise their base and broaden appeal. Read the full story from Florida.
Florida Democrats Explore Open Primaries to Revive Party Influence
As reported by Forrest Saunders of ABC Action News, Florida Democrats are weighing a major structural shift to their primary election system as part of an ongoing strategy to regain political power in the state. The party, led by Chair Nikki Fried, is actively discussing opening its primaries to all registered voters—including the roughly 27% of Florida voters who are not affiliated with any political party.
“There’s a lot of people that are in the middle, that are typically part of our coalition,” Fried told Saunders. “A lot more Black and Brown men have become independent. The younger generation has become independent. And so we are going to rise to this moment.”
This potential move reflects a strategic realignment aimed at broadening voter participation and countering Republican dominance in recent election cycles.
Why Are Florida Democrats Considering Open Primaries?
Florida’s closed primary system currently restricts voting in party primaries to registered party members only. As younger and more diverse voters increasingly register as NPAs (No Party Affiliation), Democrats say the system disenfranchises a significant portion of the electorate.
According to Forrest Saunders of ABC Action News, Fried believes that this model fails to reflect the state’s shifting political demographics and weakens the party’s competitiveness in statewide races.
“We have to have that serious conversation about opening up our primaries,” Fried said. “I also don’t believe it’s constitutional how we do what we’re doing right now—that one-third of our state doesn’t have a say in who their candidates are.”
What Would the New Primary System Look Like?
If adopted, the proposed reform would establish a “top-two” or open primary system. This format places all candidates for a given office—regardless of party—on a single primary ballot, with the two highest vote-getters advancing to the general election.
Key proposed changes include:
- All registered voters can vote in primaries, regardless of party.
- All candidates for state legislature, governor, and cabinet races appear on one primary ballot.
- If only two candidates qualify, the race goes straight to the general election.
- Proposed effective date: January 1, 2027.
What Happened with Past Efforts to Open Florida’s Primaries?
Florida voters previously considered this idea via Florida Amendment 3 in 2020. The initiative failed despite bipartisan interest, due in part to opposition from both major political parties and criticism of confusing ballot language.
As Saunders reported, internal divisions within the Democratic Party—such as controversies over cancelled primaries and candidate access—have only intensified calls for reform.
How Are Republicans Responding to the Proposal?
Florida GOP leaders have pushed back on the open primary concept, warning that it could dilute party values and hinder ideological clarity.
Florida GOP Chair Evan Power told ABC Action News that turnout challenges, particularly in low-turnout special elections, remain a greater concern than procedural reform.
“We have big wins, big turnout in November,” Power said. “Getting people to turn around and try to vote a couple of months later is hard.”
What Internal Challenges Are Democrats Facing?
Despite strategic planning, the Florida Democratic Party continues to face internal instability. Three legislators have recently defected from the party.
Former Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo delivered a stark assessment from the chamber floor:
“The Democratic Party in Florida is dead. But there are good people that can resuscitate it, but they don’t want it to be me.”
Fried dismissed Pizzo’s criticism as self-serving:
“We move on.”
What National Support Are Florida Democrats Receiving?
Despite local struggles, the national Democratic Party still views Florida as a winnable state. Fried cited high-profile appearances by U.S. Senator Cory Booker and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear at the upcoming Leadership Blue conference as evidence of national investment.
“We know that the midterms are going to be a blue wave. Like there’s no way around that,” Fried said.
She pointed to ongoing economic volatility and narrowing Republican margins in special elections as favourable signs.
What’s the Broader Strategy for Florida Democrats?
In addition to electoral reform, the Florida Democratic Party is focusing on local races via initiatives such as “Take Back Local.” The strategy aims to rebuild grassroots infrastructure, strengthen candidate pipelines, and expand voter engagement.
Opening primaries is seen as a long-term move to modernise the party’s approach and reassert relevance in a politically challenging environment.
“Changing that system is just one part of a larger plan to bring Florida Democrats ‘back on the map,’” Fried said.
