The Florida Democratic and Republican parties voted for their state party chairs Saturday in Orlando.
- Republicans re-elect Blaise Ingoglia of Hernando
- Democrats elect Miami native Stephen Bittel
- Bittel succeeds outgoing party chairwoman Allison Tant
The Republican Party of Florida re-elected State Representative Blaise Ingoglia of Hernando County. He won with 142 votes, nearly double the votes received by his opponent, Christian Ziegler of Sarasota County.
“Together, let's make Florida red forever,” said Ingoglia during what he called "a halftime speech" at his party's annual meeting. “Next November, we will write yet again a new headline that says Republicans sweep yet again -- 'Bill Nelson defeated, RPOF regains powerhouse status."
Meanwhile, just two miles away, the Florida Democratic Party met to elect their new chair. Its committee members elected heavyweight donor Stephen Bittel to succeed Allison Tant, who announced in November 2016 she would not seek re-election.
The Miami native and real estate developer won 55 percent of the votes, beating four other candidates vying for the spot.
“Contentious elections are reflective that there are Democrats all over Florida who are passionate and committed to coming together, moving forward together to start to win elections,” Bittel told reporters.
Bittel called himself a “maybe millionaire” who served as the Finance Co-Chair of the Democratic National Committee. He said he believed year-round, state-wide voter registration drives would help the party.
“I think mostly I have plans for an enormous staff expansion,” Bittel said. "We’re going to grow this party to a size and strength that’s never been seen before.”