Representative Fentrice Driskell Elected Leader Designate for the 2022-2024 Term
Tallahassee, FL – Following a unanimous caucus decision, Representative Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) has been elected by her peers as Leader Designate of the Florida House Democratic Caucus. She will assume the role of Leader at the 2022 Organizational Session in November, succeeding Leader Evan Jenne (D-Hollywood).
Since her election to the House in 2018, Rep. Driskell has contributed her expertise on various committees and served as Policy Chair for the Florida House Democratic Caucus for the 2020-22 term.
Representative Driskell spearheaded a police-reform bill to update the training standards for law enforcement across the state, worked to increase funding for pro-bono attorneys to assist low income Central Florida residents, and secured funds for sickle cell research and suicide prevention programs for veterans.
Having previously been elected as Leader Designate for the 2024-2026 term, this rare occasion of having the same Leader preside over the caucus for two consecutive terms is an opportunity for Representative Driskell, and the caucus, to build continuity and collaboration for the future.
“I’m excited and humbled to have earned the confidence of my colleagues. Together, we will fight to create the freedom for every Floridian to be healthy, prosperous, and safe. It’s also not lost on me that together, Florida Democrats made history today. I am the first Black woman to serve as House Democratic Leader, and the first to lead either caucus in the House. Growing up in Polk County, my dad worked as a dispatcher and my mom was a public-school teacher. I never imagined I’d one day work here, serving my community. I’m so honored and, also, so ready to get to work,” said Representative Fentrice Driskell. “And I am so thankful to Leader Evan Jenne for his hard work and mentorship. He’s leaving huge shoes to fill, both in our caucus and the Florida Legislature.”
Leader Evan Jenne (D-Hollywood) added, “I’m proud to leave the House Democratic Caucus in the incredibly capable hands of my friend Fentrice Driskell. I know that she, and the caucus, are going to have a bright future and will continue fighting for Floridians in Tallahassee and across the state.
Representative Fentrice Driskell has served in HD 63 since 2018, and is currently running in the newly drawn HD 67.