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In First 100 Days as Chair of the Florida Democratic Party…
In First 100 Days as Chair of the Florida Democratic Party, Stephen Bittel Continues Delivering on Campaign Promises, Announces Accomplishments
100 days after his election, FDP Chair Stephen Bittel announced that the Florida Democratic Party has met it’s 100 day goals and continues making major progress towards rebuilding the Florida Democratic Party and turning Florida blue.
“During my campaign for Chair, I promised to implement much needed reforms and secure resources that would rebuild the Florida Democratic Party’s grassroots infrastructure,” said FDP Chair Stephen Bittel. “I am proud to announce an impressive list of accomplishments, including the hiring of Sally Boynton Brown as our new president, expanding the FDP political, field and communications staff, winning local elections and investing in the growth of our DEC clubs and caucuses. We are only getting started and will launch additional new initiatives soon.”
“During my campaign for Chair, I promised to implement much needed reforms and secure resources that would rebuild the Florida Democratic Party’s grassroots infrastructure,” said FDP Chair Stephen Bittel. “I am proud to announce an impressive list of accomplishments, including the hiring of Sally Boynton Brown as our new president, expanding the FDP political, field and communications staff, winning local elections and investing in the growth of our DEC clubs and caucuses. We are only getting started and will launch additional new initiatives soon.”
After receiving more than 50% of the vote in the first round of the election for Chair, Stephen Bittel wasted no time delivering on his campaign promises to expand the party.
In Stephen Bittel’s first 100 days, the FDP:
In Stephen Bittel’s first 100 days, the FDP:
- Raised over $1 million to fund an expanded party and grassroots support to turn Florida blue
- Nearly doubled online fundraising compared to the first 100 days of 2016
- Has brought national Democratic leaders to the state to engage the grassroots — including visits from Senator Corey Booker, Mayor Bill DeBlasio, Senator Bernie Sanders and DNC Chair Tom Perez. FDP organized a rally with DNC Chair Tom Perez and Senator Bernie Sanders in South Florida. Former Vice President Joe Biden was recently announced as the keynote speaker for the annual Leadership Blue gala in June
- Immediately called for Frank Artiles to resign after he made racist and sexist remarks. Pressure from the community and Democrats across the state resulted in his resignation and a special election in Senate District 40
- Won 4 hotly contested municipal elections and is currently participating in 3 more elections, including the special election in SD 40 as a result of Democratic Party efforts to pressure Senator Artiles to resign
- Concluded a national search for new FDP President and hired Sally Boynton Brown
- Expanded the FDP staff to provide more resources throughout the state. Hires include:
- Johanna Cervone – Deputy Communications Director, Hispanic Press Secretary
- Giovanna Salucci – Deputy Digital Director
- Nabilah Islam – Finance Director
- Steve Jackson – Statewide Field Director
- Completed the newly created Janet Reno Challenge Grant and awarded a total of $100,000 to 30 Democratic clubs and caucuses to increase engagement and rebuild grassroots activism in all 67 counties.
- Visited at least 1 county per week throughout the state. Chair Bittel will visit an additional 12 counties throughout the month of May.
- Established a charter and bylaws revision committee to draft a new, more inclusive governing structure for the Party.
- Established regular training programs for local DEC’s, clubs and caucuses including communications and social media trainings to ensure Florida families hear our message of economic security, job creation and equal opportunity
- Expanded Florida Democratic Party presence and offices in South Florida
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