State Sen. Jason Pizzo, who assumes the high-profile role of Florida Senate Democratic leader in two months, may run for governor in 2026. He isn’t saying he’s a candidate.
And in an interview, he said he’s focused on his two years as party leader in the Senate following the November elections, and on knotty issues facing Florida. But he’s also clearly thought about the opportunity and obstacles presented by the governor’s job voters will fill in 2026, when Gov. Ron DeSantis is ineligible to run again because of term limits.
He described a scenario where “somebody like me” could get elected. “I think I would offer the best chance” for the Democrats, Pizzo said. “When you go down the checklist of boxes, the pros and cons, yeah, I would like my chances.
” Discussion about the 2026 election is premature, he said. “I don’t have a plan for 2026. It’s what’s right in front of me.
Greatest line I ever heard was from my dad saying, ‘Finish the circle. Close the circle,” Pizzo said, adding that 2026 is “a lifetime away. I really don’t know.
” Pressed about whether he’s contemplating a candidacy, he acknowledged he’s given it some thought, saying he’s “not crazy about our bench, to be honest with you,” referring to the slew of potential candidates who might seek the Democratic nomination for governor. Pizzo said the large number of no party affiliation voters — who make up 3.5 million of Florida’s 13.
7 million registered voters — ar.