Florida House Democratic Leader-Designate Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) today was unanimously confirmed by her peers as Leader of the Florida House Democratic Caucus for the 2022-2024 term. She is the first Black woman to lead either party in the Florida House of Representatives.
First elected to the House in 2018, Representative Driskell served as Policy Chair for the Florida House Democratic Caucus for the 2020-22 term. She was also previously elected as the Leader-Designate for the 2024-26 term.
During her time in office, Representative Driskell spearheaded a police-reform bill in 2021 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.
“I am both deeply honored and humbled to stand in front of my colleagues as the first Black woman to not only serve as the House Democratic Leader, but also the first to lead either caucus in the House. Thank you for your vote of confidence. Together, we will fight to create the freedom for every Floridian to be healthy, prosperous, and safe. Growing up in Polk County, my dad worked as a dispatcher and my mom as a public school teacher. My being here is a testament to the American Dream my parents diligently worked for. The opportunity to be here and serve my community is one thing I will never take for granted,” said Leader Driskell. “I am also extremely thankful for 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, “Passing on the Democratic Leader torch into the hands of an incredibly capable person is a great feeling. I know the Caucus is going to have a bright future under the direction of my friend Fentrice Driskell and will continue fighting for Floridians every step of the way.”
Prior to her time in the Florida House, Representative Driskell was an honors graduate with a degree in Government from Harvard University, and the first African-American to be elected President of Harvard’s Student Government Association. She is also a graduate of Georgetown Law School, where she served as a student lawyer for indigent survivors of domestic violence and volunteered extensively with the Innocence Project.
Representative Fentrice Driskell served in House District (HD) 63 from 2018-2022, and currently represents the newly drawn HD 67.
The event is archived on The Florida Channel’s website.
