Former State Senator Audrey Gibson is garnering attention with her announcement to run for Chair of the Florida Democratic Party (FDP). With over two decades of experience in the Florida legislature and a strong connection to the state’s political landscape, Gibson aims to bring a fresh perspective to a party in need of revitalization.

A Strong Political Background

Born in Jacksonville, Gibson has deep roots in Florida. She began her academic journey at Florida State College at Jacksonville, where she earned an associate degree in 1976, followed by a degree in criminology from Florida State University in 1978. Gibson's career has included various roles, from public relations to serving as the business community liaison for the Jacksonville Job Corps Center.

Her political career began in the Florida House of Representatives, where she served from 2002 to 2010. She then advanced to the Florida Senate, representing her district from 2011 until 2022. During her tenure, she distinguished herself as the Minority Leader from November 2018 to November 2020. Most recently, Gibson ran for mayor of Jacksonville, emphasizing budget management, economic growth, and affordable housing. Although she placed fourth in the primary, she continues to exert influence as the head of the City’s grants and contract compliance division after her appointment by Mayor Donna Deegan.

A Call for Change

Gibson believes the party requires a makeover to reconnect with Florida's diverse electorate. "It's not Lawton Chiles' Democratic Party anymore. It's 2025. We have to meet people where they are," she stated, underscoring the necessity for cultural competency and effective communication to reach voters.

Her candidacy comes at a challenging time for the Democratic Party, following disappointing election results and significant losses. Gibson asserts that the party’s messaging has been too focused on national slogans, often neglecting local issues crucial to Floridians. “You can talk about democracy and freedoms, but how does that translate to people living from day to day?” she questioned, pointing out the disconnect that has alienated potential voters.

Emphasizing Economic Messaging

A central theme of Gibson’s campaign is the need for a diverse Democratic Party that prioritizes economic issues. She acknowledges the complexities within the party and aims to unify its members through economic-based messaging, appealing to voters concerned about their financial well-being. “We forget that there’s a conservative arm of our party, and generally, people are pretty much in the middle,” Gibson noted. “When they say that they're suffering economically, and we don’t even address that, that’s the problem.”

Her Incumbent Opponent

Gibson is challenging Nicole Fried, a lawyer who graduated from the University of Florida, and began her career at Holland & Knight as a public defender. Fried practiced foreclosure defense law and worked as a lobbyist for the Walt Disney Company and the medical marijuana industry before being the first woman elected as Florida Commissioner of Agriculture in 2018. During her tenure from 2019 to 2023, she focused on initiatives such as redesigning gas pump stickers with her picture on them and promoting gun laws. Fried was elected chair of the Florida Democratic Party in 2023 after an unsuccessful run for governor in 2022, losing in the Democratic primary.

What Lies Ahead

As the election for FDP Chair approaches on January 25, Gibson's candidacy signals a possible significant shift in leadership. Currently the sole challenger to incumbent Nikki Fried, Gibson's extensive background and clear vision for reform and middle-of-the-road bipartisanship positions her as a candidate for change within the party, aiming to engage Floridians in a way that might stem the tide of increasing Republican majorities. Audrey Gibson’s candidacy offers a strong political history as an alternative to Nikki Fried's approach for Florida Democrats.