By: Maximillian Boudreaux

Tampa State Representative Fentrice Driskell broke down a barrier, by becoming the first woman elected to lead Florida’s House Democrats.  

Driskell was first elected to Tampa’s District 63 in 2018. Her newfound victory will mean she will be elected again next year. State Representative Driskell will lead State Democrats from 2024 until 2026.  

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The Georgetown and Harvard alum said she is honored to lead state Democrats and it shows the country is beginning to pay more attention to what Black women can do. 

"I will not sit idly in my oppression." – Rep. Fentrice Driskell pic.twitter.com/p9qxkk1OJz

— Representative Fentrice Driskell (@FentriceForFL) March 26, 2021

Driskell was against Governor Ron DeSantis’s anti-protest bill HB1 and developed police reform bills, including HB 7051 with Republican lawmakers.  

The Tampa State Representative is currently serving as the House Democratic Caucus Policy Chair for the 2020-22 term.  

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“I’m just so glad to get to be a part of that narrative and be a part of that story. And to have this chance to work for a brighter future for all Floridians,” Driskell said on WMNF Radio. “And really just leverage this platform to continue breaking down barriers and hopefully inspire more young people to want to run for office, and women of color to do it. If they see me doing it, hopefully, they’ll think that they can do it too.” 

Driskell’s recent triumph is a sign of Black women winning in 2021.