Members of the Florida Democratic Party today elected Allison Tant to lead the party through the 2014 elections, defeating the grassroots challenge from Alan Clendenin. Chairwoman Tant replaces outgoing Chairman Rod Smith. The final vote was 587 Tant 448 Clendenin, and 54 invalid votes.
“I am grateful for the chance to lead the Florida Democratic Party forward,” Tant said in a statement released by the Florida Democratic Party. “I have seen firsthand through my travels that Florida Democrats are energized by the gains of this last election cycle and poised to do what has eluded our party for over a decade: elect a Democratic governor. I look forward to working together with our tremendous grassroots volunteers to defeat Rick Scott and elect Democrats up-and-down the ticket.”
In a sign of unity ahead of the 2014 elections, Clendenin will serve as the party’s Vice Chair after being nominated from the floor.
