President Joe Biden’s final executive order to lift sanctions on Cuba and remove the country from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism has ignited backlash from Florida Democrats and galvanized Republican leaders ahead of the incoming Trump administration.
Biden’s move, announced Tuesday, comes just days before Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president and is seen as largely symbolic, as Trump is expected to swiftly reinstate the sanctions. However, the political ramifications of Biden’s decision are already reverberating through Florida’s Democratic Party, particularly among its Hispanic community.
Florida Democrats expressed dismay, according to an Axios report, calling the timing and substance of the executive order politically damaging in a state where many voters have roots in countries affected by Marxist regimes.
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“This is Joe Biden literally sinking the Democratic Party in the state of Florida. Big time,” said Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a moderate Florida Democrat. “Just as we try to patch the hole in the boat, Biden punches another hole in it.”
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried echoed the sentiment, stating she was “disappointed” and “blindsided” by the decision. Sources close to Fried described her reaction as “enraged,” underscoring the frustration among state Democratic leaders.
The executive order was announced on the eve of Florida Senator Marco Rubio’s confirmation hearing to serve as Secretary of State under Trump.
Rubio, a Cuban-American and staunch critic of the Cuban regime, played a pivotal role in crafting the sanctions during Trump’s first term. His expected return to a prominent foreign policy role only heightens the spotlight on Biden’s move.
Rubio’s allies, including Mauricio Claver-Carone, Trump’s incoming envoy to Latin America, dismissed Biden’s explanation that the order was tied to a deal brokered by the Catholic Church to release 553 prisoners in Cuba.
Claver-Carone called the move a “gift to Havana” and promised the Trump administration would reinstate tougher sanctions with broader impacts, according to Axios.
Florida has become a stronghold for the GOP, driven in part by an anti-socialist message that resonates with Hispanic voters. Trump’s emphasis on opposing socialism helped him win 55% of the Florida vote in the 2024 presidential election, including an 11-point victory in Miami-Dade County, a former Democratic stronghold.
Data released Friday by the Florida Division of Elections reveals that, as of December 31, the GOP now boasts 5,635,902 active registered voters, compared to the Florida Democratic Party’s 4,479,820—a staggering advantage of 1,156,082 voters.
The gap widened from the previous month when the Republican lead stood at 1,136,581 voters. Additionally, 3,710,036 active voters are registered without party affiliations, while 431,377 are registered with third parties.
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The latest figures mark a dramatic reversal from Florida’s historic trend, where Democrats once held a steady registration advantage. Over the past decade, however, Republicans have steadily gained ground, culminating in their current unprecedented lead.
The November 2024 elections showcased the GOP’s growing strength, with President-elect Donald Trump securing a decisive victory in Florida, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott winning re-election, and Republicans maintaining supermajorities in both the Florida House and Senate.
The data release comes just ahead of a pivotal moment for the state party. On Saturday, Evan Power was re-elected as chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, a position he has used to steer the party’s voter registration efforts and grassroots organization.
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“It has been an honor to serve as Chairman of the most successful state party in the nation! It would not be possible without the support and hard work of our grassroots leaders, who continue to inspire me,” said Power. “I am humbled by their support and look forward to working with them to reach new heights and recruit and support the best Republican candidates.”
Political analysts point to several factors driving the Republican surge, including targeted voter registration campaigns, a focus on economic and social issues that resonate with Florida’s diverse electorate, and dissatisfaction among voters with Democratic leadership at the national level.
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The growing Republican registration edge positions the party strongly for future elections, including the 2026 gubernatorial race and the 2028 presidential contest. Democrats, meanwhile, face mounting pressure to re-energize their base and reconnect with voters in a state that was once considered a key battleground.
As Florida’s political landscape continues to shift, the voter registration data underscores the GOP’s dominant position heading into President-elect Trump’s administration and beyond.
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