TALLAHASSEE, Fl. – In a decisive moment of legislative independence, Florida lawmakers rejected Republican Governor Ron DeSantis’ push for a special session, signaling bipartisan frustration with the governor’s polarizing leadership. Democratic State Senator Shevrin Jones (SD-34) celebrated the move, calling it a triumph for checks and balances in governance.
“For many years, Gov. DeSantis has attempted to rule Florida with an iron fist, and Republicans in the legislature would fall in line,” Jones said in a statement. “Today, however, state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have stood up, making it clear the ‘king has fallen.’”
The legislature’s defiance comes as DeSantis struggles to regain footing following his failed bid for the Republican presidential nomination.
Once a rising GOP star, DeSantis’ campaign was overshadowed by frontrunner Donald Trump and marred by criticism of his “war on woke” policies. He led the targeting of marginalized groups and dismantled diversity initiatives. Critics argue these efforts have alienated voters while failing to address critical issues like Florida’s housing and insurance crises.
Sen. Shevrin Jones calls out DeSantis
Senator Shevrin Jones, a leading voice for inclusion and equity, has long opposed DeSantis’ divisive agenda. As the state’s first openly gay Black lawmaker, Jones has firsthand experience with the impact of DeSantis’ policies, which have banned discussions of race, gender, and LGBTQ+ issues in schools.
“We are number 43 in the country when it comes to our students being able to read, yet we are still banning books,” Jones previously told The Black Wall Street Times. “While we’re trying to protect children from ‘woke,’ we need to be trying to protect children from guns.”
As Jones considers a gubernatorial run in 2026, he previously describd the need for a leader who values all Floridians. “This will not just be a race for some. This will definitely be a race for all,” Jones said.