Dems grapple with uncertain future in Florida after losses

Democrats are grappling with how to carve a path forward in Florida after disappointing losses in two high-profile races that once fueled the party’s hopes of expanding its political footprint in the Sunshine State.

The defeats suffered by gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum and Sen. Bill Nelson, both by ultra-close margins, have left Democrats struggling to point to one silver bullet that could have turned the tide of the races.

Multiple strategists and party operatives in the state suggested that Democrats had failed to organize early and effectively enough. They also said the party needs to mount a more sustained voter outreach and registration effort, particularly months or years ahead of elections.

Others said that Republicans’ willingness to quickly mount negative — and enormously expensive — campaigns also created outsize obstacles that put Democrats at a disadvantage.

Fernand Amandi, a Miami-based Democratic pollster, said Democrats had all but abandoned the Florida playbook given to them by former President Obama, who won the state in both his 2008 and 2012 White House bids.