• Rep. Kelly Skidmore, a Democrat from Boca Raton, has officially declared her candidacy for the role of Florida House Minority Leader for the 2026-2028 legislative term.
• Skidmore first served in the Florida House from 2006 to 2010, was reelected in 2020 and 2022, and seeks to succeed Rep. Fentrice Driskell as Minority Leader.
• Skidmore’s bid has received support from various members of the House Democratic Caucus, where she currently holds the position of Policy Chair.

Rep. Kelly Skidmore formally declared her intention on Tuesday to run for the position of Florida House Minority Leader for the 2026-2028 legislative term.

Skidmore, a Boca Raton Democrat, was first elected to the Florida House in 2006 and served until 2010. She sought reelection again in 2020, defeating Republican Saulis Banionis by 19 points, and subsequently secured reelection in 2022. Should Skidmore win the position, she would succeed Rep. Fentrice Driskell, whose term ends in 2026, presuming Republicans maintain control of the chamber.

“I am excited about the opportunities for the Democratic Caucus and know that we are strongest and most effective when we are united,” Skidmore said in a prepared statement. “One thing that I have learned over the past 19 years in the legislature is that consistency is critical to ensuring success. The House Democratic Caucus knows that as leader I offer steady and committed leadership and will not abandon them for personal gain or political ambition.”

Concurrent with her announcement, Skidmore garnered support from several members of the House Democratic Caucus, of which she serves as Policy Chair.

“Representative Skidmore has consistently demonstrated her commitment to serving the people of Florida. During some of our toughest moments, she has been an invaluable member of our caucus, providing us with the expertise, knowledge, and leadership needed to navigate challenging times,” said Rep. Dan Daley. “I have been fortunate to know Representative Skidmore for more than a decade and know she’s running for leader for the right reason and I’m proud to wholeheartedly support her.”

Presently, Skidmore serves as the Democratic Ranking Member on both the Health & Human Services Committee and the Agriculture, Conservation & Resiliency Subcommittee. She is additionally a member of the Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee, the Appropriations Committee, the Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee, and the Rules Committee.

“I believe that Representative Skidmore’s leadership, dedication, and advocacy make her the ideal candidate to help lead Democrats out of the super minority and provide the opportunity for an inclusive future for all Floridians to be healthy, prosperous, and safe,” added Rep. Kristen Arrington.