Spring Hill Republican Senator Blaise Ingoglia filed SB 1248, which would be called “The Ultimate Cancel Act.” The bill plans to eliminate the Florida Democratic Party.

The bill has no mention of the Democratic party. However, it would direct the Florida Division of Elections to “immediately cancel the filings of a political party, to include its registration and approved status as a political party, if the party’s platform has previously advocated for, or been in support of, slavery or involuntary servitude.”

Democrats of the state advocated for slavery during the Civil War. They adopted pro-slavery positions during the conventions of 1840, 1844, 1856, 1860 and 1864, Ingoglia noted.

“For years now, leftist activists have been trying to ‘cancel’ people and companies for things they have said or done in the past. This includes the removal of statues and memorials, and the renaming of buildings. Using this standard, it would be hypocritical not to cancel the Democratic Party itself for the same reason,” Ingoglia said.

Under the Bill, registered Democrats would be automatically re-registered as having “no party affiliation.” The Democratic party officers could reorganize, but only under a substantially different name.

“Some people want to have ‘uncomfortable conversations’ about certain subjects,” he said. “Let’s have those conversations.”

Former Florida Agriculture Commissioner and American lawyer and politician who has served as the chair of the Florida Democratic Party since 2023  Nikki Fried told reporters she’s not surprised by the new legislation.

“Shame on the radical Republican party for initiating some type of a piece of legislation of this magnitude,” Fried said. “This is what a dictator does. This is what a fascist does.”

If passed, the law would take effect July 1.