Democrats enjoy surge in Seminole

With numbers up, party sets sights on independent vote

Rob Bial decided to get involved in the Seminole County Democratic Party shortly after the Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016 that left 49 people dead.

“I was watching the news, and it was shocking the amount of carnage. It was beyond belief for me,” the Winter Springs resident said. “It got me thinking about this gun debate. … And I felt that we can’t sit on the sidelines, that democracy is not a spectator sport.”

So he got involved. Today, Bial, 54, is the new chairman of the Seminole Democrats. Others like him also are stepping forward in the county long dominated by Republicans to sign up as volunteers, work as precinct captains or to encourage others to run for office.

The Sem Dems, as they call themselves, have a goal this year of fielding Democratic candidates in every race — including city, county and state legislative seats — in November. A crucial part of outreach efforts includes trying to woo the growing number of voters registered with no party affiliation, who account for more than a quarter of registered voters.

They’ve been handing out pins to no-party affiliation voters that read: “NPAs love Sem Dems.”

“The NPAs are one of our target groups,” said Brittany Nethers, the party’s communications chair. “We are focusing on inclusivity. There’s room for everyone in our party, not just Democrats but also Republicans who are more centrist.”

Likewise, Seminole Republicans also are reaching out to voters who have no allegiance to a political party.

“Our initiatives are at recruiting NPAs,” Seminole County GOP chairwoman

Kathryn Townsend said. “One of the ways we’re doing that is by educating people on what Republicans stand for. … People are looking for straight talk on the issues.”

While Republicans still hold an advantage in Seminole, the number of registered Democrats has swelled by 25 percent to 96,665 since 2004. In the same period, the number of registered Republicans rose by about 1 percent to 108,304. But 81,110 — or just over 28 percent — of the county’s 287,806 registered voters are listed with no party affiliation.

The increase in Democratic registrations coincides with a buzz of party activity attributed to Republican Donald Trump’s stunning presidential victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

“After the [presidential] election of 2016, we have seen a tremendous surge of people that want to get involved,” said Bial, who works in the aviation and aerospace industry. “People are willing to be out and about as Democrats in Seminole County. We are here, and we’re not afraid to voice our concerns.”

Over the past year, nearly 200 people on average regularly attend the organization’s monthly meetings, he said, whereas prior to Trump’s election the gatherings typically drew about 20 or 30 attendees. Democrats hope to build on that interest by attracting more candidates.

“We haven’t had Democrats run in all the races in Seminole in a long time,” Bial said. “But now we’re asking people to consider running.”

Seminole Republicans have always had an abundance of candidates throwing their hats into the political ring, Townsend said. The GOP has held nearly every elected seat — from city commission to the Legislature — for decades.

Nethers agreed that Seminole Republicans have long held an advantage and enjoyed the most success in luring deep-pocketed donors.

“Yes, they may have the money,” she said. “But we have people power. We’re ready to knock on doors and make a difference.”

Attorney Darryl Block, 37, said he decided — at the urging of party officials — to run as the Democratic candidate for state House District 29 seat, currently held by Republican Scott Plakon, after experiencing the growing costs of health care for a family member.

“I said, ‘Enough is enough,’ ” said Block, of Lake Mary. “I told myself that I need to get involved, for my kids.”

If Democrats succeed, Block and other candidates will win the support of no-party affiliation voters.

Susan MacManus, a political science professor at University of South Florida, said NPAs will be the coveted Holy Grail for both political parties as preparations begin for the November general election. In the coming months, both political organizations will work hard to court middle-ofthe-road voters not tied to a political philosophy.

NPAs, however, are often younger voters who focus more on a candidate’s personality, business people who don’t publicize their political leanings or residents who dislike both major parties, she said.

“It’s going to be all about grabbing their attention,” MacManus said. “But the problem is going to be [NPA] turnout. So you have to have a message — a message that lures people.”

“We haven’t had Democrats run in all the races in Seminole in a long time. But now we’re asking people to consider running.” Rob Bial, Seminole County Democratic Party chairman