- From the County Chair
- Citizens Push Back
- Economies that Work for All
- Embracing Inclusion & Compassion
| |
- Vote with Confidence: Vote by Mail
- Healthy Futures Start Here
- Newest SWFL Caucus
- Volunteer of the Month
- Your Posts Have Power
| | |
From the County Chair
A Holiday Message
As we gather with family and friends to celebrate the holidays, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible momentum we’ve built together this year. Our primary elections showed just how strong, determined, and united our Democratic community is here in Lee County. From energized volunteers to record voter engagement, you proved once again that when we show up, we move our county forward.
This season is a time for gratitude, and I am deeply grateful for each of you—your dedication, your resilience, and your unwavering belief in a better future for our neighbors and our county. Because of you, hope has real traction.
As we look ahead, let’s carry that spirit into the new year. The 2026 elections are already taking shape, and the work we do in the coming months will shape the future of Lee County, Florida, and our country. Rest, recharge, and come back ready to organize, advocate, and make history.
Together, we will continue driving the change our community deserves.
Warm wishes,
Jim Rosinus, Chair, Lee County Democrats
| | |
Citizens Push Back
The Republican leadership in Tallahassee is once again trying to gerrymander Florida, and this time trying to eliminate most, if not all, Democratic districts. They've scheduled a hearing on December 4 from 1:30 to 3 PM to push through radical, behind-closed-doors, changes. We must show our opposition with the biggest rally Tallahassee has ever seen!
Join advocates from across the state in Tallahassee to deliver a simple message: No mid-decade power grabs. No partisan maps. Honor the Fair Districts Amendments. Learn how to be part of this movement to prove to Floridians, and the nation, that Florida is worth fighting for, and that we are far from helpless. More information and sign up
| | |
Economies that Work for All
Voting Democratic means supporting a fairer, more inclusive economy — one that lifts people up instead of leaving them behind.
Democrats champion policies aimed at reducing inequality: raising the minimum wage, protecting workers’ rights, ensuring fair taxation, and strengthening programs that keep families afloat when times are tough. These priorities create a stronger middle class and a more stable society.
Programs like Social Security, Medicare, and food assistance aren’t just safety nets — they’re commitments to the idea that everyone deserves dignity and security. For many Floridians, these programs are lifelines that Democrats have fought to protect for decades.
Critics often claim that such policies interfere with the free market. But history shows that when workers earn fair wages, seniors live with dignity, and families have access to health care, the entire economy benefits.
Voting Democratic is a vote for shared prosperity, stable communities, and an economy that works for the many — not just the wealthy few.
| | |
Embracing Inclusion and Compassion This Holiday Season
By Eddie Stahl
The holiday season is traditionally a time of joy, reflection, and togetherness. Families and friends gather to share meals, exchange gifts, and express gratitude for one another. It is a period that encourages unity, love, and the setting aside differences.
Yet, for many members of the LGBTQ+ community, this season can also bring feelings of exclusion and heartache. Too often, individuals are ostracized by their families and prevented from participating in traditional holiday gatherings simply because of their identity. This exclusion can be especially painful for LGBTQ+ Democrats raised in predominantly Republican households, where returning home for the holidays may feel impossible.
For many, the holiday season is not marked by celebration, but by depression, loneliness, and despair. While extended family and friends can sometimes offer comfort and connection, mental health challenges such as anxiety and isolation can deepen the sense of being cut off from others. In regions where political divisions run deep, identifying as both LGBTQ+ and Democratic can further intensify that isolation. Read more...
| | |
Vote with Confidence: Voting by Mail Works
Voting by mail is a secure, reliable, and accessible way for Americans to cast their ballots. It has been used successfully for decades and is backed by extensive
safeguards that protect election integrity while making voting more convenient for millions of voters. Read more about why voting by mail is a trusted voting method.
| | |
Healthy Futures Start Here:
Building a Stronger Lee County, One Partnership at a Time
By Tracey Rippon
Lee County’s health is changing. While the life expectancy is higher than the national average, the rate of infant death is worse than the national average. This showcases the divide between a population with retirees and young families.
Historically, the focus on health for Lee County residents has been one that government
agencies and local health care organizations have been leading. However recent
changes have had detrimental impacts on health care access and funding, requiring a
shift in focus to community partnerships.
Collaboration works:
A new narrative is taking hold, local organizations, schools, and residents are
creating partnerships to transform the health of Lee County. Lee Health, the Florida
Department of Health, local school districts, and nonprofits are bringing healthcare to
residents in underserved neighborhoods through mobile health units, community
centers, telemedicine expansion, outreach, and health fairs. Not only do these
collaborative efforts provide much needed health services directly to residents, but they
help to strengthen community bonds. Read more...
| | |
Caucus of the Month
Democratic Disabilities Caucus of SWFL
Justin Reagan is a charismatic leader with a passion for helping others. As the founding President of our newest caucus, Justin is determined to make SWFL more accessible to all. "I'm learning a lot and my brain hurts" he says laughing but Justin is on a mission to keep ADA in full compliance. He looks forward to opportunities to educate the community about the issues faced by so many in our region. The ADA laws are vague at both the state and federal level which makes it easy for businesses and government agencies to fall out of compliance. According to Jason, at the end of the day, if your buildings, your websites, your services are not accessible to all, we need to address those deficiencies. If these issues are important to you we invite you to join the Democratic Disabilities Caucus of SWFL and get started on making a difference. You don't need to have a disability to join, you just need to have a passion for change.
| | |
Volunteer of the Month: David Harris
David Harris, attended one LGBTQ caucus meeting, then began showing up for all kinds of opportunities. Shortly after attending an info zoom meeting for potential neighborhood organizers with its follow up orientation, David stepped up for election as our Party's newest precinct leader. He jumped into canvassing, attended the Lehigh Acres Democratic Club, then the launch of the new Hispanic Caucus and accepted the nomination to President. David's interest in learning the ways of the Party and its people makes him welcome wherever he goes!
Q: What surprised you most about getting involved with Lee County Dems?
A: The most surprising thing I learned is there is a lot more going on behind the scenes than I imagined, and also a lot more of us than I thought. Lee County Dems are very organized and willing to assist each other in all events.
Q: What piece of advice would you give to someone on the fence about getting involved?
A: I thought I was doing my part by voting in every election, but I realized there is so much more to do. I chose to be an active part of the community instead of wasting my time doom scrolling.. I attended one meeting to see what it was about. Now, three months in, I am a precinct leader and President of the newly reestablished Democratic Hispanic Caucus of SWFL. You do what you can, whether it be one hour a week or one hour a month. Every bit helps. There are people to help you every step of the way. You don't need special skills, you bring to the table what you can give. Karyn Edison once told me, "You can be the one to bring brownies to the meeting or the one running for office. Working together and each of us doing our part is what makes us successful."
| | |
Your Posts Have Power:
Help Us Reach Voters Across Lee County
Lee County is one of Florida’s fastest-growing regions, with tens of thousands of newcomers arriving from across the country each year. Many voters are still learning who their local leaders are, and they’re doing it online. Social media lets us reach these residents where they already are, in Facebook neighborhood groups, Instagram, TikTok, BlueSky and other feeds.
Social media gives Democrats the power to communicate quickly about issues people feel every day: skyrocketing housing costs, insurance hikes, crowded roads and schools, clean water, environmental threats, and the future of reproductive freedom. It also helps us mobilize people for meetings, rallies, volunteer events, and elections, and when misinformation spreads, it is our fastest tool to tell the truth.
Help us extend our reach—share, post, and spread the word today!
| | | |  | | |
SUBSCRIBE
The Informed Democrat is published monthly and posted on the LeeCountyDems.org website.
Do you have something you’d like to share with your fellow Democrats in Lee County, or do you have comments, questions, or ideas about features you'd like to see?
Contact us at InformedDemocrat@gmail.com.
Editor: Jayne Berkaw
The Democratic Party of Lee County is an all-volunteer organization. We do not receive any funding
from the Florida Democratic Party nor the National Democratic Party.
| | | | |
