Leadership Blue announcement expands Florida Democratic Party’s outreach to Haitian American voters
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Democratic Party announced during Leadership Blue that State Rep. Marie Woodson (D-101) has been appointed Vice Chair for Haitian American Voter Engagement, a new leadership role focused on strengthening relationships with Haitian American communities and expanding civic participation across Florida.
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said Woodson’s background in public service and longstanding ties to the Haitian American community make her well suited for the position.
“Representative Woodson has spent her career serving others with integrity, compassion, and purpose,” Fried said in a statement. “Her leadership, deep roots in the Haitian American community, and unwavering commitment to public service make her exceptionally well suited to help lead this important work across Florida.”
Party leaders said the appointment also honors the legacy of Nancy Metayer, the late vice chair whose work helped shape the party’s engagement with Haitian American voters.
Executive Director Rachel Berger said Woodson will build upon the foundation Metayer established.
“As the first Haitian American elected to the Florida Legislature from Broward County, Representative Woodson embodies the values of advocacy, resilience, and community,” Berger said. “We are confident her leadership will strengthen our engagement with Haitian American voters.”
Woodson said she plans to continue the outreach work she has pursued throughout her public service career.
“I’m honored by this appointment and ready to get to work,” Woodson said. “I’m confident that together we will be able to reach and mobilize the more than 300,000 Haitian voters who call Florida home.”
A growing voting bloc
According to the Florida Democratic Party, more than 300,000 Haitian voters live in Florida, making the community one of the state’s largest Caribbean voting blocs. South Florida—particularly Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties—is home to the largest concentration of Haitian Americans, though growing communities also live in Orange County and other parts of Central Florida.
Political parties in Florida have increasingly expanded outreach to Haitian American voters, reflecting the community’s growing influence in statewide and local elections. Similar engagement efforts targeting Caribbean and immigrant communities have also become more common in states such as New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, where Haitian American populations play an important role in civic life.
Long career in public service
Woodson has spent more than three decades serving with Miami-Dade County, leading programs focused on early childhood education, senior services, and social services before her election to the Florida House in 2020.
She made history as the first Haitian American elected to the Florida Legislature from Broward County and has sponsored legislation supporting seniors, veterans, children with special needs, homeless youth, and working families.
The Florida Democratic Party said Woodson will lead efforts to engage, empower, and increase participation among Haitian American Democrats statewide.
