Florida Democratic Party chief resigns after accusations of workplace impropriety
Stephen Bittel’s rocky tenure as Florida Democratic Party chairman ended in disgrace Friday after he resigned following accusations from women that he leered at them, made suggestive comments and created an unprofessional work environment.
“When my personal situation becomes distracting to our core mission of electing Democrats and making Florida better, it is time for me to step aside,” Bittel said in a statement. “I am proud of what we have built as a Party and the wins we have had for Florida families, but I apologize for all who have felt uncomfortable during my tenure at the Democratic Party.”
Bittel said he is working with party leaders to set a date to elect his successor.
Read more: “Big night for Florida Democrats ends in acrimony over chairman’s racial remarks”
Elected in January after a contentious internal campaign, Bittel lasted less than a year on the job.
Bittel’s position became untenable after all four major Democratic candidates for Florida governor urged his ouster following a Politico Florida report late Thursday in which six women anonymously complained about Bittel’s behavior. They said he was “creepy” and “demeaning.”
Read more: “In Florida leadership battle, Democrats choose Dade’s Bittel, GOP stays with Ingoglia”
The calls for Bittel’s resignation from Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine and Orlando businessman Chris King made it impossible for Bittel to continue at the party helm.
“I am glad Stephen Bittel resigned — there was no alternative,” Gillum said in a statement. “The FDP must move forward quickly to rebuild their culture and create an inclusive, safe work environment. Beyond changing the culture there, we must all commit ourselves to changing the power structures that have allowed too many men to behave this way for too long. It will not happen overnight, but we cannot tolerate it any longer.”
The gubernatorial candidates weighed in before the only Florida Democrat elected statewide, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, who will also be on the 2018 ballot, publicly commented on Bittel’s fate. Nelson had backed the chairman bid by Bittel, a Coconut Grove developer and longtime Democratic fundraiser.
Bittel was elected after a rose to the top party post after a disputed election. He was forced to offer his resignation in June after a party gala in Hollywood in which Bittel referred to some black lawmakers “childish.” They accepted his apology. In September, the party won a key special Senate election in Miami, and in November, it notched another victory in reelecting St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman.
This developing story will be updated.
This story was originally published November 17, 2017 at 12:08 PM with the headline "Florida Democratic Party chief resigns after accusations of workplace impropriety."