My name is Dr. Bernard Wh Jennings, and I am deeply honored to stand before you today to humbly announce my candidacy for Vice Chairman of the Florida Democratic Party. As a proud Democrat, a tireless advocate for justice and equality, and a passionate believer in the power of our collective action, I am excited about the opportunity to help lead our party into a new era of strength, unity, and progress.

Let me begin by sharing a bit about my journey and how it has prepared me for this moment. As the former Executive Director of the Miami-Dade Democratic Executive Committee and current Vice President of the Miami Gardens Democratic Club—based in the largest Democratic county in Florida—I’ve spent years working alongside many of you, committed to building a party that reflects the values and needs of our diverse communities. Through my work in Democratic leadership and grassroots organizing, I’ve seen firsthand the power of collaboration, and I’ve learned that when we unite our voices, there’s nothing we cannot achieve.

My professional career spans over a decade in mortgage banking, arbitration, and mediation—fields that have sharpened my expertise in leadership, conflict resolution, and financial management. I’ve served as an Administrative Hearing Officer for Miami-Dade County, arbitrating complex disputes and ensuring fairness in the decision-making process. I’ve negotiated major commercial development contracts, including one of the largest private commercial aviation leaseholds and development agreements in Miami-Dade County at Opa-Locka Airport. Currently, I serve as the President of the Biscayne Gardens Chamber of Commerce, where I focus on driving economic development and advocating for our community’s needs.

But my dedication doesn’t stop there. Many of you may know me for my statewide advocacy work on fathers' rights, including my efforts to champion the Good Dad Act. Through these efforts, I’ve fought to ensure that all parents, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities to be actively involved in their children’s lives. These experiences have taught me the importance of standing up for what is right and listening to those whose voices are too often unheard.

As your next Vice Chair, my vision for the Florida Democratic Party is clear: accountability, transparency, and equitable resource distribution. We cannot afford to continue operating with inefficiencies or relying on outdated strategies. Our success depends on reinvigorating our base, empowering our clubs and caucuses, and ensuring that every Democratic voice is heard—whether it comes from the panhandle, central Florida, or right here in Miami-Dade County.

Accountability means making our leaders and our organization answerable to the people we serve. Transparency means ensuring that every decision made and every dollar spent is done so with integrity and openness. And equitable distribution means that resources are allocated based on the needs and strengths of each community, giving every district, every club, and every cause the tools they need to succeed.

Let me be clear: This is not just about winning elections—it’s about transforming the way we approach our mission as Democrats. We must invest in the future by engaging younger generations, cultivating emerging leaders, and embracing innovation in how we organize and communicate. We must strengthen our alliances with unions, advocacy groups, and faith communities, and we must stand firm in our commitment to equity and inclusion for all Floridians.

I believe that my background uniquely positions me to serve as a catalyst for change. I will be a Vice Chair who brings together clubs and caucuses, Black and white, Hispanic and Haitian, Jewish and Muslim, Asian and Caribbean, young and old, rich and poor—because every voice in this party matters. Together, we will harness the energy of our diversity and turn it into a unified force for progress.

I want to leave you with a challenge and a promise. The challenge is this: Let us think bigger. Let us embrace the bold ideas and fresh perspectives that can revitalize our party and inspire the people of Florida to join us in building a brighter future. And my promise to you is that as your Vice Chair, I will dedicate myself to this work with the full weight of my experience, my passion, and my unwavering commitment to the values we all hold dear.

I encourage you to Google my name—Dr. Bernard Wh Jennings—and see for yourself the work I have done and the causes I have championed. From fathers' rights to economic empowerment, I have always fought to make a difference, and I am ready to bring that same energy and determination to this role.

Thank you for your time, your support, and for all that you do to uphold the values of the Democratic Party. Together, we can create a stronger, more inclusive, and more effective Florida Democratic Party. Let’s make this happen—because this is our time!

Thank you.