JACKSONVILLE, FL —The Duval County Democratic Party stands firmly with Councilman Jimmy Peluso following his principled decision to boycott today’s Transportation, Energy & Utilities (TEU) Committee meeting and stand against the increasingly toxic leadership of City Council President Kevin Carrico.

Carrico’s latest round of committee appointments continues a disturbing trend of sidelining Democrats, women, and minority voices from positions of influence. His decision to stack key committees with Republican allies—some with triple committee assignments—while limiting others to just one is not only unprecedented, it is undemocratic. These appointments reflect a blatant effort to consolidate power, punish dissent, and erase balanced representation from the legislative process.

“At a time when Jacksonville needs serious, collaborative leadership to address critical infrastructure and quality-of-life issues, Carrico continues to put partisan theatrics ahead of public service,” stated Jacksonville Young Democrats President, Millie Leeds. “Councilman Peluso is right to call out these backroom power plays for what they are: a betrayal of the people of Jacksonville, particularly those living in the urban core who continue to be underrepresented.”

Let us be clear: Council President Carrico’s leadership is failing our city. His tactics undermine the integrity of the council and erode public trust in local government. Jacksonville deserves better than this petty, performative politics.