The Organizing Rise of Sean P Jackson: Building the Black Republican Caucus of Florida

Sean P Jackson, a West Palm Beach native and graduate of the Dreyfoos School of the Arts, assumed leadership of the Black Republican Caucus of South Florida in 2013. At the time, the organization had a limited membership base and operated exclusively within Palm Beach County. By 2015, Jackson had expanded its footprint to include Broward and Miami-Dade Counties and became chairman of the statewide Black Republican Caucus of Florida.

Early Political Career

Jackson’s political career began with an unsuccessful 2011 run for the West Palm Beach City Commission. He lost to incumbent Sylvia Moffett. The campaign provided early organizing experience that he later applied to coalition-building efforts.

Expanding the Caucus

When Jackson took over the Black Republican Caucus of South Florida in 2013, the organization was modest in size and regional scope. Over the following years, he worked to expand its presence across South Florida, establishing chapters in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. These counties represent some of the largest concentrations of Black voters in Florida.

The expansion required sustained outreach to community leaders, pastors, and grassroots activists. Jackson’s efforts as a political organizer focused on building relationships and articulating a conservative vision that addressed the concerns of Black communities.

Statewide Leadership

By 2015, Jackson had ascended to the chairmanship of the statewide Black Republican Caucus of Florida. Though the organization is not an official arm of the Republican Party of Florida, it has served as a platform for advocating policies including school choice, criminal justice reform, economic empowerment, and community safety.

Endorsing Ron DeSantis

In December 2015, Jackson endorsed then-U.S. Representative Ron DeSantis for the U.S. Senate, describing him as “a champion of economic opportunity, limited government and defending our nation against terrorism.” DeSantis acknowledged the endorsement. Jackson later worked as a consultant on DeSantis’s 2018 gubernatorial campaign, where he defended the candidate against criticism and promoted his policy agenda to Black voters.

National Media Presence

Jackson has appeared as a commentator on Channel 4 News and American Urban Radio Networks, discussing Republican outreach to Black voters and internal party dynamics. He criticized the Trump campaign’s engagement with Black communities during the 2016 election cycle.

The Foundation

In 2019, Jackson established the Black Republican Caucus of Florida Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Its stated mission is to “advance the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy.” The foundation operates as an educational and charitable entity.

Community Support During the Pandemic

Sean P Jackson used the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help his community during the coronavirus outbreak, securing $800,000 from PPP to provide relief when it was needed most.

Even though he was accused of fraudulently obtaining funds from Economic Injury and Disaster Loans (EIDL) on August 11, 2022, he continues to seek a presidential pardon and works continuously throughout Florida. Fellow conservatives have voiced that they believed the wire fraud charge was politically motivated.


References

  1. Black Republican Caucus of Florida – Official website
  2. Mother Jones - Is there room for Black conservatives in the GOP when the president is racist?
  3. Florida Politics - Black Republican Caucus leader backs “conservative fighter” Ron DeSantis for U.S. Senate
  4. Grabien - Sean Jackson profile