The state party’s annual event will be held at Walt Disney World in July.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will be the keynote speaker at the Florida Democratic Party’s Leadership Blue Gala.

“We are thrilled to welcome one of the sharpest, most consistent voices Democrats have for translating our values into plain language that connects with everyday voters, exactly what Florida needs heading into 2026,” reads an email blast from Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried.

“At this year’s Gala, we will come together to celebrate our momentum, build on the work happening across Florida, and chart the path forward to November. We are honored to welcome Secretary Buttigieg to Central Florida for such a pivotal weekend.”

The Leadership Blue Weekend is scheduled July 1-19 at the Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World. Other speakers at the event will include Fried, U.S. Reps. Maxwell Frost and Darren Soto, Florida Senate Democratic Leader-designate Tracie Davis, Florida House Democratic Leader-designate Christine Hunschofsky, and state Rep. Leonard Spencer.

Buttigieg, a likely candidate for the Democratic nomination for President in 2028, led the U.S. Department of Transportation through President Joe Biden’s term in the White House. An aggregate polling average by The New York Times shows Buttigieg averaging third place in recent polls, behind former Vice President Kamala Harris and California Gov. Gavin Newsom and ahead of New York U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Buttigieg would be the nation’s first openly gay President. He has criticized many of the anti-LGBTQ policies and laws instituted during Gov. Ron DeSantis’ tenure as Governor.

Buttigieg notably led a poll of Florida Democrats taken last year by Victory Insights.

Buttigieg previously served as Mayor of South Bend, Indiana, but emerged as a national figure in the 2020 Presidential Election, where he won the Iowa caucuses. But that was his only victory, and came after a recount that ebbed some of his momentum. He ultimately endorsed Biden in March that year.