Karp’s post at the party will be filled by current Democratic press secretary Max Steele.

Karp, 25, has been with the party since May 2013. During the end of the contentious 2014 gubernatorial race, the William and Mary graduate helped coordinate the communication efforts of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist, working out of Crist’s St. Petersburg campaign offices. Crist narrowly lost his bid to defeat Governor Rick Scott.

During the 2012 election cycle, Karp was spokesman for the successful campaign of Rep. Lois Frankel of West Palm Beach. Before coming to Florida, he was communications director for the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus.

Karp will remain in his current role until July 31, joining the Murphy campaign after it picks up a primary challenger. Rep. Alan Grayson of Orlando is expected to announce his U.S. Senate bid in the next few weeks.

Steele, 25, has established an aggressive presence on Twitter and is a persistent thorn in the side of Republican lawmakers and consultants. His fights with state Rep. Matt Gaetz of Fort Walton Beach and consultant Mac Stipanovich have become must-watch social media events for Florida politicos.

The 25-year-old Florida State University graduation joined the party in early 2012. During the last campaign cycle, he worked mostly on communications efforts outside the governor’s race, including U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham’s successful campaign.
The party has not yet hired a new press secretary.