Preparing to take the gavel later this month, on Wednesday incoming Florida Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, named Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, as Senate majority leader. Galvano takes over from Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers.
Gardiner praised Galvano on Wednesday, noting they had worked together in both chambers of the Florida Legislature.
Over years of serving together in the House, and now the Senate, I have witnessed Bills strong work ethic, innate intellect and willingness to tackle tough issues, Gardiner said on Wednesday. Bill has proven he has the support of our caucus and is ready to lead in this important role.
I know Bill will fight tirelessly to further the success of the Senates priorities, as well as those of our Republican caucus and Republican senators, Gardiner added. Together with our Democrat leader, Sen. Joyner, Bill will work to ensure a smooth operation on the Senate floor where all senators will have the opportunity to have their voices heard.
First elected to the Florida House in 2002, Galvano served four terms, rising to serve as the chairman of the House and Rules Calendar Committee. After being term-limited in 2010, Galvano started running for the Florida Senate, winning an open seat in 2012. Galvano represents all of DeSoto, Glades and Hardee and parts of Charlotte, Highlands, Hillsborough and Manatee counties in the Senate.
Despite being a freshman, Galvano was tabbed as chairman of the Senate Reapportionment Committee. With Leon County Circuit Judge Terry Lewis ruling the congressional maps drawn up by the Legislature in 2012 did not pass state constitutional muster, Galvano led the committee and won rave reviews from his fellow Republicans. In a special session held in August, the House and Senate passed the new congressional maps drawn up by Galvano. While the League of Women Voters continues to challenge redistricting, insisting the Legislature violated two state constitutional amendments passed by voters in 2010, Lewis ruled the new maps pass muster. The new districts take effect in 2016.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
