Bill Galvano and Richard Corcoran Lead Redistricting Committees

With a special session starting Thursday as the Florida Legislature tries to redraw congressional districts by Aug. 15, much of the work will be done at the committee level.

In the Senate, Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, will be leading the select committee on redistricting as chairman. Senate Minority Leader Chris Smith, D-Fort Lauderdale, will be the vice chairman. Other members of the committee are Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Orange Park, Sen. Audrey Gibson, D-Jacksonville, Sen. Tom Lee, R-Brandon, Sen. Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee, and Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs.

On the House side, Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-Lutz, who is scheduled to take over as speaker after the 2016 elections, will be chairing the select committee on redistricting. Rep. Charles McBurney, R-Jacksonville, will be the vice chairman. Other Republicans on the committee are: Rep. Matthew Caldwell, R-Lehigh Acres, Rep. Travis Cummings, R-Orange Park, Rep. Larry Metz, R-Groveland, Rep. Jose Oliva, R-Hialeah, Rep. Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, and Rep. Dana Young, R-Tampa.

House Minority Leader Perry Thurston, D-Fort Lauderdale, will take a break from his primary battle against former DCF Secretary George Sheldon -- to see which Democrat challenges Attorney General Pam Bondi in November -- to serve on the committee. Other Democrats on the committee are: Rep. Lori Berman, D-Boynton Beach, Rep. Reggie Fullwood, D-Jacksonville, Rep. Kionne McGhee, D-Miami, and Rep. Jose Javier Rodriguez, D-Miami.