Chris Smith Named to Lead Senate Dems After 2012 Elections

Democrats in the Senate voted unanimously on Wednesday to name Sen. Chris Smith of Fort Lauderdale to serve as their next leader. Smith will take the reins from current Senate Democratic Leader Nan Rich of Sunrise after the 2012 elections.

I am proud of the confidence my caucus has shown in me said Smith. Florida faces many problems over the next few years and I look forward to leading the Democratic Caucus as we craft solutions.

Smith, who represents parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties, is no stranger to serving in the leadership. Before being elected to the Senate in 2008, Smith served in the Florida House of Representatives for eight years and served as Democratic leader during his last term from 2004-2006. In the Senate, Smith serves as vice chairman of both the Banking and Insurance Committee and the Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee.