Mark Pafford Fills House Democratic Leadership Posts

Florida House Democratic Leader Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach, named some of his leadership team on Wednesday. Pafford leads a diminished Democratic caucus as six House incumbents lost in the elections held earlier in the month and Republicans have a veto-proof majority.

Pafford named Rep. Evan Jenne, D-Dania Beach, who was returned to the House by Broward County voters, as Democratic policy chair. Rep. David Richardson, D-Miami Beach, will be floor leader while Rep. Clovis Watson, D-Alachua, will be the whip.

Were a good team. All of us in the Democratic Caucus will be more effective with these members in these important posts, Pafford said. House Democrats depend on each other and we all can lean on these lawmakers. The different routes theyve taken to the Legislature, and the experiences they have, make them able leaders. Theyll be a huge help to me and Rep. Jones.