Perry Thurston Seeks ‘Bipartisanship and Cooperation’ with House GOP

As Democrats have cut into the GOPs supermajority in the Florida Legislature, House Democratic Leader-designate Perry Thurston, D-Plantation, released the following statement on the general election:

After an exciting Election Night for America, I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to continue my service in the Florida Legislature with the prospect of being the next Florida House Democratic leader. If current vote-counting totals hold, the Florida House Democratic Caucus will grow from 38 seats to 44 members strong.

On behalf of all Florida House Democrats, I look forward to working with Speaker-designate Will Weatherford and the rest of his leadership team in tackling the important business of Florida. The challenges and issues facing the state are significant and the needs of Floridians are great. But with a commitment to bipartisanship and cooperation, I am hopeful that the Legislature will meet the publics expectations.

Each of the candidates who ran for state House seats deserve to be commended for their commitment to public service. I congratulate all of the elected officials who will serve in the 86th Florida House of Representatives since statehood in 1845, and I am particularly proud to welcome new members to the Legislature.