The Republican majority in the Florida House expanded its leadership on Friday while the Democratic Caucus is set to choose its next leader next week.
On Friday, House Majority Leader Dana Young, R-Tampa, and House Majority Whip Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, named four deputy whips: Reps. Colleen Burton, R-Lakeland; Julio Gonzalez, R-Venice; David Santiago, R-Deltona; and Charlie Stone, R-Ocala.
Whip Boyd and I congratulate Reps. Burton, Gonzalez, Santiago and Stone on their appointments as deputy whips, Young said. These members have shown great promise to be future leaders of the Florida House, and I am confident they will play an integral role in ensuring the Republican Caucus has another successful legislative session.
It has been a privilege getting to know each of these representatives, and I look forward to working more closely with them through their service as deputy whips, Boyd said. I am confident they will each find success in this leadership role and have a promising future within our party. They will each be a great asset to the majority office in leading the innovative ideas of our caucus through the legislative process and promoting our conservative values.
Two of the new deputy whips were elected to the House for the first time in November. Burton, a freshman, represents parts of Polk County. Gonzalez, who is also new to the Florida House, represents parts of Sarasota County.
First elected in 2012, Santiago served as a deputy whip during his first terms. Santiago, who represents parts of Volusia County, also serves as the vice chairman of the Government Operations and the Transportation and Ports Subcommittees. Stone, who represents all of Levy County and parts of Marion County, is also a sophomore.
Over on the Democratic side, Rep. Janet Cruz, D-Tampa, is the only candidate who sent in notice that she was running to replace House Minority Leader Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach. Cruz will take over after the 2016 elections.
Cruz, currently the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, first came to Tallahassee in a special election in early 2010. She quickly moved up into the Democratic leadership when then-House Minority Leader Ron Saunders named her as a deputy whip back in December 2010.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
