During the Special Session of the Florida State Legislature today, Sen. Joe Negron (R-Stuart) announced that he would be the next Senate President. Sen. Negron will be designated Senate President during a ceremony to be held on December 2, 2015, and will serve in the role for the 2017-2018 legislative term.
Sen. Jack Latvala (R-Clearwater), ended his bid for Senate President by signing a pledge card for Sen. Negron and asking his supporters to work with Sen. Negron. In a show of solidarity between the two Senate rivals, both expressed willingness to work together. Said Sen. Negron, “I look forward to working with Sen. Latvala and the entire Republican caucus as we represent the citizens of Florida. The Senate is compromised of 40 strong, independent voices and I will ensure that every Senator is heard”. For his part, Sen. Latvala had this to say, “Sen. Negron and I are focused on moving the Republican caucus forward in unified manner.
Sen. Negron announced in August he had enough votes to declare victory, noting support from 14 of the 26 members of the GOP caucus. Sen. Negron, announced today he would make Sen. Latvala the chairman of the top budget writing committee in the Florida Senate in 2017.
