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Lopez-Cantera Officially Sworn In As Florida's 19th Lieutenant Governor

RPOF Spokeswoman Susan Hepworth's twitter
Surrounded by his family, Carlos Lopez-Cantera sworn in during a private ceremony as the state's newest Lieutenant Governor Monday.

Florida now has its 19th Lieutenant Governor. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, also the first Hispanic to hold the post, was sworn in during a private ceremony Monday morning surrounded by his family. Following the ceremony, Lopez-Cantera and Governor Rick Scott described themselves as excited to be working together.

“The governor has been doing a good job. I just look forward to being a part of the team and helping him in any way I can," said Lopez-Cantera.

"He’s going to do a great job. Look at all the relationships he’s had to get all the things he’s got done. He ushered in tax reform. He was a Majority Leader, Majority Whip. He is going to do a good job. He’s got a lot of relationships across the state because he was in the House eight years. It’s going to be exciting to work together,” added Scott.

Scott says Lopez-Cantera will be instrumental in helping him secure a $500 million tax cut, which is the centerpiece of the governor’s legislative agenda.

Lopez-Cantera replaces Jennifer Carroll, who resigned amid a veterans’ charity scandal—leaving the post vacant for about 10 months. Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for the Governor’s office confirmed Monday that Lopez-Cantera will be Scott’s running mate in November’s general election.

There will also be a ceremonial swearing-in ceremony at 5 p.m. Monday in the House chambers.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.