Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, has prevailed in his bid to be the next Senate President. The news marks the end of three years of uncertainty in the Senate.
Negron and fellow Republican Sen. Jack Latvala of Clearwater were both vying for the job of leading their chamber. The race has divided members of the Senate on everything from policy to redistricting. But in a press release, spokeswoman Sara Bascomb announced Latvala has promised to support Negron for the Senate’s top job.
“Senator Negron and I are focused on moving the Republican Caucus forward in a unified manner,” Senator Latvala said in a statement.
He will become the chamber's Appropriations Chairman in 2017.
“I look forward to working with Senator Latvala and the entire Republican Caucus as we represent the citizens of Florida,” Senator Negron said. “The Senate is comprised of 40 strong, independent voices and I will ensure that every Senator is heard.”
The House has already designated its future Speaker in Representative Richard Corcoran, who will be Negron’s counterpart.
The two jobs are considered the most powerful and both men will set the agenda for the state and can influence everything from the overall state budget, to bills that pass and fail.
