Phil Ammann
Democratic Floor Leader David Richardson will become the first openly gay Representative in Florida history to take a leadership role in the state Legislature.
House Democratic Leader Mark Pafford and Leader pro tempore Mia Jones announced Richardson’s selection for the upcoming 2015 Session in a joint announcement Monday morning.
“David is an important part of my leadership team,” Pafford said. “I’ve leaned on his experience and knowledge so much already and I know all of the members of the Democratic Caucus will benefit from his leadership and talents. I’m proud to have David as part of a talented and determined team.”
On August 14, 2012, the Miami Beach Democrat became the first openly gay member ever elected to the Florida Legislature, and remains the only one currently serving in Tallahassee. He was recently re-elected to House District 113 for a second two-year term.
For more than 30 years, Richardson served as a licensed CPA, beginning his career in the Pentagon as an auditor.
As Floor Leader, Richardson will be the chief contact between Pafford and the Office of the Speaker. He will also serve as ranking member of the House Rules, Calendar & Ethics Committee working on daily schedules of action for the House. In the coming term, Richardson will play a vital role in the House Democratic Caucus by managing, in combination with Republican leaders, floor debates on bills and amendments.
Richardson said he was honored to become one of Pafford’s chief lieutenants for the 2014-16 legislative term.
“I look forward to serving alongside Leader Pafford and the other members of the leadership team,” he said. “I did not run for office to make history but, instead, to make a difference.”
As part of the LGBT community, Richardson said his sexual orientation was “not in any way” a factor determining qualifications for elected office.
“I am proud to represent all of the citizens of District 113, including the LGBT community,” he added.
