Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster
Senate President-designate Joe Negron has picked a longtime ally to be his right hand woman in the Senate.
The Stuart Republican announced Thursday he selected Sen. Anitere Flores, a Miami Republican, to serve as Senate president pro tempore. The appointment is effective Nov. 22, when the Legislature convenes for its organizational session.
“The role of Senate president pro tempore is a significant position of trust and authority. Anitere is a loyal friend and trusted ally. She also has longstanding relationships with many new and returning senators,” said Negron in a statement. “She has a proven ability to work in a bipartisan manner without compromising her own unwavering principles. I have complete confidence in her ability to represent the Senate in this important leadership position.”
Flores was first elected to the Florida House in 2004, serving three terms before being elected to the Florida Senate in 2010. She handily won re-election Tuesday, defeating Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in the newly drawn Senate District 39.
Negron’s announcement comes one day after House Speaker Richard Corcoran announced his leadership team and committee chairs. Corcoran tapped Rep. Jeanette Nunez to serve as House speaker pro tempore.
