Staff Reports
Bill Galvano, the Bradenton Republican set to be the next Senate President, is expected to be officially designated on Oct. 24.
Senate Republican Leader Wilton Simpson, who’s in line to be President after Galvano, made the announcement Monday.
Galvano will succeed Joe Negron, a Stuart Republican, as head of the chamber for 2018-20.
The designation will make Galvano, an attorney first elected in 2012, head of the 40-member Senate’s majority of 25 Republicans, meaning for now he’s a shoo-in to be president.
He previously was Senate Republican Leader in 2014-16, and also served in the House 2002-10.
Galvano, who helped draft the Seminole Compact, has long been a point man on gambling issues. He also is president of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States.
