Ryan Ray
Miami Gardens state Sen. Oscar Braynon was designated to succeed Arthenia Joyner as the Democratic Senate caucus’ next minority leader.
Braynon was elected by a unanimous vote held at the Governor’s Club, one block from the Capitol.
“The unity of this vote speaks to the unity of this Caucus,” said Braynon in a statement. “And it is that united front that will enable us to do great things for the people of Florida.”
Leader Joyner was effusive in her praise of her successor: “Senator Braynon is fond of saying that the only way to make a difference in the lives of others is to be an active participant in the political process,” she said. “His commitment to improving the lives of Floridians is unshakeable, and our state will have a true champion for the people under his leadership.”
Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant sounded a similar note on Wednesday evening, saying she wished “to congratulate Senator Braynon on his unanimous election as Senate Democratic Leader-Designate. Over his time in public service in Miami and in Tallahassee, Oscar has done more than earn the trust of his colleagues — he has won the confidence of countless Floridans to fight for them.”
Braynon currently serves as leader pro tempore, as well as vice chair of General Government Appropriations. Ahead of the 2015 session, he has filed a bill to provide financial relief to three people with complaints against state government, including quintessential Capitol gadfly Brian Pitts.
Braynon, who weighed in recently on an inter-party kerfuffle in his adjoining 35th Senate district, is widely rumored to have an eye on U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson’s congressional seat.
