Janelle Irwin Taylor
Rep. Michele Rayner is eyeing a move to the Legislature’s upper chamber, launching a bid for the Senate District 16 seat.
Rayner, who announced her campaign Monday, would replace Sen. Darryl Rouson, who is not seeking re-election in 2026 due to term limits.
“I’ve dedicated my life to protecting the civil rights of every Floridian as an attorney and community leader. I ran for the Florida House after seeking justice for a man who was killed because of Florida’s stand your ground laws,” Rayner said, referring to Markeis McGlockton, who was shot and killed in 2018 during a parking space dispute.
No charges were initially filed, with Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri citing the state’s Stand Your Ground law. But Michael Drejka was eventually charged and found guilty of manslaughter in a case that was ultimately upheld by an appeals court.
Rayner was first elected to the House in 2020, and was subsequently re-elected in 2022, winning with an overwhelming 82% of the vote in Pinellas and 62% in Hillsborough against a Republican candidate who was, at the time, jailed on charges related to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack at the U.S. Capitol. She easily won re-election again this year.
Her victories over Republican candidates are largely driven by Rayner’s House District 62 demographics. Of the district’s electorate, half of voters are registered Democrats, while just 20% are Republicans, according to the most recent voter registration data from the Pinellas and Hillsborough County Supervisors of Elections Offices.
SD 16 isn’t quite as blue as Rayner’s current House district, but it’s still a safe seat for Democrats, with 47% of the district’s voters registered as Democrats, compared to just 23% as Republicans.
Rayner’s constituency would remain largely the same if elected to SD 16. Like her HD 62 seat, Rouson’s Senate district includes Parts of southern Pinellas County and western and south Hillsborough County.
As of Monday morning, the only candidate filed in the race for SD 16 was Amaro Lionheart, also known as Nelson Amador, a Republican. Rayner defeated Lionheart in her House race this year.
Lionheart also ran briefly in Florida’s 14th Congressional District in the 2024 cycle before dropping out to challenge Rayner. In 2022, Lionheart challenged Sen. Ed Hooper in Senate District 21 as a Democrat. Lionheart briefly ran for Governor in 2022 as a Democrat, but withdrew from that race.
Rayner’s Senate bid means she will leave the House early, with another two-year term still available before she reaches term limits. But Rayner said with Rouson leaving office, it was a good time to consider her next steps.
“I’m really proud of the work I’ve done in the House,” Rayner said, adding that she believes the best path forward for her constituency, and potential future constituency, is to continue that work in the Senate.
She pointed to social media legislation she sponsored (HB 1) that would have banned kids under 16 from creating social media accounts. The measure cleared the Legislature, but Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed it.
The bill was a bipartisan effort to protect kids, Rayner said, but it was also an example of how Democrats can work across the aisle while facing a Republican supermajority to achieve impactful goals.
Working from the Senate, Rayner said she believes she’ll have more opportunity to expand on successes, including on areas where she hasn’t had much luck in the House, such as food insecurity.
In the 2024 Legislative Session, Rayner filed a bill (HB 1359) that would have enacted land development regulations to allow permits for small-footprint grocery stores in food insecure areas. She withdrew the bill prior to its introduction due to lack of support. It would have been impactful for her district, where residents in the Midtown neighborhood have long gone without access to a local grocery store after past stores failed to thrive. Local leaders believe a smaller footprint grocery store may offer the best solution for what is currently considered a food desert.
“As a Senator, you can carry more bills, and can focus on things that are really meaningful,” Rayner said. The upper chamber also has historically been more friendly to legislation sponsored by members of the minority party. Rouson, for example, has a leadership position in the Senate this year, as Vice Chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee.
But Rayner, a civil rights lawyer by trade, has no intention of backing off her advocacy.
“In the State House, I’ve stood up to Ron DeSantis’ out of control agenda that has attacked the civil rights of workers, educators and parents, Black and Brown Floridians, our LGBTQ+ community, and women’s reproductive rights,” said Rayner, who has supported legislation seeking to restore reproductive freedom and reverse anti-LGBTQ laws in schools.
“I’m proud to announce my candidacy for the State Senate where I’ll continue to hold members of the majority party, state and federal government accountable to Florida families, bring resources back to our community, and fight for every Floridian,” she added. “I know right now we need leaders who will work to bring our communities together instead of leaders who are fighting for a radical agenda by dividing us.”
The key to success in a state that is growing more and more red by the cycle, Rayner says, is to talk directly to voters.
“I speak to things that matter to them, like property insurance, access to a safe place to live, good schools, those are things that aren’t Republican or Democrat,” she said.
Rayner is the first Democrat to announce her intention to run for SD 16 in 2026, but she’s not likely to be the only one. The rumor mill hasn’t yet begun to churn with almost two years before the General Election in 2026, but there are some familiar names to watch for, including Ed Narain and Wengay Newton. Newton held Rayner’s House seat before her, when it was HD 70, which could mean he’d try again for that seat rather than launch a bid for the Senate.
As of Monday morning, no one had filed to run in Rayner’s House district, though that is likely to change after news of her intention to run for Senate.
“I’m still working on my campaign priorities,” Rayner said. “But it will include what is most important to the constituents. And I will ensure constituents know they will have access to me like they’ve always had access to me.”
6 comments
Please Stop
December 2, 2024 at 3:00 pm
This community needs real resources and support, this lawmaker has failed time and time again to bring resources to her/their/tired’s community. In it for their own political and personal advancement. Please spare the people of the district from more of this nonsense in a serious position.
Njallssen AMARO LIONHEART
December 5, 2024 at 12:06 am
A Rebuttal to Media Bias: Tampa Bay Times and Florida Politics
It has become blatantly clear that outlets like the Tampa Bay Times, Florida Politics, and others are more interested in playing partisan games than delivering objective journalism. Sweetheart articles promoting my opponent, Michelle Rayner, are evidence of their clear agenda to push identity politics rather than engage in a meaningful discussion about the policies that matter to Floridians. What’s glaringly absent from these glowing profiles is any effort to compare and contrast our policies or even reach out to me for comment. Where is the journalistic integrity? Where is the fairness? The people of District 16 deserve better.
Michelle Rayner’s campaign is built entirely on identity politics, the very ideology that Americans across the nation have rejected in droves. It is a divisive, failed strategy that does nothing to address the real concerns of working families, small businesses, and vulnerable communities. Her vision offers no solutions, only division and rhetoric. Instead of tackling the issues of rising crime, inflation, or the erosion of family values, she would rather focus on pandering to radical ideologies that have no place in Florida’s future.
In contrast, I stand for Faith & Family, Security, and Economic Prosperity—the bedrock principles that unite us as Floridians and as Americans.
Faith & Family: I believe in restoring and strengthening the values that bind our families together. From protecting parental rights in education to standing up against radical agendas in our schools, I will ensure that Florida remains a safe and moral place to raise children. While Michelle Rayner panders to fringe ideologies that undermine family integrity, I will protect our communities from this cultural decay.
Security: Florida families deserve safe neighborhoods, and I have a plan to deliver that. I will push for stronger support for law enforcement, including expanded budgets, more resources, and policies that punish violent offenders—not coddle them. Michelle Rayner’s track record and platform, by contrast, are soft on crime, prioritizing activist talking points over public safety. I believe in protecting our children from predators, targeting human trafficking, and ensuring that Floridians feel secure in their homes and communities.
Economic Prosperity: Under my leadership, we will champion pro-business policies that reduce burdensome regulations, cut taxes, and create thousands of high-paying jobs. From supporting our small businesses to investing in infrastructure and workforce training, my focus is on ensuring every Floridian has access to the American Dream. Michelle Rayner’s focus on radical identity politics will do nothing to address the real issues of inflation, high housing costs, and stagnating wages. While she talks, I will act—bringing results, not rhetoric.
Let’s be clear: media bias against conservatives is nothing new, but Floridians are smarter than these outlets give them credit for. The voters of District 16 are not interested in being lectured about identity politics. They want leaders who will focus on issues that matter: faith, family, safety, and economic opportunity.
It’s time for outlets like the Tampa Bay Times and Florida Politics to stop playing favorites and start asking the hard questions. Why not compare my policies to Michelle Rayner’s? Why not give the people of District 16 the balanced coverage they deserve?
Floridians are rejecting the failed policies of the radical left, and they will continue to do so in this election. I call on the media to rise above partisan bias and do their job: inform the public with fairness and objectivity. And to the voters of District 16, I promise this: I will always put you first. I will stand for your values. Together, we will reject the divisive rhetoric of the left and build a brighter, stronger future for Florida.
It’s time for real leadership. Let’s get to work. – Amaro Lionheart (R), Candidate CD-16
JD
December 5, 2024 at 7:54 am
If you have to put “Radical Left” in anything for your political campaign rebuttal, you’re the “Radical”.
Stop the performative politics. The trope is old.
Give us hard numbers and facts to back up your claims and a plan to actually rectify them with metrics.
Or shutup.
Njallssen Amaro Lionheart
December 5, 2024 at 5:06 pm
Absolutely not JD because In today’s complex political landscape, it’s crucial to discern between rhetoric and tangible action. While some politicians focus on divisive identity politics, I am dedicated to addressing the real issues that impact our daily lives—putting food on the table, reducing living costs, and creating opportunities for generational wealth.
Faith & Family
• Parental Rights in Education: I will champion legislation that empowers parents to have a decisive role in their children’s education, ensuring transparency in curricula and the right to opt out of content that conflicts with their values.
• Protection of Religious Liberties: I am committed to safeguarding individuals and organizations from mandates that infringe upon their religious beliefs, ensuring that faith-based values are respected in the public sphere.
Security
• Support for Law Enforcement: By increasing funding for police departments, we can enhance training, community policing initiatives, and acquire non-lethal equipment, aiming to reduce crime rates by 15% over the next four years.
• Combating Human Trafficking: Establishing specialized task forces and increasing penalties for offenders will help decrease human trafficking incidents by 20% within five years.
Economic Prosperity
• Small Business Support: Implementing tax incentives and reducing regulatory burdens will facilitate the creation of 10,000 new small businesses in Florida over the next three years.
• Workforce Development: Investing in vocational training programs aims to increase the skilled labor workforce by 25%, addressing current shortages in critical industries.
These initiatives are designed with clear metrics to ensure accountability and measurable progress. In contrast, my opponent, Michele Rayner, has focused on identity politics and has not provided detailed policy plans with measurable outcomes. Her legislative record lacks specific initiatives aimed at enhancing economic growth, bolstering security, or strengthening family values.
As an educator dedicated to building the next generation of leaders, I understand the value of hard work and commitment. My days start at 4:00 am and end at 11:00 pm, reflecting my dedication to our community. I am committed to delivering tangible results that will improve the lives of all Floridians, moving beyond performative politics to enact meaningful change.
JD
December 5, 2024 at 6:22 pm
Empowering parents in education is important, but the current voucher system diverts essential public school funding while providing little oversight of voucher schools. Public schools adhere to rigorous standards, while many private institutions receiving vouchers do not. How will you ensure taxpayer dollars are spent on quality education while maintaining strong public schools and balancing parental rights?
Religious freedom is vital, but religion, like sexual orientation, is personal. Why should religious beliefs take precedence in public spaces or policies? Wouldn’t neutrality better respect everyone’s freedoms and foster inclusivity?
Crime rates are already low in many areas. Instead of increasing police funding, why not address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, education, and job creation? Proactive measures could prevent crime while supporting economic growth. Can your “put food on the table” initiatives address this effectively?
Combating human trafficking through task forces and harsher penalties is commendable, but will you also prioritize survivor support and prevention efforts, like education and public awareness campaigns?
Your goal to create 10,000 new small businesses in Florida is ambitious, but how was this number determined? Reducing regulations may help, but how will you ensure worker protections and public safety are not compromised?
Vocational training is crucial, particularly in STEM/STEAM fields. How was the 25% workforce increase calculated? What specific programs will you fund, and who will benefit most? More details here would add clarity and credibility.
Criticizing your opponent detracts from your own platform. What specific solutions do you propose to deliver measurable, transformative results for Floridians?
Your work ethic is admirable, but showing how it translates into tangible outcomes for the community will resonate more than personal anecdotes.
Thank you.
NJallssen Amaro Lionheart
December 6, 2024 at 6:20 am
JD, you made some valid points and here is my response.
Empowering Parents in Education:
Your concern about balancing public school funding and private voucher systems is valid, but it’s important to focus on the ultimate priority: ensuring every child has access to quality education that aligns with their parents’ values. The voucher system isn’t about defunding public schools; it’s about creating competition and accountability. Currently, public schools operate as monopolies with little incentive to innovate. When parents have choices, both public and private schools are compelled to improve.
I will ensure that voucher schools adhere to rigorous, transparent standards to ensure taxpayer dollars fund quality institutions. Simultaneously, public schools will benefit from the innovation-driven competition, lifting outcomes across the board. My opponent, unfortunately, has no policies to address the long-term failures of the current system, leaving children trapped in underperforming schools. I refuse to allow families to be powerless in their children’s education.
Religious Freedom vs. Neutrality:
Neutrality in public spaces may seem inclusive, but it erases the foundational role faith has played in building this nation. Judeo-Christian values have laid the ethical groundwork for the Constitution, and the First Amendment protects the free exercise of religion—not its suppression. Erasing faith from the public square is not inclusivity; it is exclusion of the values that bind our communities.
Scripture tells us in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Faith-based values guide charity, compassion, and moral integrity—qualities this country desperately needs. Let’s ensure our policies reflect those values without marginalizing anyone’s beliefs.
Addressing Crime Proactively:
While crime rates may be low in some areas, public safety is a non-negotiable priority. Increasing police funding is not just about law enforcement—it’s about empowering communities. With better funding, we can enhance training, community policing, and mentorship programs. This isn’t just enforcement; it’s about creating safer neighborhoods where families can thrive.
At the same time, I recognize the need to address root causes of crime, like poverty and lack of opportunity. My plan invests in vocational training, job creation, and mentorship for at-risk youth, building a pipeline to economic independence and reducing desperation-driven crime. Defunding the police is not the solution; addressing poverty alongside community safety is the balanced path forward.
Combating Human Trafficking:
Human trafficking is an atrocity that requires both severe penalties for offenders and robust survivor support systems. While task forces and harsher penalties are deterrents, prevention and rehabilitation are just as critical. I will champion initiatives to fund survivor programs, public awareness campaigns, and trauma-informed care to break the cycle of exploitation.
Isaiah 1:17 commands us, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” Protecting the most vulnerable among us is not just a policy—it’s a moral imperative. My opponent has failed to address these issues in any substantive way, focusing instead on divisive identity politics.
Economic Growth Through Small Businesses:
The goal of creating 10,000 small businesses is based on Florida’s current growth trajectory and my policy initiatives. Cutting unnecessary regulations, streamlining licensing, and offering targeted tax incentives will empower entrepreneurs. Small businesses employ over 3 million Floridians, and by fostering a pro-business climate, we can attract industries that create high-paying jobs.
Unlike my opponent, I don’t just offer vague ideas; I provide actionable solutions to empower entrepreneurs and workers. Economic growth is a cornerstone of my platform, benefiting all Floridians regardless of political leanings.
Vocational Training for the Future:
The projection of a 25% workforce increase stems from proven vocational training models in other states. By prioritizing STEM/STEAM fields, healthcare, and skilled trades, we address workforce shortages and provide future-proof careers. Partnering with businesses, trade schools, and community colleges ensures affordability and accessibility for all Floridians.
This investment doesn’t just create jobs; it builds industries, strengthens our economy, and provides families with economic stability. My opponent has no plans to address workforce shortages or invest in the industries of tomorrow.
Empowering Parents in Education:
Your concern about balancing public school funding and private voucher systems is valid, but it’s important to focus on the ultimate priority: ensuring every child has access to quality education that aligns with their parents’ values. The voucher system isn’t about defunding public schools; it’s about creating competition and accountability. Currently, public schools operate as monopolies with little incentive to innovate. When parents have choices, both public and private schools are compelled to improve.
I will ensure that voucher schools adhere to rigorous, transparent standards to ensure taxpayer dollars fund quality institutions. Simultaneously, public schools will benefit from the innovation-driven competition, lifting outcomes across the board. My opponent, unfortunately, has no policies to address the long-term failures of the current system, leaving children trapped in underperforming schools. I refuse to allow families to be powerless in their children’s education.
Religious Freedom vs. Neutrality:
Neutrality in public spaces may seem inclusive, but it erases the foundational role faith has played in building this nation. Judeo-Christian values have laid the ethical groundwork for the Constitution, and the First Amendment protects the free exercise of religion—not its suppression. Erasing faith from the public square is not inclusivity; it is exclusion of the values that bind our communities.
Scripture tells us in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Faith-based values guide charity, compassion, and moral integrity—qualities this country desperately needs. Let’s ensure our policies reflect those values without marginalizing anyone’s beliefs.
Addressing Crime Proactively:
While crime rates may be low in some areas, public safety is a non-negotiable priority. Increasing police funding is not just about law enforcement—it’s about empowering communities. With better funding, we can enhance training, community policing, and mentorship programs. This isn’t just enforcement; it’s about creating safer neighborhoods where families can thrive.
At the same time, I recognize the need to address root causes of crime, like poverty and lack of opportunity. My plan invests in vocational training, job creation, and mentorship for at-risk youth, building a pipeline to economic independence and reducing desperation-driven crime. Defunding the police is not the solution; addressing poverty alongside community safety is the balanced path forward.
Combating Human Trafficking:
Human trafficking is an atrocity that requires both severe penalties for offenders and robust survivor support systems. While task forces and harsher penalties are deterrents, prevention and rehabilitation are just as critical. I will champion initiatives to fund survivor programs, public awareness campaigns, and trauma-informed care to break the cycle of exploitation.
Isaiah 1:17 commands us, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” Protecting the most vulnerable among us is not just a policy—it’s a moral imperative. My opponent has failed to address these issues in any substantive way, focusing instead on divisive identity politics.
Economic Growth Through Small Businesses:
The goal of creating 10,000 small businesses is based on Florida’s current growth trajectory and my policy initiatives. Cutting unnecessary regulations, streamlining licensing, and offering targeted tax incentives will empower entrepreneurs. Small businesses employ over 3 million Floridians, and by fostering a pro-business climate, we can attract industries that create high-paying jobs.
Unlike my opponent, I don’t just offer vague ideas; I provide actionable solutions to empower entrepreneurs and workers. Economic growth is a cornerstone of my platform, benefiting all Floridians regardless of political leanings.
Vocational Training for the Future:
The projection of a 25% workforce increase stems from proven vocational training models in other states. By prioritizing STEM/STEAM fields, healthcare, and skilled trades, we address workforce shortages and provide future-proof careers. Partnering with businesses, trade schools, and community colleges ensures affordability and accessibility for all Floridians.
This investment doesn’t just create jobs; it builds industries, strengthens our economy, and provides families with economic stability. My opponent has no plans to address workforce shortages or invest in the industries of tomorrow.
Delivering Results, Not Empty Promises:
Unlike my opponent, I don’t rely on divisive identity politics or vague rhetoric. My platform is built on measurable, transformative solutions:
Faith & Family: Empowering parents, protecting religious liberties, and strengthening the cornerstone of our society—families.
Security: Reducing crime, combating human trafficking, and supporting law enforcement.
Economic Prosperity: Creating jobs, empowering entrepreneurs, and investing in education.
These policies will deliver tangible results for all Floridians. My opponent has failed to offer a single meaningful policy with measurable outcomes.
JD, I respect your questions because they hold us accountable. I have presented clear plans and measurable goals. You may not agree with everything, but you can see that I am offering real solutions to real problems. My opponent cannot say the same.
I’m not just running a campaign—I’m building a movement for a stronger Florida. Together, we can move beyond performative politics and deliver results that uplift every Floridian. Let’s work together to make Florida a model of faith, security, and prosperity. Thank you.
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