Influence of local state lawmakers noticed statewide

I'm your huckleberry

Our Northwest Florida delegation has proven remarkably effective this legislative session, each lawmaker bringing their unique strengths to Tallahassee.

Rep. Michelle Salzman continues to be a fierce advocate for her District 1 constituents. Her determination has pushed forward several key bills, including one that would ensure future UWF Trustees are Florida residents and any presidential searches would be done in public.

Rep. Alex Andrade has established himself as refreshingly candid, unafraid to challenge even Governor DeSantis when necessary. His criticism of the governor’s property tax rebate proposal as “smacking of socialism” demonstrates his willingness to speak truth to power. Although his ambitious medical marijuana legislation has been significantly pared down, Andrade pragmatically acknowledges, “I’ll just take what I can get.”

Sen. Don Gaetz leverages his experience as former Senate president to navigate Tallahassee’s complex political landscape. While his bills targeting insurance and utility companies initially gained little traction, his persistence in exposing insurance industry corruption has proven prescient. Andrade noted, “Sen. Gaetz looks omniscient on that one… kudos to Sen. Gaetz for spotting the issue before everybody else.”

Despite their different approaches – Salzman’s passionate advocacy, Andrade’s candid commentary, and Gaetz’s sage experience – our Northwest Florida lawmakers demonstrate that effectiveness in Tallahassee comes not just from filing bills, but from strategic persistence, collaboration, and a willingness to adapt while standing firm on principles.

Florida Politics’ founder Peter Schorsch gave them a positive arrow in this weekly Capitol Directions graphic.

You can read more about their efforts in this week’s Inweekly: Mid-Session Update: Local Delegation Flexes Muscles in Tallahassee

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Influence of local state lawmakers noticed statewide

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