Florida House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, of Tampa, announced the following Democrats who will serve on the House Democratic Caucus leadership team for the 2024-26 legislative term:
- Leader Pro Tempore: Representative Christine Hunschofsky (Parkland)
- Policy Chair: Representative Kelly Skidmore (Boca Raton)
- Floor Leader: Representative Michael “Mike” Gottlieb (Davie)
- Caucus Whip: Representative Marie P. Woodson (Hollywood)
“Florida House Democrats remain committed to fighting for every single Floridian and advocating for solutions to the kitchen-table issues most important to Floridians,” said Leader Driskell. “Floridians are still asking for immediate and lasting relief from the ongoing property insurance crisis, to fortify our communities against the next natural disaster, and to protect their inherent freedoms. We believe every Floridian deserves the freedom to be healthy, prosperous, and safe, and we will continue championing commonsense, people-centered policies.”
As Leader Pro Tempore, Representative Hunschofsky will assist Leader Driskell in carrying out designated responsibilities and perform leadership responsibilities as are assigned, including stepping in for the Leader as needed.
“I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working with Representative Hunschofsky last legislative term in her capacity as Caucus Whip. Since she was elected as State Representative, Representative Hunschofsky has been a consistent champion of mental health issues, responsible gun ownership policies, and homeowners’ insurance relief. In her time as Caucus Whip, Representative Hunschofsky was instrumental in ensuring the House Democratic Caucus stood unified against the divisive and extremist Republican policies,” said Leader Driskell. “I am proud to call Representative Hunschofsky a friend and colleague, and I look forward to her leadership over the next two years.”
As for the other Florida House Democratic leadership, Representative Skidmore will continue her role as Policy Chair and is responsible for ensuring the Caucus continues to champion legislation that positively impacts all Floridians, and will lead discussions about bills before the House at Caucus meetings. Similarly, Representative Gottlieb will also continue in his role as Floor Leader and is responsible for interpreting the House Rules, ensuring the Caucus adheres to the agreed upon rules, and working with his Republican counterpart in advocating for fair amounts of time be allotted to the Caucus in debating different pieces of legislation.
“I am so grateful to Representative Skidmore and Representative Gottlieb for enthusiastically agreeing to continue serving Floridians on our leadership team,” said Leader Driskell. “Their drive to help this caucus fight for every Floridian is an inspiration. I look forward to continue working with both of them over the next two years.”
As Caucus Whip, Representative Woodson will be responsible for keeping Florida House Democrats apprised of Caucus policy on any bills or issues before the House.
“Representative Woodson has an amazing ability to build consensus and unify differing views,” said Leader Driskell. “Serving as deputy whip last legislative term, Representative Woodson was instrumental in helping Representative Hunschofsky keep the Caucus up-to-date and informed. Representative Woodson is also a champion of many initiatives close to Floridians’ hearts, such as ensuring veterans receive the benefits they deserve. I know her ability and skillset will help guide our Caucus over the next two years.”
Additionally, Leader Driskell appointed Representatives Allison Tant (Tallahassee), Felicia S. Robinson (Miami Gardens), Daryl Campbell (Ft. Lauderdale), Lindsay Cross (St. Petersburg), and Johanna López (Orlando) as Deputy Whips who will assist the Caucus Whip in her duties.
The 2025 Legislative Session is scheduled to begin on March 4, 2025.
