In a unanimous vote of support, members of the Senate Democratic Caucus on Wednesday designated Broward Democrat, Senator Perry E. Thurston, Jr. as their leader for the 2022-2024 legislative term.
“I am deeply honored by the Caucus’ vote and confidence they have placed in me,” said Senator Thurston. “The 2022-2024 term will be a critical time for the state of Florida as new districts are drawn, every seat in the legislature is up for election, and Democrats continue their push for bolder leadership in the Sunshine State.”
A native Floridian, Senator Thurston was born in Pompano Beach. He is a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, and the University of Miami School of Law. He is a former public defender, and now practices public finance and criminal defense.
Senator Thurston was first elected to the Florida Legislature in 2006, and served in the House of Representatives until 2014, rising to become House Minority Leader in his final two years. He was elected to the Florida Senate in 2016.
Senator Thurston has been an outspoken proponent of expanding affordable healthcare to the people of Florida, as well as voting rights restoration for ex-felons, marriage equality, and a more diverse judiciary.
He has been married to Dawn Thurston, for the past 32 years, and together, the couple has two children, Alison and Perry III.
His term is expected to follow Senator Gary Farmer, who will take the helm as Senate Democratic Leader in November, 2020.
