Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) was yesterday morning elected by her peers to lead Florida Senate Democrats through 2024, marking the first time the Chamber will be led by two women. One of the most effective Democratic members of the Florida Senate, Senator Book fights fiercely and effectively for party positions while also reaching across the aisle to pass meaningful legislation through the Republican-controlled chamber. As its next Leader, Senator Book plans to bring results-oriented leadership to the Democratic Caucus.
“I am honored and humbled by the vote of confidence from my colleagues to lead our Caucus. For Senate Democrats to effect real and meaningful change without leaving anything on the table, we must fight for our strongly-held Democratic values that benefit everyday people,” says Senator Book. “I believe that through effective consensus building, Senate Democrats can be powerfully pragmatic without compromising our principles, and there is no doubt the people of Florida deserve that much from their elected leaders.”
A mother of four-year-old boy-girl twins and a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Senator Book has been an ardent advocate for child protection and legislation benefitting Florida’s families. Following the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas which left her Broward County constituents – and the State of Florida – reeling, Senator Book has been instrumental in shaping school safety policy and is the only Florida Legislator to hold a position on the Statewide Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission. Senator Book also serves statewide as an appointee to the Florida Council on Human Trafficking-Direct Support Organization Board of Directors and the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet. Formerly the Chair of the Senate Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources, Senator Book has ushered forth critical environmental protections and conservation efforts. She has championed women’s rights, access to healthcare, and Florida’s public education system throughout her time in the Senate.
Senator Book was elected to the Florida Senate in 2016 and currently serves as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries, and six other committees including the influential Committees on Rules and Appropriations.
Florida Senate Democrats came together Wednesday morning to elect Senator Book as their Leader for the 2022-24 term after previously elected Leader-Designate Senator Perry Thurston (D-Ft. Lauderdale) announced his decision to resign from the Florida Senate to run for late Congressman Alcee Hastings’ open seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Senator Book served as the Senate Democratic Leader Pro Tempore from 2016 -18 alongside former Leader Oscar Braynon. She is currently a Democratic Minority Whip.
