Florida Senate Republican Caucus

Senator Galvano to Serve as Senate President for the 2018-20 Legislative Term

The Florida Senate Republican Caucus, led by Senate Majority Leader Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby), today unanimously selected Senator Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) as the President-Designate for the 2018-20 Legislative Term.
“Today, in the presence of his family and friends, the Republican Caucus officially designated Bill Galvano as the next President of the Florida Senate,” said Leader Simpson. “Bill is a true statesman. His intelligence, his ability to do the things that have to be done, and his commitment to serving others will allow for great things to happen in the Senate.”
Leader Simpson and Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart) presided over today’s ceremony. President Negron’s term as Senate President will conclude at the 2018 General Election.
“Bill is a strong and dedicated leader who quickly earned the trust and confidence of our Republican Caucus,” said President Negron. “From his service as Rules Chair in the Florida House, to his time as Majority Leader in the Florida Senate, to his current role as Chair of Higher Education Appropriations, time and time again Bill is trusted with and excels in critical leadership positions.”
Senator Galvano was nominated for Senate President-Designate by Senator Tom Lee (R-Thonotosassa), who served as Senate President from 2004-06. The nomination was seconded by Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg). Senator Galvano was joined by his wife Julie and their three children, Michael, William, and Jacqueline. Senator Galvano’s mother, Betty Galvano, also attended today’s ceremony along with Sterling and MaryJean Forrester, parents of Mrs. Julie Galvano, as well as extended family and close friends.
“I am honored by the trust and confidence my fellow Republican Senators have placed in me and extremely grateful to my family for their support,” said President-Designate Galvano. “I firmly believe the power of the Senate and its ability to serve the people of Florida at the highest effectiveness lies in maximizing the strengths, backgrounds, perspectives, skills, and talents of each and every member of this body. I take the responsibility to serve as the President-Designate very seriously and look forward to working with President Negron, Leader Simpson, and all of my Senate colleagues to ensure that every Senator has the opportunity to voice the priorities of their constituents.”
Video of President-Designate Galvano’s full acceptance speech can be found via the Florida Channel at www.TheFloridaChannel.org.
Senator William Saint “Bill” Galvano and his family are longtime residents of Bradenton, Florida. Senator Galvano served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2002-10, during which he served a term as Chair of the House Rules and Calendar Council from 2008-10, under House Speaker Larry Cretul.  Elected to the Florida Senate in 2012, Senator Galvano currently represents Senate District 21, which consists of Manatee County and part of Hillsborough County. Senator Galvano has held several leadership positions in the Senate, including serving a term as Senate Majority (Republican) Leader from 2014-2016, under Senate President Andy Gardiner. A graduate of Manatee Community College, the University of Florida, and the University of Miami Law School, Senator Galvano is a partner with the law firm Grimes Goebel Grimes Hawkins Gladfelter & Galvano of Bradenton.