Daniel Perez names House leadership team

Speaker-designate of the House of Representatives Daniel Perez announced its leadership lineup for the upcoming legislative term.

The Miami Republican said Rep. Wyman Duggan will serve as speaker pro tempore and head the powerful House Budget Committee.

“I am extremely honored to be trusted in these roles,” said Duggan, a Republican from Jacksonville. “Public money does not belong to the government; it belongs to the taxpayers. I look forward to using the Budget Committee to ensure that our tax system at the state and local level works for the benefit of Floridians. As Speaker pro tempore, my goal is to ensure that our House always conducts itself with the integrity that Floridians expect and deserve.”

Duggan just won re-election to a fourth and final term in the House of Representatives before term limits prohibit another consecutive attempt. The Speaker pro tempore acts as chairman of the House of Representatives in the absence of the Speaker. The Budget Committee oversees tax-related bills and creates the annual tax package.

Perez also named several other House committee heads, including House representatives. Chuck Brannan for the judiciary; James Buchanan for trade; Jennifer Canady on education and employment; Sam Harrison on rules and ethics; Lawrence McClure for the budget; Will Robinson on government affairs; Tyler Sirois to assess security and threats; And Josie Tomkow for health and social services.

“This leadership team will move our state forward by focusing on solving the challenges facing our families, businesses and communities,” Perez wrote in a note to representatives. “I selected these members because of their character, dedication and willingness to put the people of Florida first.”

Sirois will also serve as House Majority Leader, providing support to Republican members.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead a group of my colleagues in upholding the conservative values ​​we all hold dear for the good of our state,” said Sirois, a Republican from Merritt Island.

“Together, we will build on our principles, solve real problems for Floridians, and ensure that Florida is a better place to work, learn and raise a family. “I am particularly honored that the Speaker-designate has created the Security and Threat Assessment Committee, a forum for other members to engage in discussions about the dangers facing the State of Florida.”

Brannan, a McClenney Republican, has a background in law enforcement. “Having spent most of my life in the courthouse, working in law enforcement, the sheriff’s office and the U.S. Marshals Service, I have gained invaluable insight into how the Florida justice system can serve our citizens,” he said.

Buchanan, a Venice Republican, is a Realtor in Sarasota County. “As a small business owner who grew up in Florida, I understand the issues that matter most not only to the people in our state who run businesses, but also to the people who work hard every day,” he said. “The prosperity of our state depends on maintaining a sustainable economy.”

Canada, a Republican from Lakeland, was the only second-term legislator named to chair the committee. She will become House speaker in 2028, assuming Republicans maintain the majority. “Education will shape Florida’s future for decades to come. As a lifelong educator, I look forward to leading a team of dedicated members who will focus on the issues that matter to the next generation,” said Canady.

Garrison, a Republican from Fleming Island, was the only non-fourth-term legislator to be on the leadership team. As long as Republicans maintain their majority, he will succeed Perez as speaker. “I cherish the Florida House and everything that makes it special—our rich history and the collaboration among 120 leaders from across Florida,” he said. “I hope that over the next two years we can strengthen this institution and become more aware of how special the ministry here is.”

McClure, a Republican from Dover, was always expected to take on the role of budget officer.

“What we do best in Florida is passing a balanced budget year after year that meets the needs and priorities of our state—that’s the cornerstone for everything we do in the Legislature,” he said. “However, I think we can do an even better job of ensuring Florida’s tax dollars are used effectively. I look forward to opening up the budget to see where we can make better, smarter choices.”

Robinson, a Republican from Bradenton, ran against Perez for speaker in both legislators’ first terms.

“I look forward to exploring a wide range of critical issues in this jurisdiction,” he said of the role of public administration. “From finding ways to make government more efficient to ensuring proper oversight of local governments and special districts to developing policies regarding the management of our natural resources, Government Affairs addresses the topics that matter most to Floridians.”

Tomkow, a Republican from Polk City, also took over as committee chairwoman. “From our aging population to young families, health care is at the center of the lives of all Floridians. I’m excited about the opportunity to have an open, serious and in-depth conversation about how to improve our health care system.”

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