New Year Promises Fast Start in Florida Politics
The new year will get off to a fast start in Florida governmental affairs and promises to active at least until we approach the next holiday season. This year is an election year in Florida. This means the Florida legislature will meet early in the year, with the session beginning January 11. The 60-day session is scheduled to end March 11, 2022.
In addition, this year also is a redistricting year in Florida, which means the legislature must redraw the districts from which Florida voters elect their state representatives, state senators, and members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Between 2010 and 2020, the resident population in Florida increased from 18,801,310 to 21,538,187. The average number of people in each congressional district increased from 696,345 to 769,221.
Of course, the legislative session and redistricting process will be followed by elections in the fall. Governor Ron DeSantis is seeking reelection. Several Democrats will be vying for the opportunity to oppose Governor DeSantis in the general election. Candidates include former Governor Charlie Crist, Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried, and state Senator Annette Taddeo.
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis also will seek reelection and thus far has not drawn opposition. The same is true with Attorney General Ashley Moody. With Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried running for Governor, her position is the only statewide elected office this year in which the incumbent is not running.
2022 is set up to be a unique year in Florida, getting underway with a legislative session and remaining active through an election cycle in which all four statewide offices are on the ballot.