Sen. Lauren Book (D-32) has been chosen as the new leader of the Florida Senate Democrats. Sen. Perry Thurston (D-33), a high-ranking Senate Democrat, announced his intentions to run in the special election for the late-Alcee Hastings’ seat in Congress, making the way for Book to be heir-apparent.
Book, 36, has served in the Florida Senate since 2016 when she ran unopposed for the Senate’s 32nd district.
She said she wants to continue her work to advance Democratic principles during her leadership term running from 2022-2024.
“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,” Book said.
Honored & humbled by the vote of confidence from my colleagues to lead our Caucus (2022-24). For @FLSenateDems to effect real & meaningful change w/o leaving anything on the table, we must fight for our strongly-held Democratic values that benefit everyday people. (1/2) #FlaPol
— Lauren Book (@LeaderBookFL) April 21, 2021
So far in Book’s tenure, she has prioritized legislation focusing on protecting children from abuse and neglect. She also assisted in crafting the Parkland school safety legislation signed into law by then-Gov. Rick Scott in 2018 and is a part of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission.
Book, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, now works as CEO of Lauren’s Kids, a 501(c)(3) launched in 2007 that “educates adults and children about sexual abuse prevention” through multiple avenues, according to the organization’s website.
Book’s father, Ron Book, is an influential professional lobbyist in Tallahassee whose clients range from local governments to the Geo Group, operators of private prisons.
She said she wants to be a part of boosting the Florida Senate and finding common ground with her Republican colleagues.
“I believe Floridians are tired of non-stop, unproductive fighting like they see in Washington,” Book said to Florida Politics. “I have a deep respect for Leader (Kathleen) Passidomo and her work to make Florida a better place for all Floridians. I know that we will work together above the fray of partisan sniping, because the people of Florida deserve that much from their elected leaders.”
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Grant Holcomb is a reporter at the Florida Capital Star and the Star News Network. Follow Grant on Twitter and direct message tips.
