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November 20, 2018
L to R: Governor-elect Ron DeSantis, Senate President Bill Galvano, House Speaker Jose Oliva
In the two weeks following the November 6 general election, Florida drew national attention amid several recounts and a host of lawsuits involving closely contested races for U.S. Senate, governor, agriculture commissioner and three legislative seats. Final vote counts were due on Sunday, November 18, and official election returns were certified on the morning of Tuesday, November 20 by the Elections Canvassing Commission.
Election results for federal, state and multi-county offices can be found on the website of the Florida Division of Elections. Learn more about many of those elected to office by viewing their responses to the FCCB's candidate questionnaire.
Legislature Holds Organization Session
On Tuesday, Florida House and Senate members gathered in the Capitol in Tallahassee. Newly-elected state lawmakers were sworn in and new leaders were selected by their peers during the largely ceremonial meeting.
Senator Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, was elected Senate president. Galvano, an attorney, was first elected to the Senate in 2012 after serving from 2002 to 2010 in the House. Representative Jose Oliva, R-Miami Lakes, was elected House speaker. Oliva, the CEO of a cigar company, has served in the House since 2011. Both lawmakers will lead their respective chambers during the 2019 and 2020 legislative sessions.
Additionally, Senator Audrey Gibson, D-Jacksonville, and Representative Kionne McGhee, D-Miami, will serve as minority leaders in the Senate and House for the next two years.
Governor-elect Ron DeSantis, Lieutenant Governor-elect Jeanette Nuñez, and members of the cabinet will take office on January 8, 2019.