Ben Albritton selected as Senate president-designate
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Sen. Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, was officially selected among the Republican caucus to be the president-designate for the 2024-2026 Legislative Term during a Tuesday ceremony.
The senate president will lead the Florida Senate as the chamber approves legislation.
“I am humbled to have earned your trust and your support for this important role,” Albritton said to Senate members after being elected. “This day is not as much about me as it is about you and your voice.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet, including Attorney General Ashley Moody, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, were present at the ceremony.
“I value highly your partnership with the legislature to move Florida in the right direction,” Albritton said to the governor.
Talking to Speaker-Designate Daniel Perez, Albritton called the two “kindred spirits for the greater good.”
“I’m so excited for the good that we are going to do for the state of Florida,” Albritton said.
The president-designate currently serves as the majority leader after being appointed by current Senate President Kathleen Passidomo.
Albritton is a fourth generation farmer who worked for his family’s citrus groves after graduating from Florida Southern College. He was appointed by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush to serve on the Florida Citrus Commission.
“The survival of agriculture is the survival of humanity. We can’t lose sight of that,” Albritton said during his acceptance speech.
“We must continue to support and defend our farmers, our food supply chain, and support every part of the system that puts food on the tables for our families,” he explained.
The president-designate sent a strong message supporting Israel in the war against Hamas.
“Thousands of innocent people have died at the hands of extremists. It’s tragic,” Albritton said. “I pray [that] they have a sure path of victory, first – then peace.”
Albritton served in the House of Representatives from 2010-2018 and was later elected to the Senate in 2018. A priority of Albritton’s has included protecting Florida’s natural resource and supporting the agriculture industry.
Most recently, he led the Select Committee on Resiliency following Hurricane Ian to help with recovery efforts.
