Christine Hunschofsky appoints Marie Woodson, Gallop Franklin II, Allison Tant and Orlando Rep. Rita Harris to key leadership positions.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida House Democratic Leader-designate Christine Hunschofsky announced her leadership team Tuesday, November 10, following an election in which Democrats broke the Republican supermajority in the state House.
The four lawmakers selected to serve during the 2026–28 legislative term are:
- Rep. Marie Woodson (Hollywood) — Leader Pro Tempore
- Rep. Gallop Franklin II (Tallahassee) — Rules Leader
- Rep. Allison Tant (Tallahassee) — Caucus Whip
- Rep. Rita Harris (Orlando) — Policy Chair
The appointments bring experienced lawmakers into leadership positions as House Democrats prepare for the upcoming legislative sessions.
Woodson, Franklin and Harris Take Key Roles
Woodson, who previously served as Caucus Whip, will become Leader Pro Tempore. Hunschofsky praised her leadership experience and ability to keep caucus members informed and engaged.
Franklin, a Tallahassee lawmaker and pharmacist, will oversee rules strategy. He has also been selected to lead the House Democratic Caucus during the 2028–30 term.
Orlando Rep. Rita Harris will serve as Policy Chair, bringing experience in healthcare affordability, public education and issues affecting working families.
Tant, a former Florida Democratic Party chair who served as Deputy Whip, will become Caucus Whip.
Democrats Prepare for New Legislative Term
Hunschofsky said the expanded caucus would focus on addressing challenges facing Florida residents.
“With the newly broken supermajority and dozens of new members joining our ranks, we are ready to work for the people of Florida,” Hunschofsky said.
She added that House Democrats would continue pursuing practical solutions while keeping the concerns of their communities at the center of their legislative work.
The leadership appointments follow significant Democratic gains in the Florida House, giving the caucus a larger presence as lawmakers prepare for the 2026–28 term.
Source: Florida House Democratic Caucus leadership announcement, November 10, 2026.
