FL GOP may prevent Broward's new Democratic lawmaker from participating in legislative session

Republicans who control most of state government aren’t prepared to let Broward’s newly elected Democratic state representative, Daryl Campbell, take office during the current legislative session.

Campbell’s Jan. 11 election was certified on Tuesday by the state Elections Canvassing Commission. But Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee won’t send a letter to the Florida House of Representatives declaring Campbell as the winner until at least March 8.

The annual 60-day legislative session, which began Jan. 11 — coincidentally the same day as the special primary — ends on March 11. If the letter from Lee goes to the Florida House immediately, Campbell would at best be able to cast votes only during the last few days of 2022 lawmaking.

“I remain hopeful. Am I surprised? I am not,” Campbell said Thursday. “It’s just unfortunate that our constituents … now are being faced with a situation where their voice does not get heard.” He was in Tallahassee to get acclimated, hoping that he’d be sworn in next week when the full House of Representatives is set to meet.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/republicans-may-prevent-browards-new-democratic-lawmaker-from-participating-in-annual-legislative-session-after-all/ar-AATdudP