TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Democrat Brian Nathan is preparing to represent Western Hillsborough County, including South Tampa, in the Florida Senate.

One of the first discussions is slated to be a mid-decade redrawing of the congressional map during a special session that’s expected to start next week.

“Right now, I don’t see any reason to move forward with this. I don’t hear anybody asking for this,” Nathan said.

Some Republicans grew concerned following the special election involving Nathan, who flipped his district. There’s concern that tweaking the maps will only make some red districts easier to flip blue.

It’s also likely that lawmakers will continue a debate involving whether to eliminate non-school property taxes.

“If we want to talk about adjusting homestead exemptions, that’s a conversation,” Nathan said. “Maybe something specifically for seniors, that’s a conversation we can have. Eliminating them outright? I cannot get behind that.”

Republican Hilary Holley was elected during the special election to represent a portion of Polk County that includes Polk City. The Florida House has recently been known to struggle over policy with the governor.

“I think we all need to work together to put Floridians first. That’s what I will do as our state representative for District 51,” Holley said.

Holley replaces Josie Tomkow, who resigned from office. Tomkow ran against Nathan for state senate but lost by 405 votes.  

Holley said she hopes to address affordability to help families in her district. At the same time, Holley will also be involved in a discussion about the congressional map.

“I’m trying to do a deep dive into that and do a deep dive into what that looks like and really learn all that I can. I’m three weeks on the job, if you will,” Holley said.

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