Sen. Danny Burgess has built a reputation as one of the Legislature’s most effective operators, carving out a leadership role that now includes overseeing the Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education.
Burgess has built trust within the chamber over multiple terms by successfully navigating many complex issues through the legislative process. His track record has translated into a steady climb through the Senate’s leadership ranks, taking on increasingly influential committee roles.
Since arriving in the Senate, Burgess has steadily climbed the leadership ladder. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education, Burgess plays a key role in shaping both education policy and the funding decisions that underpin it.
Continued selection to prominent roles shows Burgess has become a trusted hand, positioning him well heading into the turn of the legislative cycle. He previously chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Select Subcommittee on Legislative Reapportionment, and the Select Committee on Pandemic Preparedness and Response in 2020-22. He later served as Chair of the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee and as Vice Chair of the Committee on Education Pre-K-12 for the 2024-26 term.
“What sets Danny Burgess apart is his genuine nature. He takes the time to listen, treats people with respect, and is guided by strong ethics and family values in everything he does. It’s no surprise to see his influence continue to grow,” Sunrise Consulting Group President and CEO Shawn Foster said.
In previous Sessions, Burgess has played a key role in advancing legislation across multiple policy areas. He was part of the Senate’s effort to pass COVID-related liability protections during the 2021 Session, co-introducing related legislation addressing claims against health care providers (SB 74).
He also helped shape major policy decisions during the (typically) once-a-decade redistricting process, serving as a lead figure in crafting the Senate’s legislative maps as Chair of the Select Subcommittee on Legislative Reapportionment.
In the education and public policy space, Burgess has built a record of advancing measures tied to workforce development, public safety and government operations.
His prior legislation includes measures related to educator certification pathways for veterans (SB 896), as well as student safety initiatives, including legislation aimed at strengthening enforcement of school bus safety violations (SB 766) and broader student transportation safety measures (SB 994). Last year, he also he led a measure (SB 270) expanding Bright Futures scholarship eligibility to children of military members who have been deployed overseas.
The trend continued this year. Burgess advanced a slate of bills spanning civil law, insurance and workforce development during the 2026 Legislative Session, pushing many proposals through the Senate that ultimately passed.
That included legislation tied to the Florida Civil Rights Act (SB 1096), where Burgess sought to revise timelines and procedures for discrimination claims.
Another proposal (SB 326) tightening reporting requirements and court oversight for curators of estates ultimately passed through its House companion, as did legislation expanding insurance definitions to include portable electronics (SB 772) — including emerging devices like smart eyewear — and a measure supporting genetic counseling programs within the State University System (SB 1376).
Burgess also delivered a two-bill local government policy package establishing guidelines for code inspector body cameras (SB 504) and creating accompanying public records exemptions (SB 506).
“Danny Burgess has continued to lead with a strong sense of service, especially on issues affecting veterans and emergency preparedness. His work in the Senate has kept practical problem-solving at the forefront for communities across Florida,” RSA Consulting President and CEO Ron Pierce said.
Yet one of the most consequential measures carried by Burgess this session is not yet resolved. This year, Burgess carried a $50 million appropriations request by Hillsborough College to support improvements at its Dale Mabry campus as a part of proposals to relocate the Tampa Bay Rays to Tampa.
While the proposal itself focuses on academic facilities, workforce training and campus infrastructure, its timing places Burgess in the middle of one of Tampa Bay’s most closely watched redevelopment conversations. The request remains among unresolved budget negotiation points after the House did not include the funding in its proposal.
His latest steps build upon influence garnered over a career as a public figure that started at the age of 18. A lifelong Pasco County resident, Burgess first entered public office as a member of the Zephyrhills City Council, later serving as Mayor before moving to the House in 2014.
His trajectory accelerated further when Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed him Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs in 2018, giving Burgess a political boost before his election to the Senate in 2020.
Since then, Burgess has continued to expand his role within the Legislature by consistently delivering results and earning the kind of institutional trust that leads to greater influence. As the Legislature heads into its next cycle, his steady rise through the Senate’s leadership ranks shows little sign of slowing down.
“Danny Burgess serves with heart, conviction, and a clear sense of purpose — driven by his love and commitment to our country,” Corcoran Partners Managing Partner Matthew Blair said.
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As for methodology, the Tampa Bay region is defined as Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties, with Hernando, Polk and Sarasota included when their elected officials impact Pinellas or Hillsborough.
A politician is defined as someone currently in office or actively running for office.
Panelists ranked their Top 25, with a first-place vote earning 25 points, second place earning 24, and so on down to 1 point for 25th. Those totals were combined to produce the final list.
We also want to thank our experienced and knowledgeable panelists, who were essential to developing the 2026 list: Vinik Family Office Chief of Staff Christina Barker; former St. Petersburg City Council member Robert Blackmon; Mercury Public Affairs Managing Director Ashley Bauman; Michael Corcoran and Matt Blair of Corcoran Partners; former Sen. Jeff Brandes; Stephanie Cardozo of The Southern Group; Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick managing partner Ron Christaldi; political consultant/strategist Barry Edwards; Vicidial Group President Matt Florell; Sunrise Consulting Group President Shawn Foster; businessman Michael Griffin; St. Pete Catalyst Publisher Joe Hamilton; Clay Hollis of Tucker/Hall; Natalie King of RSA Consulting Group; Moffitt Cancer Center VP of Public Affairs and Communications Merritt Martin; political consultant Chris Mitchell; Mike Moore of The Southern Group; RSA President and CEO Ron Pierce; Tucker/Hall CEO Darren Richards; political consultant Jim Rimes; political consultant Preston Rudie of Catalyst Communications Group; TECO Vice President of State and Regional Affairs Stephanie Smith; lobbyist Alan Suskey of Shumaker Advisors; and Michelle and Peter Schorsch, publishers of Florida Politics.