TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) \u2014 Democrat Brian Nathan is preparing to represent Western Hillsborough County, including South Tampa, in the Florida Senate.<\/p>\n
One of the first discussions is slated to be a mid-decade redrawing of the congressional map during a special session that\u2019s expected to start next week.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight now, I don\u2019t see any reason to move forward with this. I don\u2019t hear anybody asking for this,\u201d Nathan said.<\/p>\n
Some Republicans grew concerned following the special election involving Nathan, who flipped his district. There\u2019s concern that tweaking the maps will only make some red districts easier to flip blue.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also likely that lawmakers will continue a debate involving whether to eliminate non-school property taxes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we want to talk about adjusting homestead exemptions, that\u2019s a conversation,\u201d Nathan said. \u201cMaybe something specifically for seniors, that\u2019s a conversation we can have. Eliminating them outright? I cannot get behind that.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we all need to work together to put Floridians first. That\u2019s what I will do as our state representative for District 51,\u201d Holley said.<\/p>\n
Holley replaces Josie Tomkow, who resigned from office. Tomkow ran against Nathan for state senate but lost by 405 votes. \u00a0<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m 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\u2019m three weeks on the job, if you will,\u201d Holley said.<\/p>\n
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