Jim Boyd elected Senate President-designate, vows ‘principled’ leadership, broad opportunity

It’s official: Bradenton Republican Sen. Jim Boyd will lead the upper chamber for the 2026-28 term.

The Senate Republican Caucus just voted unanimously to elect Boyd as President-designate, positioning the veteran lawmaker and insurance executive to lead a chamber the GOP has controlled for decades and work with a new Governor taking office in 2027.

Boyd is slated to succeed Sen. Ben Albritton, a Wauchula Republican who now presides over the Senate.

Boyd, who currently serves as Senate Majority Leader, framed the moment Tuesday around stewardship and vision.

“This moment is not about me. It is about the institution we serve, the legacy we inherit and the future we are called to build together,” he said. Boyd invoked the story of Samuel Sparks Lamb, who founded Boyd’s hometown of Palmetto^[1], as a model for building community and “(widening) the path.”

“My vision is a Florida where every person has the chance to prosper, (a) Florida where our natural treasures — from the Everglades to our rivers and coasts — are protected, restored and cherished,” he said. “Above all, my vision is a Florida that remains the beacon of freedom and opportunity for our nation.”

Boyd pledged a governing approach grounded in fiscal restraint and pro-growth policies. He vowed to “defend the taxpayer and ensure every dollar is used wisely.” Under his leadership, he said, Florida will “break down barriers for job creators and innovators” while protecting parents’ rights and strengthening schools.

He also struck a pragmatic tone about the challenges that will greet the next Senate.

“Growth is stretching our infrastructure. Demand is testing our schools and health care system. The economy is changing in ways that require adaptation and resilience,” he said. “But I believe in this chamber. I believe in the strength of principled leadership. I believe in each of you. And I believe in the great state of Florida.”

In a POLITICO interview^[2] previewing his address, Boyd reflected on work curbing opioid deaths — an issue that touched his region and friends’ families — and defended property insurance reforms he helped shepherd as Banking and Insurance Chair.

He said his goal as a lawmaker has always been “to provide a more competitive, vibrant marketplace where consumers and constituents have choices and have options,” which, in turn, “drives prices down.”

Albritton, who led the designation ceremony Tuesday, lauded Boyd’s style and record, calling his successor a “dedicated family and business owner” with a “strong work ethic, innate intellect and willingness to tackle tough issues with grace and humor.”

“Jim always works to build consensus,” he said. “(He) is the right leader to carry on the legacy of Republican leadership in the Florida Senate, and I couldn’t be more blessed by him.”

Boyd has served in the Senate — where he represents northern Manatee County and southern Hillsborough County in Senate District 20^[3] — since November 2020, after serving for four consecutive two-year terms in the House.

His elevation to President-designate caps a steady rise through the state GOP’s leadership ranks, and as his regional profile has surged. Last year, he ranked No. 17^[4] on Florida Politics’ list of Tampa Bay’s most powerful politicians. This year, he was listed alongside Sarasota Republican Sen. Joe Gruters and U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan as a “notable mention^[5]” on the Tampa list.

His placement on the list next year will no doubt be significantly higher.

Boyd’s election drew emphatic backing from colleagues. Zephyrhills Sen. Danny Burgess, who nominated him, praised Boyd’s responsiveness to constituents, lack of bellicosity but willingness to fight for his beliefs and resolve in tackling tough issues.

“You have a servant’s heart, and a leader’s spine,” he said. “You set the diamond standard for all of us.”

Panama City Sen. Jay Trumbull, who seconded Burgess’ nomination, highlighted Boyd’s forthcoming nature and action-oriented style.

“In an age where politicians can often lose their way in fog and noise, Jim Boyd has remained strikingly transparent, speaking with honesty, acting with consistency, and building trust not through promises, but through performance,” he said. “You never wonder where he stands because his principles are not hidden in shadows but illuminated by action.”

Boyd, 68, was accompanied to Tuesday’s ceremony by his wife of more than 40 years, Sandy Boyd. Their children, children-in-law and grandchildren also attended the event, which was held on the Senate floor^[6].

Notably, Boyd is the third member of his family to serve in the Legislature. His grandfather, Hugh Boyd, served in the House in the 1940s. His uncle, Wilbur Boyd, served in both chambers between 1959 and 1972, including as President Pro Tempore.

Jim Boyd will steer the chamber during the 2027 and 2028 Sessions, when state leaders may confront federal policy shifts affecting health coverage subsidies and safety-net funding, all while Florida continues to grapple with affordability, growth and insurance market stability.

In his comments, the President-designate left no doubt that he understands that many, if not all, of those tough decisions are on the horizon.

“Together, we will meet these challenges with courage. We will debate vigorously, but we will treat each other with respect. We will disagree at times, but we will never lose sight of why we are here: to serve the people of Florida,” he said. “We are not simply caretakers of this moment; we are stewards of Florida’s future.”