Florida lawmakers are pushing to eliminate the states second-highest office, the Lieutenant Governor, in the 2026 election. Despite the offices existence since 1968, some lawmakers want to eliminate it and create a new role called Commissioner of Government Efficiency.
Former Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuez, who served alongside Governor Ron DeSantis, opposes the idea. In a recent interview, she told us the plan would need some changes to gain her support.
Well see what the end product will be, said Nuez. But as it currently stands, eliminating the Lieutenant Governor’s positiongiven my history, given my role as a former Lieutenant GovernorI dont necessarily agree with it.
Nuez, who took office in 2019, has been in lockstep with DeSantis since the inauguration. She even stepped into a larger leadership role during the governors 2024 presidential campaign.
Last month, Nuez resigned to become the interim president of Florida International University (FIU), her alma mater. At FIU, she told us she aims to make the university one of the top 30 public schools nationwide.
It’s not that I want to change who FIU is, said Nuez. I just want to continue to grow it and make sure that it’s keeping with the times. That it’s nimble, that it adapts to changes that we’re seeing in the marketplace, and that we’re providing value.
Nuez told us FIU funding was a priority and that she sought to grow the schools endowment and expand athletics. Thats as lawmakers continue to move forward with making her old job obsolete.
Well see what ends up happening, said Nuez. I think theres a lot of value in having a Lieutenant Governor.”
With voter approval during the upcoming midterms, the bill would abolish the Lieutenant Governors office and create a cabinet-level Government Efficiency Commissioner. The elected post would oversee efficiency efforts similar to the federal DOGE initiative, with the power to audit state functions.
Rep. Tyler Sirois (R-Merritt Island), the bills sponsor, argues eliminating the Lieutenant Governor improves state efficiency. He points out the Florida Constitution provides a line of succession, with the Attorney General next.
The position of Lieutenant Governor is currently vacant, said Sirois. So it seemed to me that this was an opportunity for us to look at the form and function of our government, evaluate the position, evaluate responsibilities, to see where we could take away, to see where we add.
The proposal has garnered Republican approval. Most supported it during recent Florida House and Florida Senate committee hearings.
We are going to be the 12th or 13th largest economy in the world, said Rep. Randall Scott Maggard (R-Zephyrhills). Oversight of that much money needs oversight.
However, many Democratsand a few GOP membersoppose the measure. Rep. Mike Caruso (R-West Palm Beach) seemed unwilling to budge.
I think it contradicts itself, said Caruso. The Commissioner of Government Efficiency would be the least efficient cabinet member in the entire state.
Rep. Angela Nixon (D-Jacksonville) felt lawmakers were too focused on making news and not addressing affordability issues.
I just think this is a waste of time, said Nixon. I dont think this bill is needed.
Despite opposition, the bill cleared its final House committee Thursday and is now set for a House floor vote. Approval in both chambers requires a two-thirds majority, which may be challenging due to GOP resistance.
“I know theyre talking about bringing someone to focus on government efficiency, said Nuez. “Perhaps theres a way to merge those two concepts into a future role for a Lieutenant Governor.
As for Nuez, she has made her position clear but says shes stepping back from the debate for now. After all, the former LT said FIU needs her full attention.
At the end of the day, I put that in the rearview mirror,” said Nuez. “Im focused on FIU. So, we dont really make it a habit of commenting on legislation. But personally, I would say Id like to see the role continue.
If approved, the proposal needs significant voter support, like last years Amendments 3 and 4, to pass. At least 60% approval is required to amend the state constitution.
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