Rayner runs to replace Rouson in Florida Senate

Recently reelected Representative Michele Rayner is already preparing for a move from the Florida House to the Senate.

Rayner announced the launch of her campaign Monday to replace fellow Democrat and St. Petersburg resident Sen. Darryl Rouson. The term-limited senator will vacate his District 16 seat in 2026.

Geographically, Rouson’s Senate seat is nearly identical to Rayner’s House District 62 – both span Tampa Bay and connect South St. Pete with a wide swath of western Hillsborough County.

“I’m a native Tampa Bay girl, and, at this time, I think it’s just an amazing opportunity to continue the good work we’ve been doing in the Florida House,” Rayner told the Catalyst. “I wanted to make it clear to my constituents and to the voters of this district that this particular race is a priority for me.”

A map of Senate District 16.

Rayner, as noted in her campaign announcement, is a civil rights attorney and community activist. She was first elected to the House in 2020.

Rayner cruised to an easy victory in 2022, securing 69.6% of the vote. She nearly matched that total (69%) in November.

Those wide victory margins underscore the district’s demographics. Both HD 62 and Rouson’s HD 16 are Democratic strongholds.

Rayner, in her social media announcement, noted that she has advocated against policies that harm minorities, workers, educators, parents, the LGBTQ+ community and women. She also pledged to “hold members of the majority party, state and federal government accountable to Florida families, bring resources back to our community and fight for every Floridian.”

“I know right now we need leaders who will work to bring our communities together instead of leaders who are fighting for a radical agenda by dividing us,” Rayner wrote.

In a subsequent interview, Rayner expressed pride for her legislative accomplishments as a Democrat facing a Republican supermajority. She plans to expand on those successes in the Senate.

Rouson is known for garnering bipartisan support for sponsored legislation and serves as vice chair of the influential Senate Appropriations Committee. Rayner believes her ability to work across the aisle in the House “speaks volumes to what we’re going to be able to accomplish” in the upper chamber.

Rayner said she had a “really good conversation” with Rouson regarding her Senate bid. She also noted their district issues overlap.

Addressing food insecurity, deficient infrastructure and a lack of affordable housing will remain priorities. Rayner said her campaign is already in full swing.

“I’ve already been super active within the district,” she explained. “It’s a matter of how we can continue the work.”

A map of House District 62.

Despite the districts’ similarities, Rayner realizes there is a “swath of people who never had an opportunity to talk to me.” She eagerly anticipates introducing herself and listening to her potential new constituents.

“I think that’s the most important thing – when you’re talking about races of this caliber – is making sure the people who will put you in office know they can touch you and feel you,” Rayner added. “The same thing the folks of District 62 have had for four-and-a-half years is what I want people of Senate District 16 to know, feel and believe.”

Amaro Lionheart, a Republican also known as Nelson Amador, has also filed to replace Rouson in the Senate. Rayner easily ended Lionheart’s bid for the House in November.

Rayner could have run for reelection in 2026. While her senate campaign will leave HD 62 up for grabs, and she has already had “really good conversations with folks in the district – people who are interested in the seat.”

Rayner called representing HD 62 “the honor of my life” and said a potential replacement factored into her decision to step down before reaching term limits. However, she said her “super savvy” constituents realize what is at stake.

“They are some of the most tapped-in voters that, I think, we have in the state,” Rayner continued. “I am confident that whoever will succeed will be able to do the type of job that I’ve done.”