PALM CITY — State Rep. Toby Overdorf, R-Palm City, will run in 2028 to succeed Gayle Harrell in the state Senate. Harrell, whose term runs through 2028, is term limited.
“Sen. Harrell has been a steady voice for our community, our environment and our way of life,” Overdorf said in making his announcement July 7. “I’m grateful for her leadership and look forward to building on the foundation she’s established for the Treasure Coast.”
Overdorf, 56, represents House District 85, which includes parts of St. Lucie and Martin counties. Harrell, who turns 82 this month, represents Senate District 31, which consists of Martin County and parts of St. Lucie and Palm Beach counties.
Overdorf was first elected in 2018 and was reelected in November, when he defeated Lisa Marie Stortstrom. This is Overdorf’s final term in the House because, like Harrell, he is term limited.
Overdorf’s background
“Grateful for the opportunity to earn your support to represent you in the Florida Senate!” Overdorf wrote on Facebook July 7.
If Overdorf wins the Senate seat, he said, hopes to continue work he started in the House. That includes efforts to end human trafficking and to address environmental issues.
Overdorf is an environmental consultant by trade and is past president of the Palm City Chamber of Commerce and a previous board member of Leadership Florida, an organization that helps leaders build their skills.
Anthony Bonna, a Port St. Lucie City Council member, is the only person so far to announce his candidacy to succeed Overdorf.
Property-tax relief
Overdorf’s work in the House is also focused on providing property-tax relief. He is co-chair of House Select Committee on Property Taxes, which is developing proposals to provide relief.
None of the proposals is final. The House is considering a multitude of options, Overdorf said. If elected to the Senate, he said, would work to ensure that property-tax relief is fully implemented, and relief occurs across the state.
Relief may come in the form of additional Homestead relief, an increase in the amount received for paying early or a change to how properties are appraised, Overdorf said.
Future ambitions
The veteran state House member is unlikely to pursue a seat in the U.S. Senate or House, he said, but he is keeping his options open.
“My focus is really on the state of Florida,” he told TCPalm.
Overdorf is proud of the work he’s done helping his constituents, whether it’s with unemployment, student scholarships or people with disabilities, he said. That work has been “incredibly rewarding,” and he said he plans to continue it if he wins a Senate seat.
Harrell’s thoughts
“I wish everybody good luck,” Harrell said by phone July 7. “It’s going to be a good race.”
She stays out of local races, she said.
“The voters are very perceptive in this district,” Harrell said. “I’m sure they will make a very good choice.”
Harrell is certain others will be running for her seat. She will wholeheartedly support the Senate candidate who wins the Republican primary, she said.
Keith Burbank is TCPalm’s watchdog reporter covering Martin County. He can be reached at keith.burbank@tcpalm.com and at 720-288-6882.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: State Rep. Toby Overdorf announces bid to succeed Gayle Harrell in Florida Senate
Reporting by Keith Burbank, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
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