THE FLORIDIAN: State Senator Lauren Book

One of many rising political stars in the state of Florida, State Senator Lauren Book (D) has made a name for herself championing children's welfare and women's rights and is considered a top potential candidate for statewide elected office in the coming elections. Sen. Book's life revolves around her twins, and during the legislative session, Book can be seen pulling around her two little one's around the Capitol complex in a wagon. The last stop of the day for the Book wagon is usually to Papa Ron Book's office.

Book is a diehard Miami Hurricanes fan and loves to sing "Baby Shark do-do-do-do-do."

Name: Lauren Book

Political Party: Democrat

Position: Florida State Senator, Democratic Leader

Elected: 2016

Committees: Children, Families, and Elder Affairs, Chair; Regulated Industries, Vice-Chair; Appropriations, Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, Health Policy, Rules, Select Committee on Pandemic Preparedness and Response, Joint Legislative Budget Commission 

Born: 10/12/84

Spouse: Blair Byrnes

Children: Kennedy Grace and Hudson Lee, four-year-old girl/boy twins

Education: Two-time University of Miami grad!

Major: B.A., Elementary Education and Creative Writing, 2008; M.S., Community Psychology and Social Change, 2012

Policy Goal(s): To make Florida a better place for children – especially those who are victims of abuse or neglect – and families, advancing Democratic social issues, and ensure our state’s limited resources are strategically allocated to yield the greatest benefit possible for all Floridians.

Top Issue(s): Child welfare, children & family issues, women’s rights, victims’ rights, environmental protection

Dream Job: I am fortunate to hold my dream job right now: advocating for issues I believe in and being a mom.

 Favorite Movie: Notorious

 Favorite Quote: “Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past, let us accept our own responsibility for the future.” – John F. Kennedy

 Favorite Sport/Team: Allegiant to the U! Go Canes!

 Favorite Color: Blue

 Favorite Music: Whatever silly songs my children happen to be singing, well maybe not Baby Shark after 1,000 listens

 Favorite Band/Song: The Dave Matthews Band

 What is your family’s constant complaint about you?: Why would they complain!? In all seriousness, probably that I am too hard on myself.

 In your words, how would you describe the U.S. Congress/State Legislature/ Executive Office?: Caught up too often on the wrong things. Caught up in politics, in campaigning, in producing soundbites for media headlines, in appealing to extremes and too worried about campaign ads. At the end of this Session, I was honored and humbled to be elected by my colleagues to lead the Florida Senate Democrats, effective immediately. As leader, I know there will be a time for campaigning and making our case to voters, and a time to fight vigorously for Democratic values. Then there will be a time to lay down arms and reach across the aisle to find common-ground solutions that benefit everyday people. I believe Floridians are tired of non-stop, unproductive fighting like they see in Washington. I have a deep respect for (Republican) Leader Passidomo and her work to make Florida a better place for all Floridians. We will certainly have a great deal of disagreements, but I know that we will work together above the fray of partisan sniping because the people of Florida deserve that much from their elected leaders.

 What is something funny/embarrassing that has happened to you?: Having a male member walk in while I was pumping to feed my twins!

 Tell us more about yourself, anything: My number one goal in life is to show my children that women can do and be anything.