Elected to the Senate, January 25, 2000, reelected subsequently
Majority (Republican) Leader, 2008-2010
President Pro Tempore, 2002-2004
House of Representatives, 1994-2000
Other Public Service
Volunteer for Reagan-Bush Campaign, 1980
Assistant to the State Director for the Reagan-Bush Youth Campaign, 1984
Young Republican Leadership Conference, Washington, D.C., 1985, 1987 and 1989
Delegate presidency I, II, III and IV of the Republican Party of Florida, 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999
Young Republican National Convention, delegate, 1985, 1987, 1989
Honors and Awards
Florida Economic Development Council, Senator of the Year Award, 2003
International Union of Police Associations, Legislator of the Year Award, 2003
House sponsor of the most comprehensive education reform legislation in Florida history, 1999
Winner of the James Madison Hero of the Year Award for his successful fight to improve the Florida Education System, 1999
Dade County Optometric Association, Legislator of the Year, 1998
Led reform movements urging more inclusion in Republican Party of Dade County, 1988 and 1998
Honored by President Reagan and U.S. Department of Education, Secretary Bell, as one of a group of Hispanic youth leaders at a White House reception, 1983, when he was only 19 years old
Biographical Information
Occupation:
Political Consultant, Winning Strategies, Inc.
Spouse:
Claudia Davant of Columbia, SC
Education:
Attended University of Miami
Born:
August 25, 1964 in Miami, Florida
Historical:
Grandfather, Angel Pio de la Portilla, deceased, mentor and inspiration for social and political involvement
Paternal great-grandfather served in Cuban Senate, while two of his sons served simultaneously in the Cuban House of Representatives
Maternal great-grandfather served as Cuban Minister of Justice (Attorney General)
Long family history of political and civic involvement in Cuba and the United States, including brothers Renier, former State Representative, and Miguel, former Miami-Dade County Commissioner
