Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Will Weatherford

How Will Weatherford built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Will Weatherford is an American politician who served as a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2014. He represented the 61st and later the 38th District. Most notably, Weatherford served as the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives during his final term. His speakership was particularly noteworthy as he was the youngest presiding officer of any state legislative chamber in the United States at that time.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2006: Elected to Florida House of Representatives

In 2006, Will Weatherford was elected as a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives for the 61st District after Ken Littlefield resigned. He defeated Donovan Brown in the general election.

2008: Re-elected to Florida House of Representatives

In 2008, Will Weatherford was unopposed and re-elected to the Florida House of Representatives.

2010: Re-elected to Florida House of Representatives

In 2010, Will Weatherford won the Republican primary against Kevin Wright and subsequently won the general election against Elena McCullough to be re-elected to the Florida House of Representatives.

November 20, 2012: Sworn in as Speaker of the Florida House

On November 20, 2012, Will Weatherford was sworn in as the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.

2012: Elected to 38th District

In 2012, Will Weatherford was elected to represent the 38th District in the Florida House of Representatives.

2013: Led opposition to Medicaid expansion

In 2013, Will Weatherford led the opposition to the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. The Florida House offered an alternative to provide private health insurance to Floridians, and the legislative session ended with approval of "Work Plan Florida" priorities.

2013: Unsuccessful retirement plan overhaul

In 2013, Will Weatherford made overhauling the retirement plan for public employees in Florida a major legislative priority but was unsuccessful.

2014: Joint Legislative Agenda Announced

In 2014, Will Weatherford and Senate President announced a joint legislative agenda, including education reform, a veterans bill, measures to protect vulnerable Floridians, a tax cut, and changes to improve state government. Weatherford also supported putting a constitutional amendment on the 2014 ballot regarding gambling expansion.

2014: Unsuccessful retirement plan overhaul

In 2014, Will Weatherford was unsuccessful in his attempt to overhaul the retirement plan for public employees in Florida.

2014: End of Term in Florida House of Representatives

In 2014, Will Weatherford's final term in the Florida House of Representatives concluded. During this time, he represented the 38th District and served as the Speaker of the House.