Bill Galvano

Who is Bill Galvano?

Bill Galvano is a Republican member of the Florida Senate, representing the 26th District, which includes DeSoto, Glades, and Hardee Counties and parts of Charlotte, Highlands, Hillsborough, and Manatee Counties since 2012.

Galvano was born in Liberty, New York and moved to Florida in 1969. He attended Manatee Community College, the University of Florida, and the University of Miami Law School and later worked as an attorney. He married the former Julie Forrester and has three children, Michael, William, and Jacqueline.

In 2002, when incumbent State Representative Mark G. Flanagan opted to run for the Florida State Senate, Galvano ran to succeed him in the 68th District, defeating Brian Murphy, Benjamin Milks, and Dave Miner in the Republican primary. In the general election, Galvano defeated Democratic nominee Arlene Sweeting and Libertarian nominee James Wallace. He was re-elected without opposition in 2004, 2006, and 2008, but could not seek re-election in 2010 due to term limits.

Following the reconfiguration of the Florida Senate districts in 2012, Galvano announced that he would run in the 26th District. He faced off against Democratic nominee Paula House, and the Bradenton Herald endorsed him in his bid, praising his "strong legislative reputation with his leadership of various powerful House committees."