Michele Rayner delivers emotional farewell to House as she prepares Senate bid

Outspoken St. Petersburg Democratic Rep. Michele Rayner delivered an emotional farewell to the House, reflecting on her legislative career, personal hardships and cross-party relationships as she prepares to pursue a Senate seat.

First elected in 2020, Rayner elected not to seek re-election to instead run for Senate District 16 in the 2026 election cycle, aiming to succeed term-limited St. Petersburg Sen. Darryl Rouson. Her departure sets up a competitive Democratic Primary with House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell also running to represent the heavily blue district. No Republican has filed to run for the seat.

During her remarks on the House floor Wednesday, Rayner said “this work is about the people” and that she has always used her voice to advocate for the people she represents. Rayner said she leaves the House with a better understanding of herself and her purpose as an advocate.

“I came into this chamber confident in my ability to advocate; I leave this chamber knowing exactly who I am,” Rayner said. 

Rayner, who represents parts of St. Petersburg and Tampa in House District 62, used her farewell to thank mentors, community leaders and lawmakers across both parties who supported her during her time in Tallahassee. She credited civil rights lawyer Benjamin Crump with encouraging her early political ambitions and reflected on advice she received when she first entered office. 

She also highlighted several policy initiatives she worked on during her tenure, including bipartisan job creation legislation with Fleming Island Republican Rep. Sam Garrison, a future House Speaker.

“We took some risks, and they paid off,” Rayner said. “There are moments in the middle when I didn’t know how things were going to turn out. But I always say everything is ‘figureoutable,’ and together we figured it out. We passed bipartisan legislation to create jobs, me and Sam Garrison, a program that is still going strong all across the state.”

Rayner also highlighted efforts addressing food insecurity with Rouson, and legislation regulating social media platforms for minors alongside Sarasota Republican Rep. Fiona McFarland and Merritt Island Republican Rep. Tyler Sirois — who is the only Republican on her picture wall. 

Her speech also noted friendships she formed across the political aisle, including with Republican Rep. Lawrence McClure — to whom she apologized to for not including in the picture wall — and House Speaker Daniel Perez, whom she thanked for their openness and candor despite policy disagreements.

“While there’s not a lot we agree on, I’ve always appreciated your candor, your warmth and your humanity,” Rayner said in remarks directed at Perez. “Thank you for your ‘yes’ being your ‘yes,’ and your ‘no’ being your ‘no,’ that is rare in this Process. Thank you for being an open door and a listening ear. Thank you for allowing this Chamber to truly function as the House.”

Rayner also spoke candidly about personal hardships during her time in office, including the deaths of both of her parents — her father in December 2020 and her mother in May 2023 — and credited colleagues for helping her through those difficult moments.

“My world shattered, my mother died,” Rayner said. “I was lost, and so many of you in this room stepped up.” 

Rayner also reflected on hurricanes that struck communities across Tampa and St. Petersburg during her tenure, praising neighbors, local leaders and volunteers who helped provide aid to thousands of residents.

She thanked community leaders including Renee Edwards, Carla Bristol, the “Who Needs What” mutual aid group chat, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, Rouson, Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers, Pinellas County Commissioner Rene Flowers, and numerous other community leaders.

“I want to name so many, and this is where you get into trouble naming names,” Rayner said.

She also singled out Miami Democratic Rep. Ashley Gantt and Miami Gardens Councilman Reggie Leon, noting the two helped organize community efforts that ensured more than 2,500 residents received food and support after storm damage hit her district across the state.

“We stood knee-deep in water, literally ten toes down,” Rayner said. “Members like Rep. Gantt and Council member Leon helped ensure that more than 2,500 people were fed.”

Rayner also thanked Gantt on a personal level for a friendship that has navigated through thick and thin since 2018.

“On May 18, 2023, the day my mother transitioned is the day my mom gave me to you,” Rayner said.

“Ashley Gantt, our friendship is transcendent. We are more than just legislators, we are more than just law partners, we are more than just sisters, you are a friend of my soul, you have gathered my broken pieces and put them back together. You have yelled at me and said my name just like my mama would. You have called forth my greatness and also helped in my doubts. Your love and friendship has saved me. There is no me without you, especially in this Process. As my bestie Byron says, you are actually the boyfriend I deserve.”

Despite the farewell tone, Rayner suggested her departure from the House is more of a turning point than an ending.

“Someone said to me yesterday that reframed this moment, this really isn’t a farewell — it’s more of a ‘see you across the hall,’” she said. “They’re right, because service doesn’t end with a title, leadership doesn’t end with the chamber, and the work of the people never ends.”

Perez closed the moment by thanking Rayner for her service.

“Rep. Rayner, you have never hesitated to use your voice in this chamber,” Perez said, sparking laughter from the House floor. “The best of luck in your future, and the House is proud of you.”