After much speculation regarding his nomination, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) announced this week that he would be nominating state Senator Manny Diaz Jr. (R) for Florida Education Commissioner. The nomination comes after Commissioner Richard Corcoran (R) announced that he would be stepping down from the position. In response, Diaz thanked DeSantis for the opportunity to serve in Florida's dOE, vowing to continue working "to better serve parents and students."
In early March, Commissioner Corcoran announced that he would no longer serve as Florida's Education Commissioner come the end of March. Citing that he would "return to private life," the Florida lawmaker said that he wanted to spend more time with his family.
Since then, speculations have run high regarding Corcoran's replacement, and it was long rumored that state Senator Diaz would be named as his replacement. After months of speculating, the Governor finally made the announcement, and Diaz signaled that he is ready to take on the new role.
Taking to social media to thank Governor DeSantis, Diaz said that he was humbled by DeSantis' nomination.
"I believe that a quality education is the door to opportunity, and my entire career as an educator and legislator, I have worked to better serve parents and students," he said.
"Although I will not stop into the DOE role until June 2022," he continued, Diaz took time "to thank the constituents of SD36 and HD 103 for their vote of confidence since 2012."
He called it an honor to be elected to serve in Tallahassee, adding that he is looking forward "to serving our community proudly as the first Cuban-American Commissioner of Education for our great state."
Republicans from across the state celebrated the announcement, including words of praise from Hialeah Mayor Esteban Bovo and Senate President Wilton Simpson (R), who's currently running to replace Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (D).
Thank you for the kind words my friend, it has been an honor to serve with you! https://t.co/lYgm9bIbPO
— Manny Diaz Jr. (@SenMannyDiazJr) April 21, 2022
