Jacksonville FL — On Friday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis picked Northeast Florida state House Representative Cord Byrd to serve as the new Secretary of State. Current Secretary of State Laurel Lee is resigning, effective Monday.
Governor DeSantis says Byrd has been an advocate for election security, public integrity, and he’s fought against big tech censorship and the de-platforming of political candidates.
“Cord Byrd has been an ally of freedom and democracy in the Florida Legislature, and I am confident he will carry that mission forward as Secretary of State,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I look forward to his successes ensuring Florida’s elections remain safe, secure and well-administered.”
Byrd says he will make sure the state continues to have secure elections and he is vowing to protect the freedoms of citizens in the face of big-tech censorship and cybersecurity threats.
Byrd has been in the Florida House of Representatives since 2016.
Meanwhile, the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Democratic gubernatorial, Nikki Fried, was quick to criticize the pick, saying on Twitter Byrd was appointed because he would only serve Ron DeSantis instead of the people of Florida.