Don Gaetz is a Republican state senator representing District 1 in the Florida Senate, covering Escambia, Santa Rosa, and parts of Okaloosa counties in the Florida Panhandle. Born January 22, 1948, in Rugby, North Dakota, he moved to Florida in 1978 and resides in Seaside with his wife, Victoria; they have two adult children, including U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz. A retired healthcare executive and Lutheran, Gaetz has a distinguished career in public service, including serving as Florida Senate President from 2012 to 2014. Notable achievements include national awards for leadership in arts, career-technical education, and public service; he was the only non-educator elected Superintendent of Okaloosa Schools and chaired Triumph Gulf Coast and the Florida Ethics Commission.

Education and Political Experience

Education:

- Concordia College, B.S. in Religion and Political Science ; Student Body President, National Speech and Debate Champion, Alumnus of the Year.

- Troy State University, Master of Public Administration ; Alumnus of the Year.

Political Experience:

- Florida State Senate, District 1 .

- Senate President .

- Current committees: Chair of Ethics and Elections; Vice Chair of Finance and Tax; member of Appropriations , Education Pre-K-12, Fiscal Policy, Health Policy, Judiciary, Rules, and Joint Administrative Procedures.

- Okaloosa County School Board Superintendent ; Chairman , Member .

- Florida Ethics Commissioner .

- Constitution Revision Commission .

- First Chairman, Town Council of Seaside, Florida.