Senator Gayle Harrell

Gayle Bauer Harrell was born on July 21, 1943, and is a Republican member of the Florida State Senate representing District 31, which consists of Martin County and parts of Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties.

Throughout her career, Harrell has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. She founded and served as president of several organizations in the Stuart area, including the Hibiscus Children's Center, which serves abused children, and Helping People Succeed, which assists individuals with developmental disabilities. She also led the Martin County Medical Society Alliance.

Education

Harrell graduated with Highest Honors from Riverview High School in 1961 as part of the school's second graduating class. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Spanish from the University of Florida , graduating with honors and receiving the Edith B. Tigert Award as an outstanding female graduate. She was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and Mortar Board honor societies and the University of Florida Hall of Fame. She later earned a Master's Degree in Latin American Studies and History from the University of Florida .

Political Experience

Harrell first served in the Florida House of Representatives representing District 81 from 2000 to 2008, then was re-elected to that same district from 2010 to 2018. She subsequently represented District 83 in the House from 2012 to 2018. She has received multiple Legislator of the Year awards from various organizations during her legislative career.

Since 2018, Harrell has served in the Florida State Senate. She initially represented District 25 before moving to her current District 31 position in 2022. Her current committee assignments include Chair of the Appropriations Committee on Higher Education and Vice Chair of Health Policy, along with memberships on multiple other committees including Appropriations, Children, Families, and Elder Affairs, Education Postsecondary, and Environment and Natural Resources.