Joe Negron: Senate President, Florida.

• Author: Andrade, Jane Carroll
• Position: THE FINAL WORD - Interview

A Florida native, attorney Joe Negron won a House seat in 2000 and a Senate seat in 2009. He was elected Senate president in 2016. A graduate of Stetson University and Emory University Law School, he earned a master's degree in public administration from Harvard University.

What did growing up with six younger brothers teach you about working in a legislature? The importance of organization and compromise, and the value of competition when it is tempered with good will and graciousness. I come from a family modest in means but bountiful in love and opportunity. When you grow up in a big family, you learn that success is more about the group achieving its goals rather than one person trying to be the superstar. I

Describe your leadership philosophy. One of my key guiding principles is that I believe in the supremacy of the individual. When I look at proposed legislation, I do so with an essential wariness and skepticism about government even though I'm now part of the government. I think it's important for people in positions of public service to acknowledge the proneness of government to overreach and to intrude into individuals' personal sovereignty.

What's your advice for navigating the differences between members and chambers?

I like to tell people that we're in the persuasion business, not the hectoring and lecturing business. I find that if you approach an issue with a clear point of view but are willing to listen to objections and try to overcome them, that ultimately you'll be able to build a coalition to get things done.

You are an avid sports fan. What do you like to play? If there's a ball and they keep score, the Negron boys were interested. I like to play many different sports, although I'm mediocre at some and less than average at most. But if I had an opportunity to play something tonight, I would rank them in this order: basketball, golf, tennis, ping pong, Softball.

What do you do to stay at the top of your game? I find that meeting with groups of senators informally throughout the day is a good way to unwind and hear what's going on. I also try to get to Orange Theory gym at least four or five times a week.

Who do you look up to as a role model? Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the Lutheran pastor involved in the resistance against Hitler in Germany--and who ultimately was executed--for his bravery and courage in difficult circumstances. Speaker Allan Bense had a quiet dignity about him and delegated authority. I've always admired...