1. Andy Gardiner was born on January 23,1969 and is a Republican politician who served as a member of the Florida Senate, representing the 9th District from 2008 to 2012, and the 13th District, which stretches from Orlando to Titusville, from 2012 to 2016.
From 2014 to 2016, Gardiner served as the President of the Florida Senate.
Andy Gardiner was born in Orlando, Florida, in 1969 and attended Stetson University, graduating with bachelor's degrees in political science and psychology in 1992.
Andy Gardiner worked as a legislative aide to State Representative Allen Trovillion, and helped to dispel rumors that Trovillion was not running for re-election in 1996.
Andy Gardiner ran to succeed him in the 40th District, which was based in western Orange County and included parts of downtown Orlando and Hunters Creek and Lake Buena Vista.
Andy Gardiner was opposed in the Republican primary by John Dowless, the former executive director of the Florida Christian Coalition; Geraldine Ferris, a dentist; and Michael Rudd, a surveyor and real-estate broker.
The Orlando Sentinel endorsed Andy Gardiner, praising his "depth of knowledge and experience" and stance on the issues.
Andy Gardiner was endorsed for re-election by the Sentinel, which criticized Conway's platform as "outlandish" and praised Andy Gardiner for showing "lots of promise during his first two-year term," specifically noting his efforts to pass legislation and his leadership positions.
In 2006, Andy Gardiner was opposed for re-election by Darren Soto, an attorney and the Democratic nominee.
Andy Gardiner ran to succeed him in the 9th District, which stretched from Lake Mary to Kissimmee, including parts of Osceola, Orange, and Seminole Counties.
Andy Gardiner won the Republican nomination uncontested and faced Darius Davis, a teacher and the Democratic nominee, in the general election.
Andy Gardiner pushed for legislation that would have waived the cost of drivers license for the poor, though it ultimately failed to pass, and called for the reform of the state's regional work-force training agencies.
Andy Gardiner emphasized the need for experience in revitalizing the local economies, while Pennington called for "fresh ideas" and an emphasis on "energy opportunities," including small nuclear power facilities.
In 2015 and 2016, Andy Gardiner was criticized by pro-gun interest groups for supporting Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, Senator Miguel Diaz de La Portilla, in his decision not to agenda a carry on campus bill, effectively killing it.
In February 2016, Andy Gardiner again sided with Senator Diaz de la Portilla in his decision not to agenda an open carry bill citing respect for the legislative process and deference to the authority vested in Committee Chairs by the Senate President.
Senate President Andy Gardiner is just as much to blame.
Senator Andy Gardiner has the power to ensure the campus carry bill gets a vote, but refuses to do anything and uses Senator Diaz de la Portilla as a scapegoat.