Alexis Calatayud, other Floridians named to political group's 'honor roll'

State Sen. Alexis Calatayud was one of several young conservatives honored this week by Maverick PAC, a national network for conservative young professionals. Calatayud was named to its 2023 Future40 honorees list, which “recognizes conservative young professionals across the country who embody the next generation of leadership in the public and private sectors,” according to a news release.

The honor happened to come the same week as City & State Florida’s profile on the first-term Miami-Dade GOP lawmaker’s accomplishments in her first legislative session. Among other things, she was picked by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo to carry this year’s leadership priority bill, the Live Local Act, which aims to boost workforce housing in the state. 

Calatayud wasn’t the only Floridian to be named. Among others on this year’s list are Taryn Fenske, DeSantis’ communications director, and Andres Malave, chief spokesman for Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, a Palm Coast Republican. Future40 members from Florida in years past include former Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman and Johnson & Blanton chief operating officer Darrick McGhee. 

“I am deeply honored to be recognized by MAVPAC as a meaningful voice in the common-sense conservative movement,” Calatayud told City & State. “Through ideas built on shared, deep-rooted values, we will continue growing this burgeoning movement. I am proud to be in the arena and grateful for the opportunity to fight.” She and the others will be recognized at Mavericks Conference, Maverick PAC’s annual gathering, June 22-24 in Washington, D.C.