Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannDecember 7, 2018

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements — both on and off — of the legislative merry-go-round in the Florida House. On: Alexis Calatayud became a legislative assistant, and Ryan Fernandez became district secretary, for Miami Republican Rep. Vance Aloupis. Off and on: Gloria Perez became district secretary for Lithia Republican Rep. Mike Beltran. Perez previously […]

Danny McAuliffeDecember 6, 2018

As anticipated, Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis is bringing in former House Speaker Richard Corcoran as the next Education Commissioner. That means Corcoran, a Land O’ Lakes Republican who was term-limited in 2018, will likely soon take over as the chief educational officer of the state. He’ll have powerful discretion over staffing decisions inside the Department of Education, […]

Danny McAuliffeDecember 4, 2018

Florida Education Commissioner Pam Stewart will retire on the same day Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis takes office in January, meaning former state House Speaker Richard Corcoran is one step closer to overseeing the state’s massive education operation. Stewart, who has served under her current role since 2013, had originally planned to helm the education department for […]

Peter SchorschDecember 4, 2018

The under-the-radar scrum to lead the Republican Party of Florida for the next two years is threatening to expose a growing fault line inside the incoming administration of Ron DeSantis. On one side is powerful Congressman Matt Gaetz … on the other is, well, most everyone else advising the Governor-elect. Gaetz is one of four co-chairs […]

Ryan NicolDecember 2, 2018

Former House Speaker Richard Corcoran appears to be on track to become the state’s next Education Commissioner, according to sources familiar with Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis‘ transition plans. The news was first dropped by Florida Politics’ Peter Schorsch and later confirmed by POLITICO Florida. Corcoran’s appointment, if made final, would add another voice in support of school […]

Jacob OglesNovember 27, 2018

It looks like 2018 will be another record year for tourism in Florida, which could be good news both for the hospitality industry and for agencies promoting the state in the nation and abroad. Gov. Rick Scott announced Florida welcomed 95.8 million visitors from January through September, nearly a 7 percent increase from the 89.8 […]

Danny McAuliffeNovember 20, 2018

Republican state Rep. Jose Oliva assumed speakership of the Florida House on Tuesday, encouraging members to “focus our efforts on those things we can only do together.” Oliva will lead the chamber during the 2019 and 2020 Legislative Sessions. His ascension took place at the Organization Session that occurs every two years after an election cycle. Party […]

Peter SchorschNovember 19, 2018

Even with his opponent retracting his concession while a recount of the election results was underway, Ron DeSantis has wasted little time preparing to take the reins of state government. Since as soon as the Friday after Election Day, the former congressman has sat in on a series of meetings and interviews designed to chart […]

Peter SchorschNovember 14, 2018

Carol Gormley, a veteran legislative staffer, will be chief of staff to incoming House Speaker Jose Oliva, according to an email sent to members by the Speaker’s Office on Wednesday. Gormley is a highly-regarded health care policy expert who has worked for both Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio. She’s not a household name outside of Tallahassee, […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 8, 2018

Governor-elect Ron DeSantis rolled out his transition team chairs Wednesday, and interesting names abounded. Congressman Matt Gaetz, an unstinting DeSantis advocate from the time he launched his campaign, will fill one of the slots. Outgoing House Speaker Richard Corcoran, who originally backed Adam Putnam in the primaries before mending fences after August, will fill another spot. Two more spots […]

Tag: Richard Corcoran

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round (House version)

Richard Corcoran tapped for Education Commissioner

Richard Corcoran poised to be next Education Commissioner with Pam Stewart departure

Team of rivals: Inside the early days of the Ron DeSantis transition

Richard Corcoran in line to be next Education Commissioner

VISIT FLORIDA: State on track for record tourism by end of 2018

Jose Oliva begins as House Speaker with message of cooperation

Richard Corcoran for Chief of Staff? And other notes from inside the DeSantis transition

Personnel note: Jose Oliva names Carol Gormley as chief of staff

Richard Corcoran, Matt Gaetz among Ron DeSantis transition team chairs