Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 29, 2019

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry is not letting up on his fundraising as February begins. Two days before a fundraiser with Jaguars owner Shad Khan, Curry will be raising money with Florida’s First Lady, Casey DeSantis. If there were any doubt that Florida’s Republican establishment is backing Curry over his intraparty challenger, this event may retire (or at least quiet) […]

Jacob OglesJanuary 28, 2019

Her connections to the Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis campaigns helped land the job.

Staff ReportsJanuary 2, 2019

Chris Spencer will join the Ron DeSantis administration as Policy Director, one of several hires for the Executive Office of the Governor that the transition announced Wednesday. Justin Caporale — a top aide to President Trump — will serve as DeSantis’ Director of External Affairs; Amanda Emmons will be Director of Scheduling; and Makenzi Mahler will […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 26, 2018

With Christmas celebrations behind us (some trees are already at the curb), 2018 is quickly reaching its terminus. Some Jacksonville political types have had years to forget. Below, some who have had years to remember. ________ Politician of the year: Lenny Curry “To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man,” Ric Flair used to […]

Peter SchorschDecember 10, 2018

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It hasn’t gotten the credit, but the Tallahassee staff of the Jones Walker firm played a key role in the election and recount that led to Ron DeSantis’ winning the Governor’s race. Chief among them is lobbyist Jenn Ungru, better known as a health care policy guru. But in the election law world, she’s the […]

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 […]

Peter SchorschNovember 15, 2018

At least four people are in the running to become Ron DeSantis‘ chief of staff: Kathy Mears, Scott Ross, Scott Parkinson, and Shane Strum, according to sources familiar with the interview process. DeSantis “has discussed the position with all four,” one source said during an interview in Orlando where dozens of Adams Streeters are meeting for […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 10, 2018

Susie Wiles, campaign manager and transition team leader for Ron DeSantis, spoke to Florida Politics Saturday. She and the candidate are both in Jacksonville, not in Tallahassee at the recount headquarters, a seeming measure of the confidence the DeSantis campaign has about the recount going their way. In the gubernatorial race, DeSantis still leads Democrat Andrew […]

Staff ReportsNovember 9, 2018

Electing Ron DeSantis to the top office in the state (pending recount, that is) is a capital-g “Game Change” moment for Duval. DeSantis’ base is Jacksonville though he lives in Ponte Vedra. Everyone reading this knows that despite a county line, the money easily flows over borders. Pols from both Duval and Clay validated him, […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 8, 2018

While it can’t be argued that the support of President Donald Trump carried Ron DeSantis to what looks like a victory in the Governor’s race, there’s something no less important. Support from Northeast Florida. DeSantis, a Ponte Vedra Republican, represented the suburbs south of Jacksonville for two terms in Congress (a third term saw his district moved […]

Tag: Susie Wiles
Image via AP.

Casey DeSantis hosting fundraiser for Lenny Curry

Jennifer Locetta tapped as new executive director of Florida GOP

Chris Spencer among ‘key additions’ to Ron DeSantis staff

Domination: Jacksonville politics’ biggest winners of 2018

‘Calm in the chaos‘: How Jones Walker navigated recount for Ron DeSantis

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

Ron DeSantis vetting chief of staff candidates, including some familiar names

‘Busy day for lawyers’: Susie Wiles talks Ron DeSantis’ recount

Jacksonville Bold for 11.9.18 — Game change

Northeast Florida made Ron DeSantis happen, and its payoff is coming