Staff Reports
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Americans for Prosperity Action-Florida is offering another round of endorsements in state legislative races.
Announced Monday, the new wave includes five current House Republicans, three of whom are running for seats in the state Senate and two of whom are running for re-election.
Those getting the nod: Spring Hill Rep. Blaise Ingoglia for Senate District 11, Indian Rocks Beach Rep. Nick DiCeglie for Senate District 18, Miami Springs Rep. Bryan Avila for Senate District 39, Ormond Beach Rep. Tom Leek for House District 28 and Winter Springs Rep. David Smith for House District 38.
Six other candidates — including two other Republicans — have signed up to run in Smith’s district. Leek is also facing a Primary challenger in Alex Newman. DiCeglie has a clear path to the GOP nomination but will likely face Democrat Eunic Ortiz in November. However, SD 18 has a Republican lean and DiCeglie has a sizable fundraising advantage.
Avila and Ingoglia are currently unopposed, less than 96 hours out from the close of the candidate qualifying period.
“Florida is a growing and vibrant state. We need lawmakers in Tallahassee who will support policies that break down government-imposed barriers that limit the ability of individuals and businesses to grow and prosper and create a strong economy where every Floridian benefits,” said AFP Action Senior Adviser Skylar Zander. “These candidates will help create an opportunity climate that will continue to make Florida a destination for freedom-loving people.”
In a news release, AFP Action-FL said it will deploy grassroots activists, direct mail and digital advertising in support of its endorsed candidates.
Evening Reads
—“‘I am not going to let them cancel me’: Gov. Ron DeSantis defiant against ‘parental rights’ backlash” via Renzo Downey of Florida Politics
—“Florida wants to ban kid-friendly drag shows. But the shows will go on, LGBTQ+ groups say” via Brooke Baitinger of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
—“Annette Taddeo endorses Charlie Crist for Governor; Nikki Fried lays out 19-point policy platform” via Danielle J. Brown of the Florida Phoenix
—“List of Florida Supreme Court nominees includes previous Gov. DeSantis pick” via Chris Hippensteel of the Tampa Bay Times
—“Val Demings ad: ‘Defunding the police: That’s just crazy’” via Scott Powers of Florida Politics
—“$100 million legal bill in Surfside condo suit. Court filing argues it’s a bargain” via Jay Weaver of the Miami Herald
—“Re-election path clears for future Speaker Sam Garrison” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
—“How the Fed and the Joe Biden administration got inflation wrong” via Nick Timiraos and Jon Hilsenrath of The Wall Street Journal
—“Can blaming corporate greed save Democrats on inflation?” via Christian Paz of Vox
—“The end of the Millennial lifestyle subsidy” via Derek Thompson of The Atlantic
—“Amazon builds property empire, quietly buying land across the U.S.” via Spencer Soper and Natalie Wong of Bloomberg
—“A Black Army vet spent 16 months in solitary. Then a jury heard the evidence against him.” via Sydney Trent of The Washington Post
Quote of the Day
“Honestly, I was a little bit disappointed. I was hoping to have more protesters.”
— Gov. Ron DeSantis, on the picketers at his speech in New York City.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
