Drew Wilson, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonFebruary 16, 2016

A trio of Democrats have filed to run against incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Miller in his Orlando-based District 47 seat, but party officials have their eyes on a fourth candidate. Enter Patrick Chapin, the son of beloved former Orange County Mayor Linda Chapin and the current CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. In addition to his […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 16, 2016

Volusia County attorney Thomas J. Leek announced Monday that he would enter the race for House District 25, making him the third Republican vying to take over for Rep. Fred Costello, who is running for the congressional seat held by U.S. Senate candidate Ron DeSantis. “As a local businessman, attorney, former House staff member and most importantly, as a […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 15, 2016

House District 118 got its first GOP filer since incumbent Republican Rep. Frank Artiles announced this month that he would run for a state Senate seat. Florida Advanced Properties head Anthony Rodriguez entered the race on Feb. 10, joining Democrat Robert Asencio and no-party candidate Arthur Sosa in the now three-way race. HD 118 leans […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 15, 2016

Incumbent Republican Rep. Carlos Trujillo has drawn a primary challenger for his House District 105 seat. Republican Victor Dotres filed for the seat Feb. 8, becoming the only other candidate in the race besides Trujillo, who is finishing up his third term in the district, which covers parts of Collier, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Dotres, […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 15, 2016

Incumbent Republican Rep. Bill Hager will face a challenger as he goes for his fourth and final term in his House District 89 seat. Nichole Cyr, an accounting clerk for Seminole Gaming, filed to run for the seat as a Democrat on Feb. 4, ensuring Hager won’t skate into another term without a little effort. […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 15, 2016

A South Florida lawyer has filed to run for House District 87, now held by Democratic Rep. Dave Kerner, setting up a three-way Democratic primary for the Palm Beach County seat. Darren Ayoub will face off against David Silvers and Virginia Savietto for the chance to take over for Kerner, who announced last year he would forego another term […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 15, 2016

Another Democrat has filed for the House District 14 seat held by termed-out Jacksonville Democrat Rep. Mia Jones. Gracie McCastler, a former elementary school teacher in Duval County, entered the race Feb. 11, making her the fourth Democrat vying to replace Jones, who has served in the Florida House since 2008. McCastler joins former Jacksonville City Council members […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 15, 2016

With the entry of businessman and veteran Chadwick Hardee last week, Republican Rep. Rene Plasencia is now facing a three-way primary race as he looks to shift over to House District 50, covering parts of Brevard and Orange counties. Hardee had been thinking about a run in HD 50 last year, but opted to drop out after Plasencia […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 12, 2016

If Gainesville Republican Rep. Keith Perry decides to run for state Senate, there’s one Republican, at least, chomping at the bit to take over his House District 21 seat. Newberry Republican Chuck Clemons announced his candidacy Thursday but said he would bow out of the race if Perry decides to seek his final term in […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 12, 2016

A bill aiming to help Floridians with disabilities find work and get job training passed through the full Senate Thursday with a unanimous vote. Senate Bill 962, sponsored by Niceville Republican Sen. Don Gaetz, requires the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, or VR, to come up with an improvement plan by Oct. 1 that lays out […]

Drew Wilson

Might Patrick Chapin run for House District 47?

Tom Leek enters HD 25 race to succeed Fred Costello

First Republican files for Frank Artiles’ HD 118 seat

Carlos Trujillo to face GOP primary challenge in HD 105 race

Bill Hager draws Democratic challenger for final term in HD 89

Democratic attorney joins HD 87 race in Palm Beach

4th Democrat joins race to replace Mia Jones in HD 14

Businessman Chadwick Hardee jumps into HD 50 GOP primary

If Keith Perry mounts Senate bid, Republican ready for HD 21 run

Senate unanimously passes job training bill for Floridians with disabilities