A.G. Gancarski, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiMay 21, 2018

John Ward, a Republican running to succeed Ron DeSantis in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, is just beginning to get his campaign into top gear. Ward released his first television ad this week, a 30-second spot in which he branded himself as a “constitutional conservative.” And before that, the Massachusetts transplant showed a clear willingness to put resources […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 18, 2018

Friday afternoon brought Sen. Bill Nelson to Jacksonville for various events, including a fundraiser at Baptist Health, a nod to facing the staunchest challenge of his political career from Republican Gov. Rick Scott. “Scott for Florida” has spent $3.2 million on ads just this week, and $8 million since the Governor entered the race. So Nelson is […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 17, 2018

The Jacksonville City Council’s special committee on the future of JEA contemplated a light agenda Thursday, a marked contrast to the pitched pyrotechnics of the panel’s bygone conclaves. One highlight: Jacksonville City Council President Anna Brosche addressing the panel, just days after JEA Board member Fred Newbill questioned her motivation in inquiring as to the board’s process in […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 17, 2018

The city of Jacksonville’s approach to handling public records has taken criticism from multiple sides in the last week. Among the charges: that the city is contravening the letter and the spirit of open government by slow-walking requests, by vetting seemingly problematic applications with affected officials before fulfilling them, by claiming exemptions from disclosure, by […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 17, 2018

Friction and fractiousness continued in Jacksonville City Hall this week, with City Council Finance Chair Garrett Dennis calling a public-notice meeting to express concerns about potential Sunshine Law violations in the race for the Council presidency. Council Vice President Aaron Bowman charged Dennis with trying to talk multiple Councilors into vacating their pledges to back Bowman, who is […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 17, 2018

Jacksonville’s tradition of hosting neutral site, destination college football games continues, with city officials announcing an Aug. 31, 2019, clash between Boise State and Florida State. FSU has made a habit of neutral site games, and the game against Boise State is a compelling interconference matchup between the perennial ACC power and the perpetual Mountain […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 17, 2018

Jacksonville City Council President Anna Brosche may be exploring a run for Mayor, however incumbent Lenny Curry isn’t worried, he said Wednesday. “I have almost a three-year record in office now,” Curry said. “A strong record of action and getting things done. Big things that I’ve communicated to the public as I’ve tried to tackle them, and […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 16, 2018

In what is a major coup for Jacksonville, first-term U.S. Rep. John Rutherford is the newest member of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee. “I am honored to join the House Appropriations Committee and take on a greater role in ensuring that precious taxpayer dollars are spent wisely,” said Rutherford. “Responsibly prioritizing our nation’s spending is […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 16, 2018

Garrett Dennis, a Jacksonville City Councilman who has yet to file for re-election in the 2019 election, launched a statewide political committee Wednesday. Together We Stand is the name of the committee. Dennis noted that the committee, being statewide, has the “ability” to help candidates outside of Duval County. He was non-specific about the purpose […]

A.G. GancarskiMay 16, 2018

Time was when Jacksonville City Councilman Reggie Gaffney seemed vulnerable in his re-election bid. The Democrat, representing a district that sprawls from Downtown toward the airport, has dealt with legal scrapes in the past ranging from his nonprofit’s Medicaid overbilling (an issue in the 2015 campaign) to double dipping on homestead exemption claims (an issue while in […]

A.G. Gancarski

John Ward stakes out the Trump lane in CD 6 primary

Bill Nelson confronts Rick Scott, restive base as campaign ramps up

Jacksonville City Council JEA committee talks Aaron Zahn selection, November straw ballot

Lenny Curry, Jacksonville officials defend handling of public records requests

Jacksonville ‘Sunshine Law’ flap piques prosecutors’ interest

Boise State vs. FSU game illustrates intersection of Jacksonville politics, policy

Lenny Curry not worried about possible challenge from Anna Brosche

John Rutherford gets plum spot on House Appropriations Committee

Jacksonville City Councilman Garrett Dennis forms statewide political committee

Jacksonville City Councilman Reggie Gaffney expands cash lead in re-election bid