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

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 11, 2019

Jacksonville’s March ballot promises the most pitched and invective-laden campaign in recent memory. Defending his title with nearly three million dollars at his disposal: incumbent mayor Lenny Curry. And his primary challenger, who telegraphed a run ahead of Friday’s qualifying deadline, City Councilwoman Anna Brosche (who filed Friday). The goal is simple for Brosche and less heralded […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 11, 2019

Last year, Democrat Ju’Coby Pittman was the less controversial of the two appointees selected to fill in for Jacksonville City Council members suspended pending fraud charges. Pittman, appointed by Gov. Rick Scott to fill in for Katrina Brown in District 8, launched a campaign for the office late last year, amid what was and is a crowded field. December […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 10, 2019

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry had one of his slowest fundraising months ever to end 2018, with under $50,000 raised between his campaign account and that of his political committee. For the first time in months, Curry is below $3 million cash on hand, though with ample resources to deploy between now and the March “first election.” However, […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 10, 2019

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio helms the Senate Small Business Committee — and on Thursday he outlined his agenda in that role. “America’s small businesses represent economic dynamism and a sense of community that is often missing from American life. Amidst rapid technological advances, shifting global economic trends, and rising foreign adversaries, we must fight to protect […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 9, 2019

Rep. Kim Daniels, a Jacksonville Democrat known for championing legislation that brings religion into public schools, filed legislation Tuesday mandating high school-level Bible study electives. That is, her bill (HB 195) would require — rather than just permit, as is the case now — high schools to offer an “objective study of religion.” Such courses include: […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 9, 2019

The money race in Jacksonville City Council District 14, a Westside district running from Riverside to the Naval Air Station, got more competitive in December. Republican Randy DeFoor, an executive with Fidelity and the Mayor’s candidate, maintains her lead. But two Democrats made up some ground as 2018 ended. DeFoor raised just $1,450 in December between […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 9, 2019

Members of the public who want to address the Jacksonville City Council during public comment in the future may be advised to bring quarters for the vending machine. They may be speaking later than they are used to. Currently split up among two commenting periods, new legislation (2019-19) would shift public comment to the back […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 8, 2019

The Jacksonville City Council agenda Tuesday evening was mild compared to the somewhat wild speculation about which member(s) are running for Mayor. However, even as the “silly season” is in full swing, policy concerns populated the agenda, even as political cross-currents proved irresistible. One such measure: 2018-846, Council President Aaron Bowman’s bill to create a task […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 8, 2019

Jacksonville City Councilors Anna Brosche (Republican) and Garrett Dennis (Democrat) have some things in common. They bookend the Council dais, for one. They’ve been muscled out of meaningful committee posts by Council President Aaron Bowman, for another. And they long since have fallen out of favor with the Mayor’s Office. And both have been rumored to be Lenny […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 8, 2019

Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried made her first post swearing-in remarks to Florida Democrats Tuesday afternoon. Fried’s prepared remarks noted that she expected to be serving aside “Gov. Andrew Gillum.” That didn’t come to pass, obviously. Fried, the titular head of Florida Democrats as their sole statewide elected official, bookended her remarks with the kind of encouragement one […]

A.G. Gancarski

Lenny Curry, Anna Brosche race tops crowded Jacksonville ballot

Momentum builds to return Rick Scott pick to Jacksonville City Council

Lenny Curry qualifies for re-election, opponents to be determined Friday

Marco Rubio targets China from Small Business committee chair

Bill would mandate Bible study classes in public high schools

Democrats close cash gap in Jacksonville City Council District 14 race

Public comment changes looming for Jacksonville City Council

Political ‘silly season’ bleeds over into Jacksonville City Council meeting

Decisions about 2019 loom for Anna Brosche, Garrett Dennis

Nikki Fried rallies faithful, promises policy movement