Ryan Ray, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RaySeptember 9, 2015

Former Senate Democratic leader Sen. Chris Smith filed Division of Elections paperwork Wednesday for a run in Broward County Commission in 2016. The Fort Lauderdale lawmaker first elected to the state House in 1998 will take on incumbent Commissioner Dale Holness in District 9 in central Broward. “Just filed for Broward County commission District nine. Excited to start […]

Ryan RaySeptember 9, 2015

U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy‘s campaign for U.S. Senate has again dipped its cup into the Florida Democratic Party’s talent pool, announcing the hiring of Jeff Branch as political director Wednesday. Branch, who aided the state party in a similar capacity with an emphasis on minority outreach until now, will lead the Murphy camp’s statewide efforts […]

Ryan RaySeptember 8, 2015

Bay County Commissioner George Gainer made his 2016 Tallahassee intentions formal on Tuesday. The Northwest Florida pol filed the necessary paperwork to seek the state Senate seat held by term-limited former Senate President Don Gaetz. The move sets up what could be a momentous Republican primary battle there, as third-term Rep. Matt Gaetz also seeks the […]

Ryan RaySeptember 8, 2015

Jeb Bush wanted to run for president as a joyful front-runner, above the fray of the pack. Instead, he heads into the fall campaign as a fighter with a foil: Donald Trump. There’s a new urgency in Bush’s tone as a candidate. It’s moved from frustration and annoyance with Trump’s constant needling to a willingness […]

Ryan RaySeptember 8, 2015

Rep. Matt Gaetz unveiled a new ad Tuesday in his race to succeed his father Sen. Don Gaetz in the Florida Senate aimed at seizing the “true conservative” label in what may be a testy Republican primary. The new one-minute spot, entitled “Fighting Obamacare,” was unveiled in an email message to supporters Tuesday morning in response to […]

Ryan RaySeptember 4, 2015

Pro-utilities group Consumers for Smart Solar released a new web video Thursday attacking the proposed ballot amendment language put forth by Floridians for Solar Choice. In the new spot, Consumers for Smart Solar – which bills itself “a diverse, bipartisan coalition of business, civic and faith leaders” – lays into their rivals for inclusion on the […]

Ryan RaySeptember 4, 2015

Real estate broker and small businessman G.G. Galloway announced on Thursday he will seek the 6th Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis in 2016. Galloway, co-owner of Coldwell Banker Commercial Benchmark and resident of Ormond Beach, laid out a platform in a release consistent with contemporary Republican values – as he put it, “fiscal responsibility, […]

Ryan RaySeptember 2, 2015

Republican candidate Neal Dunn said Wednesday morning that former House Speaker Will Weatherford has endorsed his bid in Florida’s soon-to-be-altered 2nd Congressional District. In a release, the former Wesley Chapel lawmaker explained his rationale for choosing Dunn rather than primary opponent Mary Thomas. She also seeks the GOP nomination in the race to succeed Democratic U.S. […]

Ryan RaySeptember 1, 2015

In the wake of Hollywood Mayor Peter Bober’s announcement he will not seek re-election next year, speculation has picked up around Broward state Sen. Eleanor Sobel pursuing the seat. As first reported by Buddy Nevins of BrowardBeat, Sobel is a natural choice because she is the highest-ranking state official who represents the city and she […]

Ryan RayAugust 31, 2015

Justin Sayfie, publisher of the Sayfie Review, announced Monday internet search giant Google will help underwrite its upcoming Florida Leaders Summit confab in Orlando. Announcing the recently reorganized internet behemoth as a “Gulf Sponsor,” Sayfie wrote on his news aggregation site that “Google’s generous sponsorship will help provide all Summit attendees with an exceptional Summit experience.” Sayfie billed the […]

Ryan Ray
The Pasco County Sherriff's Office arrives in Taylor County ready to take care of business.

Chris Smith files for 2016 Broward County Commission run

Patrick Murphy for Senate hires Jeff Branch as political director

George Gainer jumps in for 2016, setting up primary clash against Matt Gaetz

Donald Trump surge challenges Jeb Bush to fight, yet keep the ‘joy’

Matt Gaetz comes out swinging with new digital ad in Senate race

Consumers for Smart Solar releases new web ad attacking rival amendment backers

G.G. Galloway announces he’s running for Congress in CD 6

Will Weatherford endorses Neal Dunn in CD 2

Eleanor Sobel considers Hollywood mayoral run

Google to sponsor Sayfie Review’s Florida Leaders Summit