Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschJanuary 30, 2018

The Florida Democratic Party says Republican U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, the newest entrant into the 2018 race for governor, needs to “break ties” with Steve Wynn. An FDP email says DeSantis has “repeatedly bragged about earning the casino magnate’s support,” and points out that Wynn was one of the North Florida Republican’s biggest backers for […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 30, 2018

Consumer sentiment among Floridians starts the year with the highest level in 16 years, increasing 2.3 points in January to 99.8 from the revised December figure of 97.5. These confidence levels have not been observed since March 2002, when consumer sentiment reached 102 points. Among the five components that make up the index, one decreased […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 30, 2018

Tampa Democratic Rep. Sean Shaw became the first major Democrat to throw his hat into the ring for Attorney General this month, and after a peek at the team he’s building it’s clear he’s in it to win it. Capital City Consulting’s Dan Newman is on board as senior adviser for the Shaw campaign, and […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 30, 2018

During his official announcement he would run for Florida governor, Republican U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis touted his bill to nix a Congressional fund used settle harassment complaints against lawmakers, but American Bridge said that ploy doesn’t make up for his past votes in the House. “Ron DeSantis’ pathetic attempts to cover up his checkered record […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 29, 2018

The Andrew Gillum campaign on Monday criticized House Speaker Richard Corcoran‘s campaign for running a “race-baiting” TV ad that aims at “vilifying immigrants.” “It’s a vile ad that seeks to divide us against one another, and the Speaker ought to be ashamed of himself,” said Geoff Burgan, the communications director for Gillum’s gubernatorial campaign. The […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 29, 2018

Hundreds of miles from his Congressional district, U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis launched his run for Governor Monday in a Boca Raton ballroom. DeSantis, backed by Pres. Donald Trump and a national network of right-wing financiers, was able even before the launch to set himself up as an alternative to Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. After introductions from speakers including […]

Scott PowersJanuary 29, 2018

Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Philip Levine is seeing Tuesday’s State of the Union speech as an opportunity to push his climate change and off-shore drilling messages. The former Miami Beach mayor’s gubernatorial campaign announced it will be spending $70,000 to air his “Denial” TV commercial during President Donald Trump‘s speech Tuesday night. That’s in addition […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 29, 2018

With an eye on the governor’s mansion, House Speaker Richard Corcoran has spent nearly $100,000 on a Fox News media buy to campaign off a legislative priority: banning so-called “sanctuary cities.” In a dramatic ad, Corcoran warns undocumented immigrants can target “any family, anywhere” — including a teenage girl walking in a Florida suburb. The message […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 29, 2018

Democrat Ryan Torrens knows he’s the underdog in the race for Florida Attorney General. The 32-year-old Hillsborough County lawyer undeniably has the least amount of name recognition of any of the six major-party candidates running in the race to succeed term-limited Attorney General Pam Bondi. And that challenge has only been heightened with the entry of Tampa […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 29, 2018

Monday morning sees U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis launching his campaign for Florida governor in Boca Raton. DeSantis’ entry into the race was teased practically from the time he left the 2016 race for U.S. Senate when Marco Rubio opted to run for re-election in June. DeSantis did settle for another two years in Congress, representing […]

Headlines
NPR headquarters. Image via AP.

Email Insights: FDP says Ron DeSantis needs to dump Steve Wynn

Florida consumer sentiment soars entering 2018

Sean Shaw staffs up for Attorney General bid

Email Insights: Ron DeSantis no ally to sexual harassment victims, says American Bridge

Andrew Gillum blasts Richard Corcoran for running ‘race-baiting’ ad

Ron DeSantis: ‘We’re running and we’re going to win this race’

Philip Levine pushing ‘Denial’ ad during State of the Union

Richard Corcoran campaigns off ‘sanctuary city’ ban bill

Attorney General candidate Ryan Torrens, recognizing his underdog status, makes staff changes

5 thoughts on Ron DeSantis: The X factor in the Florida governor’s race