Tampa Bay

Kate BradshawJune 13, 2018

State Sen. Tom Lee of Senate District 20 generated plenty of buzz over the last year as Tampa Bay politicos speculated his next steps: a run for state chief financial officer? Perhaps a go at outgoing Congressman Dennis Ross’s open seat? But the Thonotosassa Republican went with none of the above — and that could shape up […]

Drew WilsonJune 13, 2018

Tommy Gregory, a Republican candidate for House District 73, threw some serious shade at primary opponent Melissa Howard this week, but it looks like he should double check his sources. At issue is Howard’s party affiliation, not an uncommon avenue of attack in the primary season. Earlier this week, the Gregory campaign alleged that Howard […]

Kate BradshawJune 13, 2018

In the time that’s elapsed since the noise that erupted around U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis in early 2017 died down following his brave decision to face angry constituents at a packed town hall, things have been pretty quiet for the Palm Harbor Republican. That’s no surprise to anyone familiar with Bilirakis, 55, who tends to eschew political […]

Kate BradshawJune 13, 2018

It’s not often a freshman officeholder whose party is in the minority makes a most-powerful list. Although, politicians like U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist aren’t exactly common, either. The former Florida governor already had star power to spare when he narrowly defeated Republican incumbent David Jolly in the 2016 race for Florida’s 13th Congressional District seat, which covers most of Pinellas County, […]

Drew WilsonJune 13, 2018

Aakash-Patel-Hillsborough-County-Commission-candidate-District-1.jpg

Republican Aakash Patel picked up an endorsement from respected Tampa cardiologist and philanthropist Kiran Patel (no relation) for his bid to replace retiring Hillsborough County Commissioner Al Higginbotham in the fall. “It is my pleasure to endorse Aakash in his quest for Hillsborough County Commission. I am a firm believer that the next generation of […]

Drew WilsonJune 13, 2018

There’s something fishy going on at Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections office, says one Democratic consultant. As previously reported, Susan Valdes is eyeing a run for the Florida House, for the seat being vacated by Janet Cruz. In preparation for a bid for House District 62, Valdes resigned her seat on the Hillsborough County School Board just […]

Drew WilsonJune 13, 2018

Tampa attorney Todd Marks announced Tuesday that he’s entering the race for the District 7 seat on the Hillsborough County Commission, to replace retiring Commissioner Al Higginbotham. “I look forward to sharing my vision of a leaner county government that keeps taxes low and stays out-of-the-way of small business and land owners and holds the […]

Kate BradshawJune 12, 2018

Ranking for Tampa’s Republican state Senator on this list somewhat hinges on a key decision: whether or not Dana Young plans on running for Senate President for 2022-24. Citing time constraints stemming from more immediate commitments (i.e., the 2018 Legislative Session), she dropped that bid earlier this year. Young did, however, manage to get a […]

Kate BradshawJune 12, 2018

As sheriff of the most densely populated county in the state, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri’s role goes well beyond overseeing the department’s day-to-day. He’s often caught in the middle when hot-button national issues and law enforcement collide — and that’s a responsibility he appears to embrace. Gualtieri first took office in 2011. He successfully fended […]

Kate BradshawJune 12, 2018

Since taking office after her 2012 election, Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long has been a potent force at the dais. She’s never been afraid to speak her mind or temper her criticisms when she thinks someone is full of B.S. That said, she’s also been a key proponent of collaboration among all of Tampa Bay’s local governments […]

Tampa Bay

#14 on list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians — Tom Lee

Melissa Howard rebuts allegation that she’s a former Democrat

#15 on list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians — Gus Bilirakis

#16 on list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians — Charlie Crist

Kiran Patel endorses Aakash Patel for Hillsborough commission

Hillsborough elections supervisor played favorites with Susan Valdes

Todd Marks moves Hillsborough Commission campaign to countywide District 7

#17 on list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians — Dana Young

#18 on list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians — Bob Gualtieri

#19 on list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians — Janet Long