Tampa Bay

Joe HendersonApril 19, 2018

In preparing to run for the state’s Chief Financial Officer job, state Sen. Tom Lee had assembled a staff, game plan and a fundraising committee. But after waffling for several weeks about officially entering the race, Lee said Thursday family concerns “essentially caused me to re-evaluate my decision to run for CFO in 2018. I […]

Drew WilsonApril 19, 2018

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

Republican businessman Aakash Patel picked up an endorsement for his Hillsborough County Commission campaign Thursday from current District 2 Commissioner Victor Crist. The two have known each other since Crist was in the state Senate and Patel, now 33, was a student at Sickles High School. Later they worked together when Crist re-appointed Patel to serve […]

Phil AmmannApril 19, 2018

Former Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor has entered the race for Tampa mayor in 2019. The announcement came early Thursday morning along with invitations to like a new Facebook page “Jane Castor for Mayor.” Invites came from Castor’s longtime partner, Tampa-based lobbyist and political analyst Ana Cruz. Cruz is the daughter of Florida House Minority Leader […]

Drew WilsonApril 19, 2018

Travis Worl has been tapped as campaign manager for Tampa state Rep. Sean Shaw’s bid to replace termed-out Attorney General Pam Bondi, the campaign announced Wednesday. Worl’s extensive resume includes time with Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign, the Campaign to Reform Immigration Now, Sanford Bishop for Congress, Everytown for Gun Safety, the Human Rights Campaign, […]

Bill RuftyApril 18, 2018

Most candidates in (or soon to be in) the Democratic primary for Florida’s 15th Congressional District, left open by the retirement of Lakeland Republican Dennis Ross, will likely agree on many issues, especially over safety nets. But there will be a crucial difference, said Andrew Learned, a Valrico Democrat seeking the office. “Veterans and the military […]

Drew WilsonApril 17, 2018

Democrat Bob Buesing said Tuesday that he is ending his campaign to unseat Tampa Republican Sen. Dana Young and throwing his support behind House Minority Leader Janet Cruz. The Tampa attorney announced his exit to the South Tampa Democratic Club Tuesday evening, ending speculation of if or when he would step aside in favor of […]

Drew WilsonApril 17, 2018

Freshman Republican Rep. Jackie Toledo is holding a kickoff event for her House District 60 re-election campaign April 26 in Tampa. The fundraiser will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Byblos Café, 2832 S. MacDill Ave. Those looking to attend can RSVP by sending an email to Lynnette Russell at [email protected]. The host […]

Drew WilsonApril 17, 2018

Local business owner Jen McDonald filed Tuesday for the Hillsborough County Commission District 1 seat, giving voters a Democratic option for the seat after the recent exit of Tampa state Rep. Janet Cruz, who is running for state Senate. “I can’t sit back, I had to get involved so that we have solutions to move […]

Bill RuftyApril 17, 2018

Former State Rep. Neil Combee, a Polk City Republican, announced Tuesday that he will seek Florida’s 15th Congressional District seat left open by U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross. Ross, a Republican from Lakeland, announced last week he will not seek re-election to the post he has held since January 2011. Combee, 58, made his announcement at […]

Drew WilsonApril 16, 2018

State Rep. Ross Spano is officially exiting the Attorney General race to run for Florida’s 15th Congressional District, which is opening up due to the retirement of U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross. The Dover Republican had already said he would run for Congress, and he’s now followed through by retooling his campaign website and filing paperwork with […]

Tampa Bay
Helene, early Sept. 27. Image via NOAA via AP.

Tom Lee decides against CFO run

Victor Crist endorses Aakash Patel for Hillsborough Commission

Jane Castor enters race for Tampa Mayor in 2019

AG hopeful Sean Shaw hires Hillary Clinton vet as campaign manager

Democrats will still campaign against a departing Dennis Ross

Bob Buesing exits SD 18 race, clearing way for Janet Cruz

Jackie Toledo holding April 26 campaign kickoff

Jen McDonald files for Hillsborough Commission

Neil Combee makes it official; announces run for Dennis Ross’ seat

Ross Spano exits AG race, files for CD 15