Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonAugust 2, 2018

The race to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney in Florida’s 17th Congressional District is heating up. In July alone, outside groups spent nearly $1 million boosting state Sen. Greg Steube and besieging state Rep. Julio Gonzalez, the two leading Republicans vying for the expansive and solidly Republican congressional district. Most of that cash — […]

Jacob OglesJuly 29, 2018

On Saturday, protesters of Gov. Rick Scott disrupted a political speech multiple times, as the U.S. Senate candidate spoke to grassroots supporters in Sarasota. Individuals with Freedom Fellows, a coalition of left-leaning groups, made their way into the Republican Party of Sarasota’s Primary Election Grassroots Straw Poll event. “It’s always disappointing when people want to […]

Jacob OglesJuly 29, 2018

Accusations of ballot box stuffing will delay any release of results for a straw poll conducted by the Republican Party of Sarasota on Saturday. “The results of the straw poll conducted during the rally are still being worked on,” reads an official press release from organizers. “The Republican Party of Sarasota Executive Committee will be […]

Drew WilsonJuly 10, 2018

The political arm of the Florida Realtors rolled out endorsements Monday for nearly every state legislative election slated for the 2018 ballot. “As Realtors, we pride ourselves on our long-standing efforts to defend private property rights, promote community prosperity and preserve a professional climate that ensures the economic growth of Florida,” said Ann DeFries, chair […]

Drew WilsonJuly 9, 2018

Faith Olivia Babis is about to get hit with a bill she could have easily avoided. The Sarasota Democrat, who is running in the special election for Senate District 23, was a week late in filing her most recent campaign finance report, and state law imposes hefty fees on candidates for being tardy. Florida statute […]

Drew WilsonJuly 9, 2018

Republican attorney Tommy Gregory is rolling out his first TV ad in the race for Sarasota-based House District 73. The 30-second ad features Gregory’s wife, Erica, outlining his conservative credentials and explaining why she was on board when her husband floated the idea of seeking public office. “When Tommy asked me if he should run for public […]

Drew WilsonJune 28, 2018

Sarasota Republican Melissa Howard announced Thursday that she had earned the backing of Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera in her campaign to succeed Rep. Joe Gruters in House District 73. “Melissa Howard is the business owner, community leader, and conservative champion that will best serve her constituents in District 73. I am pleased to endorse Melissa’s […]

Drew WilsonJune 28, 2018

Republican Tommy Gregory announced Wednesday that Sarasota County Property Appraiser Bill Furst is endorsing his campaign to succeed Rep. Joe Gruters in House District 73. “I’m proud to endorse Tommy Gregory,” said Furst. “There is no question in my mind that he has what it takes to serve us very well in Tallahassee. His leadership background […]

Drew WilsonJune 5, 2018

Republican Melissa Howard has scheduled a June 13 fundraiser for her campaign to succeed state Rep. Joe Gruters in House District 73. The reception will be held at Medallion Homes, 1651 Whitfield Ave., in Sarasota from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Supporters can RSVP by emailing [email protected] or calling 941-587-8166. Making the host committee for […]

Drew WilsonMay 29, 2018

Former U.S. Sen. Connie Mack III on Tuesday endorsed Tommy Gregory in the race for House District 73. “Tommy Gregory is a patriot and a proven leader,” Mack said. “His military experience has effectively prepared him to enter this new sphere of public service, and there’s no question in my mind that he will be […]

Tag: Joe Gruters
Florida Politics' Drew Wilson a few pounds heavier and with a bit more hair next to Academy Award winner Sam Rockwell ... (guess who we're rooting for?).

Outside money pours into CD 17 Republican primary between Julio Gonzalez, Greg Steube

Protesters disrupt Rick Scott speech in Sarasota

Ron DeSantis supporters accused of ballot-stuffing at Sarasota straw poll

Florida Realtors make endorsements in 87 legislative races

Joe Gruters’ opponent faces big fee for late finance report

Tommy Gregory releases first ad for HD 73 campaign

Melissa Howard earns backing of Carlos Lopez-Cantera

Bill Furst endorses Tommy Gregory for HD 73

Melissa Howard holding HD 73 fundraiser June 13

Connie Mack endorses Tommy Gregory for HD 73