Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayMarch 17, 2016

Democratic candidate Sean Shaw said in a memo to supporters he’s “truly humbled” by early fundraising returns in his bid for an open HD 61 seat based in Tampa. “In just 72 hours, you’ve given more than $5,000,” said Shaw. “Because of your response, we’re already putting together our team and building the GOTV operation that will win here.” […]

Ryan RayMarch 16, 2016

A pair of Sarasota legislative races saw major changes this past weekend. Rep. Ray Pilon decided to forgo a 2016 re-election bid for a fourth term in the House in favor of a Senate District 28 campaign, leaving his Democratic opponent Edward James running unopposed in a coastal swing seat. Pilon said Tuesday his decision came from the resolution […]

Mitch PerryMarch 10, 2016

Tampa state House Democrat Ed Narain said Thursday he’s giving up his House District 61 seat to run for state Senate this year. He’s aiming for the Senate District 19 seat being vacated by term-limited Arthenia Joyner. “From community service to political service, my guiding principal has been to focus on what’s best for Florida […]

Ryan RayMarch 8, 2016

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Longtime Democratic staffer and union organizer Alex Barrio will run for the House seat currently held by Rep. Victor Torres, who is running for Senate District 15. The move sets up a primary between Barrio and Torres’ daughter Amy Mercado, who is seeking to succeed Torres in the heavily Democratic HD 48 seat. Barrio told FloridaPolitics.com on Monday […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 25, 2016

Collier County Commissioner Georgia Hiller is ending her campaign for House District 106 and will instead seek the Collier County Clerk of Courts post, the candidate announced Tuesday. Hiller’s exit leaves two Republicans in the race for the GOP leaning seat currently held by term-limited Rep. Kathleen Passidomo, who is running for Senate. Robert Rommel is now […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 16, 2016

A trio of Democrats have filed to run against incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Miller in his Orlando-based District 47 seat, but party officials have their eyes on a fourth candidate. Enter Patrick Chapin, the son of beloved former Orange County Mayor Linda Chapin and the current CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. In addition to his […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 16, 2016

Volusia County attorney Thomas J. Leek announced Monday that he would enter the race for House District 25, making him the third Republican vying to take over for Rep. Fred Costello, who is running for the congressional seat held by U.S. Senate candidate Ron DeSantis. “As a local businessman, attorney, former House staff member and most importantly, as a […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 12, 2016

A fourth candidate has filed to run for House District 70, currently held by termed-out St. Petersburg Democrat Darryl Rouson. Business owner Dan Fiorini filed on Friday to run as a Democrat, setting up a primary against St. Petersburg City Commissioner Wengay Newton, who entered the race in October. Fiorini has never held elected office, but is no […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 12, 2016

Rep. Matt Caldwell raised more than $18,000 toward his re-election campaign in December, boosting his fundraising totals to more than $135,000 since September 2014. The sum is significant since Caldwell and three other Lee County lawmakers are currently running unopposed. Campaign finance reports, due to the state’s Division of Elections on Monday, show Caldwell raised […]

Ryan RayDecember 11, 2015

The Sarasota GOP is beginning to worry about Democrat Edward James III‘s challenge to Rep. Ray Pilon, according to a recent fundraising appeal sent to local Republicans. The email, penned by county party chairman and RPOF vice chairman Joe Gruters, said James’ so-far prodigious fundraising efforts pose a serious challenge to Republicans’ dominance in the region’s legislative districts. […]

Email Insights: Sean Shaw thanks supporters for early fundraising push

Ray Pilon jumps into Senate race; Edward James now unopposed in HD 72

Ed Narain declares candidacy for SD 19

Alex Barrio files to run in Orlando-based HD 48

Georgia Hiller dropping HD 106 bid

Might Patrick Chapin run for House District 47?

Tom Leek enters HD 25 race to succeed Fred Costello

Democrat Dan Fiorini files for open HD 70 seat in Pinellas

Lee County lawmakers boost their re-election coffers in December

Email insights: Sarasota GOP: Democrat Edward James a “major threat” in HD 72