Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RaySeptember 24, 2015

Just hours after Sen. Nancy Detert announced she will forgo the remainder of her state Senate term to pursue a seat on the Sarasota County Commissioner, former Sarasota Rep. Doug Holder announced he will run to succeed her in 2016. Holder was originally slated to pursue the seat in 2018, when Detert was slated to term out, but her […]

Peter SchorschSeptember 17, 2015

If you live in the world of Florida politics, chances are you already had an opinion of Lauren Book even before the fresh-faced advocate announced her run for state Senate this month. And if you read this blog, you also already know I’m a big fan. There’s no doubt that she’s done an impressive job […]

Ryan RaySeptember 8, 2015

Bay County Commissioner George Gainer made his 2016 Tallahassee intentions formal on Tuesday. The Northwest Florida pol filed the necessary paperwork to seek the state Senate seat held by term-limited former Senate President Don Gaetz. The move sets up what could be a momentous Republican primary battle there, as third-term Rep. Matt Gaetz also seeks the […]

Ryan RaySeptember 8, 2015

Rep. Matt Gaetz unveiled a new ad Tuesday in his race to succeed his father Sen. Don Gaetz in the Florida Senate aimed at seizing the “true conservative” label in what may be a testy Republican primary. The new one-minute spot, entitled “Fighting Obamacare,” was unveiled in an email message to supporters Tuesday morning in response to […]

Ryan RayAugust 18, 2015

Niceville businessman Jonathan Tallman announced on Monday he will seek the open seat in HD 4, currently held by Rep. Matt Gaetz, who is leaving to run for the state Senate. Tallman, 27, is a financial advisor and owner of the The Tallman Group. He sits on the Okaloosa Restore Act Advisory Committee and the board of […]

Frank TorresAugust 16, 2015

As we hit mid-August we already have some intriguing Central Florida political match-ups for 2016, headlined by the big Democratic primary in the 9th Congressional district. However, you could see some new political rivalries very soon, all with the potential to make for some heavy political drama. Candidates who have been teasing runs over the […]

Drew WilsonAugust 12, 2015

State Sen. Jack Latvala will hold a fundraiser luncheon co-sponsored by several current and former Pinellas politicians in St. Petersburg on Sept. 1. The list features two dozen co-chairs, including current state Reps. Larry Ahern, Kathleen Peters, Chris Sprowls and state Sen. Latvala’s son, freshman Rep. Chris Latvala. Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano will also be in attendance. Latvala has his sights set on becoming the […]

Ryan RayAugust 12, 2015

Two candidates with no party affiliation have jumped into state Senate races in South Florida. Mario Jimenez has jumped into the race against Hialeah Sen. Anitere Flores in SD 39. The longshot candidate is running on a single-issue platform of reforming the state’s Department of Children and Families and family law courts, which he says oversees both […]

Ryan RayJuly 28, 2015

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If things break as the Florida Supreme Court has foreshadowed, House Majority Leader Dana Young might be headed to the state Senate. While sources are conflicted as to whether a likely re-drawing of the upper chamber’s district boundaries will leave Young with a viable district, there is broad agreement on one thing: if she runs, she’ll certainly be competitive. “If a […]

Ryan RayJuly 10, 2015

Rep. Ray Pilon raised just $1,985 this past month while his opponent in Sarasota’s HD 72, Democrat Edward James, brought in more than $30,000 between his campaign account and an affiliated PAC. That blowout margin bears an asterisk — Pilon was prohibited from taking contributions for most of June because of the Special Session — but it […]

Tag: 2016 state Senate races

Doug Holder makes it official, jumps into 2016 race for SD 28

Tough questions for Lauren Book: Asked and answered

George Gainer jumps in for 2016, setting up primary clash against Matt Gaetz

Matt Gaetz comes out swinging with new digital ad in Senate race

Niceville businessman Jonathan Tallman announces bid for HD 4

Ready to run? Here are some Central Florida candidates we could see soon

Pro-Jack Latvala political committee to hold luncheon Sept. 1

Two South Florida state Senate races pick up NPA filers

Dana Young for Florida Senate?

Ray Pilon, out-raised in June, unfazed by Democratic challenge