Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersDecember 29, 2016

Story co-written by Orlando-Rising staff reporters Scott Powers and Lawrence Griffin. In Orlando, 2016 will always be remembered as the year of the Pulse gay nightclub massacre, and Pulse redefined everything; but it’s not the only major event to have shaped politics in Orlando during the year. Here are a few events that defined politics […]

Scott PowersNovember 22, 2016

As one of his last acts on behalf of the state of Florida, outgoing Florida Senate President Andy Gardiner arranged a moment of silence Tuesday for those killed in the Pulse nightclub shooting just outside his district on June 12. Gardiner, the Orlando Republican who now is a private citizen, did so on the request […]

Associated PressNovember 21, 2016

The chamber of the Florida Senate is reopening after a $6 million upgrade. Outgoing Senate President Andy Gardiner showed off the renovated chamber on Monday. Workers spent the last eight months tearing out carpet, replacing desks and installing a new stained glass dome and new wood columns. The state motto of “In God We Trust” […]

Mitch PerryNovember 17, 2016

Announcing earlier than he intended to do, Republican Party of Florida Chairman Blaise Ingoglia said Thursday he will run for re-election to his post next January. “I was hoping to announce this after Thanksgiving so everyone could spend time with their families and give everyone a much-needed break from politics, but the events of today will […]

Mitch PerryNovember 17, 2016

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Christian Ziegler, the 33-year-old state committeeman for the Sarasota Republican Party, has announced his candidacy for chair of the Republican Party of Florida. “As we turn the page from the election, we have a lot of work to do over the next two years to ensure victory in 2018 — work that takes focus and resources,” Ziegler […]

Jim RosicaNovember 16, 2016

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The newly renovated Florida Senate chamber will be ceremonially opened next Monday at 3 p.m. And don’t expect another re-do for a very long time. “We believe the historic components of the remodel have created a timeless design that will limit the need for future renovations,” outgoing Senate President Andy Gardiner said in a statement. […]

Larry GriffinOctober 26, 2016

Senate President Andy Gardiner appeared in downtown Orlando Wednesday to promote the launch of the new Florida Unique Abilities partnership, an initiative that businesses can join to support hiring those with disabilities. Gardiner and business leaders representing AT&T, Walgreens, and SeaWorld, appeared at the Canvs building on Garland Avenue to talk up the program, saying it would […]

Jim RosicaOctober 18, 2016

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The Florida Senate’s chamber renovations should be done by early-to-mid November. Senate spokeswoman Katie Betta tweeted back on Oct. 5: “Chamber Reno Update — About one month to left to go.” She posted photos showing the chamber with redone walls, new desks, and new carpet going down. As planned, the nearly 40-year-old mural that greeted visitors to the […]

Peter SchorschSeptember 19, 2016

Democratic uber consultant (and frequent Uber customer) Steve Schale contends in a must-read, table-setting blog post about which Florida Senate races are worth watching that “Oscar Braynon is running the best Senate political operation I’ve seen in years.” Really? Technically, Schale is absolutely right. Braynon is running the best political shop in years because, when compared to previous Democratic efforts, […]

Scott PowersAugust 26, 2016

This used to be Andy Gardiner country, a Florida Senate district at the heart of GOP power, and now three Democrats are fighting for it like it’s theirs for the taking Tuesday. Tuesday’s Democratic Florida Senate District 13 primary will pit three former elected officials, all with at least decent name recognition, one of them, former […]

Tag: Andy Gardiner

2016 in Orlando politics: Pulse, outside money, hotel taxes, frogs

Andy Gardiner, Linda Stewart arrange moments of silence for Pulse victims

Florida Senate reopens chamber after $6 million upgrade

Blaise Ingoglia announces he’s running for re-election as Florida GOP chair

Christian Ziegler announces his candidacy for Republican Party of Florida Chair

Senate to re-open next week after months of renovations

Andy Gardiner, business leaders launch Florida Unique Abilities program to help disabled find work

Florida Senate renovations near completion

Is Oscar Braynon running the best Senate political operation in years?

SD 13 race pits familiar names as Dems hope to flip seat