Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschJanuary 15, 2018

The Tampa Bay area will have three Senate seats and 14 House seats on the 2018 ballot; while most of the Pinellas and Hillsborough delegations will be the same when the 2019 Legislative Session rolls around, a few races are starting to heat up. First, the sure things. Tampa Republican Sen. Dana Young is still […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 4, 2018

Former Margate Sen. Jeremy Ring announced Thursday that 19 Democratic state lawmakers have endorsed him in the chief financial officer race. “From the very beginning I have believed that our campaign is all about people power,” Ring said. “I am proud to have the support of each and every one of these legislators. Over the […]

Staff ReportsNovember 27, 2017

Last week, more than 25 Democratic legislative leaders from Palm Beach County and the state announced endorsing state Rep. Lori Berman in her bid for Senate District 31. Among those lining up behind Berman, a Lantana Democrat who represents HD 90, are Congressman Ted Deutch of Florida’s 22nd Congressional District, former Congressmen Patrick Murphy and […]

Drew WilsonNovember 25, 2017

A coalition of Florida businesses touted a poll Wednesday that shows broad support among Florida small business owners for laws protecting LGBTQ workers and customers from discrimination. “Small business owners recognize that to find the most talented employees, they need to ensure their workplace has non-discrimination policies in place,” said Florida Competes spokesperson Christina Johnson. […]

Drew WilsonNovember 16, 2017

The field of Democratic gubernatorial candidates could keep growing, but St. Petersburg Rep. Ben Diamond announced Thursday that he’s backing former Congresswoman Gwen Graham in the primary race to take over for Gov. Rick Scott. “Gwen Graham has shown she is not afraid to take on the special interests or status quo. Gwen understands that […]

Ana CeballosNovember 15, 2017

Some Florida lawmakers say that seeing the positive impact of criminal justice reform efforts in other states has given them new impetus to push for measures that aim to reduce the state’s prison population by giving sentences that “fit a just result.” The early bipartisan undertaking to reform the state’s criminal justice system — an […]

Jim RosicaNovember 9, 2017

We’re just going to rip this line right from Thursday’s press release: “To get a head start on the next round of reapportionment in 2021, Florida House Democrats have formed a Working Group on Redistricting that will allow them to be fully prepared to present the citizens of our state with the fair maps they […]

Ana CeballosNovember 7, 2017

A controversial piece of legislation that seeks to ban communities that act as “sanctuaries” for undocumented immigrants passed its only legislative committee hearing on Tuesday, and could head to the House floor as soon as Session starts. The proposal — a House leadership priority — would allow local officials who vote for “sanctuary city” policies, […]

Mitch PerryOctober 30, 2017

(UPDATE) Before the 2017 Legislative Session, a number of Florida lawmakers — on both sides of the aisle — talked a good game on criminal justice reform. Nevertheless, they fell far short on a number of fronts. But there’s always next year, which is why Democratic state Rep. Ben Diamond of St. Petersburg is proposing legislation (HB 481) to […]

Jim RosicaOctober 19, 2017

The Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus on Thursday called white nationalist Richard Spencer, set to speak at the University of Florida later today, a “a vile, racist, carnival barker.” Spencer’s “traveling circus of ignorance-fueled hatred is inhabited by insecure clowns unable to come to terms with a changing world,” according to a statement. “His ideology is that […]

Tag: Ben Diamond
United States election confusion and Community vote or voting crisis concept as hands holding votes casting ballots in a tangled American flag as voters confused with 3D illustration elements.

Here’s where Tampa Bay legislative races stand heading into the 2018 Legislative Session

Jeremy Ring snags a pile of endorsements from state lawmakers

Lori Berman nabs two dozen endorsements in SD 31 bid

Florida’s small businesses support LGBTQ workers, customers

Ben Diamond endorses Gwen Graham for Governor

Lawmakers champion efforts to reform criminal justice system

Talk about working ahead: Dems readying for 2021 redistricting

Controversial ‘sanctuary city’ ban bill clears lone committee stop

Ben Diamond wants to unshackle judges from minimum drug sentencing

‘Wicked hatred’: Jewish lawmakers condemn Richard Spencer