Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersJuly 23, 2018

The Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association PAC has endorsed Jerry Demings for Orange County mayor, Teresa Jacobs for Orange County School Board chair, and dozens of other candidates for state and local offices in Central Florida. “With a record-breaking 72 million visitors to the Orlando destination, Central Florida’s Hospitality Industry continues to serve as […]

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 5, 2018

Central Florida state Reps. Bob Cortes and Scott Plakon are teaming up for a “really fun fundraising event” in Tampa later this month. The two Republicans plan to shuttle supporters from Altamonte Springs to Tampa’s MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre to attend a July 21 concert headlined by classic rock acts REO Speedwagon and Chicago. The […]

Scott PowersJune 29, 2018

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Allowing that the massive damage of Hurricane Maria was overwhelming and logistics of aid to an island complicated everything, a panel of Puerto Rican and Florida leaders told the Republican Sunshine Summit Friday that the federal response was in many ways the best the island has ever seen. The panel of three Puerto Rican officials […]

Scott PowersJune 22, 2018

Ten seats in Central Florida’s portion of the Florida House of Representatives will have primaries on August 28, with four Republican and six Democratic in-party battles set by Friday’s ballot qualifying. The big primary battles among Republicans are preparing for two open seats now held by Republicans, and among the Democrats for four places where […]

Scott PowersJune 19, 2018

Newly-released data show that 209 students from Puerto Rico and 22 from the U.S. Virgin Islands whose families fled hurricane devastation were able to graduate from Central Florida schools this spring, state Rep. Bob Cortes announced Tuesday. Cortes pushed last fall for the state to streamline and expedite the school transfer processes for students evacuated […]

Drew WilsonJune 8, 2018

Republican Rep. Bob Cortes faces two opponents in his House District 30 re-election bid, but he isn’t taking the challenge sitting down. The second-term lawmaker’s campaign is touting their recent success in gathering petitions to make the 2018 ballot but said their work “is just beginning.” “We have begun the next phase by focusing our […]

Drew WilsonMay 15, 2018

Altamonte Springs Republican Rep. Bob Cortes crossed $100,000 in total fundraising last month in his bid for a third term representing House District 30. Cortes’ April campaign finance report shows $10,650 in new money and $2,775 in spending, bringing his to-date total to $105,325 with more than $85,000 banked. The new report lists 16 contributions, […]

Drew WilsonMay 1, 2018

The Associated Industries of Florida on Tuesday released a report measuring how closely Florida lawmakers’ votes aligned with its interests. The conservative business group’s 2018 Voting Records report found a slight uptick in lawmaker support for AIF-backed legislation, with 78 percent of the Senate and 91 percent of the House voting in favor of its […]

Scott PowersApril 25, 2018

State Rep. Bob Cortes has been appointed the south region chair of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, his re-election campaign announced. Cortes, the Republican who represents House District 30 in south Seminole County and a portion of north Orange County, also will serve as a member of the caucus’s executive committee leadership through […]

Central Florida hoteliers pick Jerry Demings, Teresa Jacobs

Florida Realtors make endorsements in 87 legislative races

Bob Cortes, Scott Plakon using classic rock to raise campaign cash

Republican panel defends Puerto Rico response as ‘best ever’

Ten Central Florida house seats set for primaries August 28

Bob Cortes: more than 230 students displaced by hurricanes graduate in Central Florida

Bob Cortes campaign has ‘eye on November’

Bob Cortes cracks $100K raised for HD 30 re-election

Republican lawmakers earn high grades on Associated Industries’ report card

Bob Cortes takes leadership posts in National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators