Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschApril 10, 2017

As coy as he has been with the local media and as busy as he is promoting the Rowdies referendum, Rick Baker is almost certain to run for St. Petersburg mayor this year. Last week, Baker was in Tallahassee for a series of not-exactly-clandestine meetings with top Republican donors like Brian Ballard and Nick Iarossi. […]

Drew WilsonApril 3, 2017

Florida mega lobbyist Brian Ballard was added to the Republican National Committee’s finance leadership team, the party announced Monday. RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel and RNC Finance Chair Steve Wynn announced the pick along with a handful of other additions in a Monday press release. “I am delighted to announce the addition of these longtime friends […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 9, 2017

A priority of the city of Jacksonville during the Lenny Curry era: increasing police presence on its most dangerous streets. One vehicle to do just that: COPS Grants. The city is pursuing state money for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Matching Grant. The vehicle in the 2017 session of the Florida Legislature: HB 2781, […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 31, 2017

Ballard Partners is extending its reach, announcing it is opening an office in Washington, D.C. Brian Ballard, the firm’s president, announced this week Ballard Partners has opened an office in the nation’s capital. The announcement comes just weeks after President Donald Trump, who Ballard supported, took the oath of office. “There is great enthusiasm with […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 17, 2017

This isn’t Brian Ballard’s first inauguration, but it will likely be one of his most memorable. Ballard, the president of Ballard Partners, is one of several Floridians expected to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration this week. And while his schedule is flush with lunches and galas, he’s most looking forward to the moment Trump takes the oath […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 17, 2017

When Jacksonville political consultant Susie Wiles signed on with the Donald Trump campaign, many locals — who thought it was the year of Jeb Bush or Marco Rubio — wondered what she was doing. Through March of 2016, Wiles was the sole high-profile Jacksonville Republican on the Trump train. Her role shifted, and she took control of the Sunshine State operation […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 2, 2017

Ballard Partners will continue its representation of daily fantasy sports (DFS) companies into 2017, according to lobbying registration records reviewed Monday. Brian Ballard and the lobbyists who work for him, including former state Rep. Chris Dorworth, have begun registering their representation for the 2017 Legislative Session, some effective as early as this week. Chief among those interests are DraftKings and FanDuel, the DFS giants who announced […]

Peter SchorschDecember 15, 2016

Ballard Partners on Thursday announced a “strategic alliance” with the Chicago-based All-Circo political consulting firm. “It gives us a marketing opportunity in a very important part of the country,” firm president Brian Ballard said. “We try to find the ‘best of class’ wherever we go.” John J. Kelly Jr., All-Circo’s president and owner, has been […]

Staff ReportsDecember 8, 2016

Florida State University says it is beginning renovations on the downtown building that will be the new home of schools named after the late car dealer and philanthropist Jim Moran. The site, donated by lobbyist Brian Ballard and his wife Kathryn, will host the College of Business’s Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship and the university’s new interdisciplinary Jim […]

Gary FineoutNovember 28, 2016

He was opposed by the Republican establishment. During a contentious campaign, he spoke forcefully about the need to crack down on immigration. And he used millions of his own money to bolster his political career. President-elect Donald Trump? No, Rick Scott, the current governor of Florida. While they are oceans apart in temperament and public […]

Tag: Brian Ballard
Image via AP.

The case against Rick Baker running for St. Petersburg mayor

Brian Ballard named regional vice-chair of RNC finance leadership team

Cord Byrd sponsors bill for Jacksonville ‘COPS’ grant

Ballard Partners going national, opens D.C. office

Donald Trump inauguration a special moment for Brian Ballard

Susie Wiles, architect of Donald Trump’s Florida win, heads to D.C. for inauguration

Ballard Partners will continue repping daily fantasy sports sites

Ballard Partners teams up with leading Illinois influence shop

Jim Moran building renovations on track in Tallahassee

Rick Scott may serve as model, and warning, for Donald Trump