Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschJune 24, 2018

A record number Democratic candidates qualified for state races this week, and the Florida Democratic Party said now it’s time to prepare for the “Blue Wave.” “From the Gubernatorial race, to State House and Senate, to county commissioners and mayors, we have the most qualified, committed, and exciting group of candidates we have ever seen,” […]

Kate BradshawJune 14, 2018

The Republican state Senator from St. Petersburg fell a few slots this year. That’s not to say Jeff Brandes doesn’t have the juice he did in prior years. And like in previous years, he had a busy 2018 Session. He sponsored some 65 bills and co-sponsored dozens more. He sat on seven committees, including as chair of […]

Drew WilsonJune 11, 2018

St. Petersburg Republican Jeff Brandes recorded another six-figure haul in his Senate District 24 re-election bid, while Democratic challenger Carrie Pilon saw a massive drop-off in fundraising in only her second month on the trail. In a Monday press release, the Brandes campaign celebrated raising nearly $187,000 in May, the third month in a row recording […]

Peter SchorschMay 29, 2018

Two incumbent state Senators enter the summer with nine-point leads over their Democratic challengers, while two former state Representatives seeking an open seat in the Senate are essentially tied, fresh polling shows. Pinellas Republican Jeff Brandes leads Democratic trial lawyer Carrie Pilon 48-39, according to a survey conducted by St. Pete Polls, while a separate […]

Peter SchorschMay 15, 2018

On the surface, Democratic attorney Carrie Pilon seems to be gaining traction in her Senate District 24 bid, challenging incumbent Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes. In reality, most of Pilon’s support is coming from one specific constituency — trial lawyers. For its first reported month, Pilon’s campaign bragged about raising $104,433 between the campaign account and an […]

Drew WilsonMay 14, 2018

St. Petersburg Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes’ Senate District 24 re-election campaign has collected enough signatures to make the ballot. “I’m happy we were able to qualify for the ballot by petition,” Brandes said Friday. “We’re building a strong grassroots network and seeing broad support throughout the district, from St. Petersburg to Seminole, Largo and the […]

Drew WilsonMay 10, 2018

Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes and Democratic challenger Carrie Pilon both raised more than $100,000 last month in the race for Senate District 24. “I’m humbled by the support our campaign continues to receive each and every day,” said Brandes. “Our message resonates with voters and is backed by results. We have the momentum and are putting together […]

Drew WilsonApril 25, 2018

Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes is holding a fundraiser Wednesday evening benefiting his Senate District 24 re-election campaign in St. Petersburg. The event will be held at 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House, 400 Beach Drive NE, starting at 5 p.m. Those looking to sneak in an RSVP before the fundraiser is in full swing can send […]

Drew WilsonApril 9, 2018

St. Petersburg Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes made a statement with his March fundraising report, which comes one week after Democratic trial lawyer Carrie Pilon filed to run against him in Senate District 24. Brandes’ report saw the longtime lawmaker plunk down $300,000 of his own money just days after Pilon’s candidacy was leaked by the […]

Peter SchorschApril 3, 2018

Chattering Class Democratic operatives, donors and labor leaders in Florida are fretting that one of their own rising stars, JJR (née Senator José Javier Rodriguez), could sully their hopes of capturing control of the upper chamber of the Florida Legislature. As Florida Politics reported last week, Democrats believe they are on the precipice of retaking […]

Tag: Carrie Pilon
Image via AP.

Florida Democrats say ‘no GOP seat is safe’ in 2018

#8 on list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians — Jeff Brandes

Jeff Brandes adds $187K for re-election, Carrie Pilon sputters

New polling: Jeff Brandes, Dana Young begin re-election campaigns with nine-point leads, while Amanda Murphy, Ed Hooper tied

It’s abundantly clear who is supporting Carrie Pilon’s SD 24 bid

Jeff Brandes qualifies for 2018 ballot by petition

Jeff Brandes clears $550K on hand, Carrie Pilon has $100K

Jeff Brandes holding St. Pete fundraiser today

Jeff Brandes bolsters re-election bid with $300K of own money

JJR’s looming resignation puts hopes of a Democratic Senate at risk