Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Janelle Irwin TaylorNovember 6, 2018

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis will serve a seventh term in office after defeating Democrat Chris Hunter Tuesday in a contentious race. Bilirakis has held the seat since 2007. Before that, his father represented Congressional District 12. Between the two, there has been a Bilirakis representing the district for more than three decades. The race became competitive for […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorNovember 6, 2018

The 2018 midterm election is widely considered one of the most contentious in recent history. Like all midterm elections, it’s serving as a referendum on the party in power in Washington. But fueled by the overtly contentious Donald Trump administration, Democrats are fired up to send an anti-Trump message this election. That message is trickling […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorNovember 6, 2018

Longtime Florida politics expert Darryl Paulson says voters “appear to be saying no to both Republicans and President Trump.” “Jeff Brandes seems to be the only secure candidate at this point,” said Paulson, a former Republican, in an interview. “That is due to his incumbency, his huge financial advantage and his Democratic opponent entering the race […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorNovember 6, 2018

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Political candidates spend months rallying volunteers, knocking on doors, hobnobbing with voters at public events and, of course, raising cash. Come Election Night they’re ready, win or lose, to cut loose and either get to work or get back to their families. Whether the champagne is flowing or supporters are drowning disappointing election results at […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorNovember 6, 2018

Political expert Susan MacManus doesn’t foresee a “blue tsunami” in Tampa Bay area races, but thinks a smaller wave is possible. She sees, for example, potential flips for Democrats in one Congressional race and two State Senate contests. Those include the Ross Spano/Kristen Carlson Congressional matchup in East Hillsborough and Lakeland, the Ed Hooper/Amanda Murphy state Senate […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorNovember 5, 2018

Voter turnout so far in the Pinellas County portion of Congressional District 12 is very low. Only eight percent of registered voters have cast a ballot in precincts voting in the race between incumbent Republican Gus Bilirakis and his Democratic challenger Chris Hunter. Election supervisors cannot release voter turnout by party in individual precincts or […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorOctober 18, 2018

The Chris Hunter for Congress campaign released a new ad Thursday entitled “Sold Out” attacking incumbent Gus Bilirakis for supporting dangerous pharmaceutical industry legislation. “Gus Bilirakis inherited his seat in Congress, took more drug money than any current Florida Congressman, then sponsored the law that let drug companies push more opioid pills,” the ad begins. […]

Danny McAuliffeOctober 1, 2018

Is there a bigger ‘get’? President Barack Obama announced Monday he’s supporting Andrew Gillum to become Florida’s first African-American Governor. “Andrew is a proven fighter with the courage and determination to stand up for Florida families,” Obama said in a statement supporting the Tallahassee Mayor. “As Governor, Andrew will expand access to affordable health care, protect Floridians […]

Drew WilsonSeptember 18, 2018

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis has released a new ad that highlights his efforts to help service members and veterans during his time representing Florida’s 12 Congressional District. The ad, titled “Fighting for Warriors,” features a veteran, Bryan A., speaking about the lawmaker’s efforts and features clips of Bilirakis, a Tarpon Springs Republican, walking alongside Bryan […]

Jacob OglesAugust 28, 2018

Congressional candidate Chris Hunter won by a landslide in the Democratic primary in Florida’s 12th Congressional District. Now, the former FBI agent turns his attention toward incumbent U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, a Palm Harbor Republican, in the November general election. Hunter came out on top of a three-person primary. With nearly all precincts reporting in the […]

Tag: Chris Hunter

Gus Bilirakis elected to seventh term in Congress

Tampa Bay competitive ‘blue wave’ races to watch

Darryl Paulson sees possible ‘blue wave’ in Tampa Bay

It’s not the party … it’s the after party! A rundown of where Tampa Bay-area candidates will be on election night

Susan MacManus: Blue wave, maybe; blue tsunami, nope

Voting trends suggest edge for Gus Bilirakis, but there’s a catch

New Chris Hunter ad says Gus Bilirakis ‘Sold Out’ to drug companies

Former President Barack Obama endorses Andrew Gillum

New CD 12 ad says Gus Bilirakis ‘is addressing the real issues’

Chris Hunter secures Democratic nod to battle Gus Bilirakis in November