Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschJanuary 29, 2018

While many politicos anxiously await (or fear) a “blue wave” come November, one pair of special elections in Florida – House District 72 and 114 – may give Florida Democrats a hint of how the party will fare this year. The HD 72 special election – between Republican James Buchanan, Democrat Margaret Good, and Libertarian […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 26, 2018

UPDATED Jeff Garcia, a once respected South Florida political operative who spent 65 days in jail after being convicted in an absentee-ballot case in 2014, is apparently back in the political game. Garcia is listed as the campaign manager for House District 114 GOP Democratic candidate Javier Fernandez in a fundraising email sent Thursday afternoon. […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 9, 2018

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Democrat Javier Fernandez launched his bid for the open Miami-based House District 114 seat by raising more than $78,000 in the first month of his campaign. In addition to this notable start, Fernandez, a 42-year-old attorney and former Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Miami, also qualified by petition for the special election to […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 3, 2018

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Andrew Vargas added another $18,500 to his campaign account last month, giving him a commanding lead over Republican primary rival Jose Pazos in the special election for House District 114. Seven weeks out from the Feb. 20 special primary election, Vargas has raised a total of $154,823 for his campaign while Pazos has a to […]

Drew WilsonDecember 6, 2017

The qualifying deadline for candidates looking to replace Fort Worth Democrat Jeff Clemens passed at noon, and two Democrats and one Republican have made the cut according to the Florida Division of Elections. Democrats Lori Berman, currently in the Florida House, and Arthur Morrison will face off in a primary race, while Republican Tami Donnally […]

Drew WilsonDecember 1, 2017

Florida Democrats last week requested an injunction to move up the dates for a pair of South Florida special elections and the motion will get its day in court Dec. 7. The motion, filed in Leon County circuit court, aims to get new dates for special elections in House District 114 and Senate District 31. […]

Jim RosicaNovember 29, 2017

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Candidates for legislative office would have to live in their districts when they qualify to run under a constitutional change cleared Wednesday. The Constitution Revision Commission‘s Legislative Committee OK’d the proposal (P50), filed by Commissioner and former state Rep. Jose Felix Diaz, unanimously and without debate. Diaz also chairs the committee. The constitution now says a […]

Drew WilsonNovember 22, 2017

The Florida Democratic Party has filed a motion seeking to force earlier elections for the South Florida legislative seats recently resigned by Lake Worth Democrat Jeff Clemens and Coral Gables Democrat Daisy Baez. The motion, filed in Leon County circuit court, requests an injunction to set the election dates for both seats earlier so new […]

Ana CeballosNovember 14, 2017

Javier Fernandez, a 42-year-old South Miami attorney, filed his candidacy on Tuesday to represent House District 114, and replace Daisy Baez. Baez resigned from the Legislature this month after a House investigation into and even criminal case over her residency. “I’m excited for this opportunity to bring much-needed change to Tallahassee, where priorities have become […]

Peter SchorschNovember 10, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott’s office announced Thursday evening that he had signed the executive order setting a special election to replace Democratic Rep. Daisy Baez in Miami-Dade’s House District 114. A special primary election will be held on Feb. 20, 2018, with the general election to follow on May 1. Baez resigned her House seat on […]

Tag: Daisy Baez
Mike Johnson. Image via AP.

Florida Democrats face three scenarios in upcoming special elections

Twice convicted for election mischief, Jeff Garcia tries getting back into South Florida politics

Democrat Javier Fernandez reports solid start in HD 114 money race

Andrew Vargas adds to money lead in GOP primary for HD 114

Three qualify for Senate District 31 special election

Democrats’ request for earlier special election gets court date

Constitutional change on candidate residency OK’d by panel

Florida Democrats want injunction to move forward special election dates

Javier Fernandez files for Daisy Baez’s House seat

Rick Scott sets Feb. 20 primary, May 1 general for HD 114