Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersJanuary 27, 2016

Democratic U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings of South Florida has endorsed state Sen. Darren Soto in his race for the Democratic nomination in Congressional District 9. Hastings’ endorsement is in part a counter to last month’s support by fellow-Palm Beach County U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, who is the only other Florida member of Congress to weigh […]

Ryan RayJanuary 25, 2016

State Sen. Darren Soto, flanked by members of the Democratic Hispanic Caucus at the Capitol, told reporters Monday that if legislators and policymakers ignore the demands of Florida’s nearly 5 million Hispanic and Latino votes, they do so at their own peril. Hailing the group’s support and opposition to a raft of bills alongside caucus President Vivian Rodriguez, […]

Scott PowersJanuary 18, 2016

It came at the very end and was only 28 words long, but Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley‘s shout-out in the Democratic Presidential Debate Sunday night caught the attention of Central Florida Puerto Ricans eager for political attention for the island. O’Malley’s comment came after debate moderator Lester Holt of NBC News asked him, essentially, “Anything […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 18, 2016

The Republican Liberty Caucus of Florida (RLC) has announced its 2016 legislative agenda, and at the top of the list is a bill calling for transparency in how political committees help fund campaigns around the state. The legislation, sponsored in the House by New Port Richey Democrat Amanda Murphy and Orlando Democrat Darren Soto in the […]

Scott PowersJanuary 15, 2016

State Rep. Darren Soto announced Friday he has received support from four more labor unions, representing allied trades, electrical workers, ironworkers, and aerospace workers. Soto, an Orlando Democrat, is running in the Orlando-based Congressional District 9. The announcement covers the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the International Association […]

Scott PowersJanuary 14, 2016

Saying she is following on President Barack Obama‘s plea in his State of the Union speech to end gerrymandering, Democratic congressional candidate Susannah Randolph said Thursday she’s launching a petition effort to end the practice nationally. Randolph, running in the Orlando-based Congressional District 9, said she has begun a petition gathering effort calling for an […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 13, 2016

The sausage-making began in earnest Wednesday morning, as the Florida Senate teed up nine bills for final approval and passed a sweeping $95 million educational policy bill and a water protection measure desired by House Speaker Steve Crisafulli. The education bill (SB 672) was sponsored by GOP state Sen. Don Gaetz of Niceville, a former schools superintendent. Among other […]

Gary FineoutJanuary 12, 2016

When he stands before the Florida Legislature for the sixth time on Tuesday, Gov. Rick Scott will repeat the same message he has given every year since he took office: It’s all about jobs. Scott will open the 60-day session with his annual “State of the State” speech where he will call on Republican leaders […]

Scott PowersJanuary 11, 2016

Democratic State Rep. Victor Torres filed Monday to run for the state Senate in the seat that would be vacated by state Sen. Darren Soto, and Torres’ daughter, Democrat Amy Mercado, filed to run to replace her father in the House of Representatives. Torres, completing his second term, was the first to file to run […]

William MarchJanuary 7, 2016

A massive bill to protect Florida’s springs, waterways and groundwater appears headed for passage at the start of the coming Legislative Session, despite objections from environmentalists who say it’s been weakened by loopholes and the influence of industry and agriculture interests. Critics say they still hope floor amendments will close loopholes in Senate and House […]

Tag: Darren Soto
Image via X (Duke Energy).

Alcee Hastings endorses Darren Soto in Congressional District 9 race

Darren Soto, Hispanic Democrats call for Puerto Rico assistance, economic reform

Martin O’Malley’s debate shout-out to Puerto Ricans catches Central Floridians’ attention

Republican Liberty Caucus of Florida lays out its 2016 legislative agenda

Darren Soto announces more labor union support in CD 9 race

Susannah Randolph wants national anti-gerrymandering effort

Senate passes education, water bills

It’s back to work for GOP-controlled Florida Legislature

Victor Torres files for state Senate; daughter Amy Mercado for his House seat

Environmentalists say water protection bill has loopholes