Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonMay 1, 2018

Javier Fernandez won the Tuesday special election for House District 114 over Andrew Vargas and unaffiliated candidate Liz de las Cuevas. With 84 percent of precincts reporting, Fernandez’ led Vargas 51-46. His campaign sent out a statement declaring victory about 45 minutes after polls closed at 7:00 pm. “I am beyond grateful to be chosen to serve […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 28, 2018

A new ad hitting mailboxes in Miami and Tallahassee slams House District 114 candidate Javier Fernandez for his past work as a lobbyist. The mailer was paid for by the same group that branded the Miami Democrat as “Javi Lobby” in an email sent out earlier this month written as if it was from Fernandez […]

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 […]

Drew WilsonNovember 29, 2017

Former Republican Rep. Erik Fresen‘s campaign account for his 2020 bid for Senate District 37 was zeroed out Wednesday with more than $125,000 in expenditures, most of which headed to charities. Fresen represented part of Miami in the Florida House from 2008 through 2016, and did not file any personal tax returns while in office. […]

Drew WilsonNovember 6, 2017

A familiar face has jumped into the race to take over for beleaguered Democrat Daisy Baez, who resigned from her House District 114 seat earlier this week and is expected to plead guilty to perjury charges over not living within the Coral Gables district. Ross Hancock switched over from HD 105 Friday to take another […]

Associated PressApril 26, 2017

Former Florida Rep. Erik Fresen has pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion. Court records show Fresen pleaded guilty Wednesday to failing to file a federally required tax return. The 40-year-old Republican had represented the Miami area in the Florida House of Representatives from 2008 to 2016. He left office due to term limits. Court records […]

Phil AmmannApril 24, 2016

Florida legislators may have publicly backed a presidential candidate, but new research finds that several lawmakers failed to vote in the state’s primary election. Noah Pransky of WTSP reports that a number of lawmakers — just like in 2012 – simply did not take part in Florida’s March 15 presidential preference primary, including four from […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 25, 2016

In case you don’t know what TED is, it stands for “Technology, Entertainment, Design) and is a thing – a big thing in the world of big thinkers. TED talks are given by some of the most innovative and influential leaders in their respective fields across the globe. These talks range from how to reform our schools to […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 12, 2016

A bill aiming to help Floridians with disabilities find work and get job training passed through the full Senate Thursday with a unanimous vote. Senate Bill 962, sponsored by Niceville Republican Sen. Don Gaetz, requires the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, or VR, to come up with an improvement plan by Oct. 1 that lays out […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 28, 2016

The House Education Appropriations Subcommittee voted for a committee bill Thursday that would codify K-12 and university performance funding programs into state law. Miami Republican Rep. Erik Fresen, who chairs the committee, said HB 7043 would “provide Florida students with the best education possible, from grade school to postsecondary school.” “By passing this bill, we […]

Tag: Erik Fresen
Image via AP.

Blue wave continues: Javier Fernandez defeats Andrew Vargas in HD 114 special

Direct mail round-up: Lobbyist Javier Fernandez

Democrat Javier Fernandez reports solid start in HD 114 money race

Erik Fresen zeroed out campaign fund with $93K to charity

With Daisy Baez out, Ross Hancock set for another HD 114 campaign

Former state lawmaker pleads guilty to tax evasion

Florida lawmakers support presidential candidates, but forgot to vote in primary

Lauren Book to discuss “finding your why” in historic Oxford TED Talk

Senate unanimously passes job training bill for Floridians with disabilities

House committee approves K-12, university performance funding programs