Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterAugust 29, 2016

With nearly $3.5 million in the bank and no races to spend it on, some Florida lawmakers are left figuring out what to do with the last of their campaign cash. While their colleagues are sweating out contested races, 42 members of the House and Senate are looking for ways to spend down the war […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJune 24, 2016

You might want to call them instant winners. As of 5 p.m. Friday, a dozen Florida Senate candidates appeared to win their elections when the qualifying period ended without them drawing opposition. Newcomers Lauren Book and George Gainer were among those candidates who did not draw an opponent. Gainer, a Bay County Republican, ran unopposed […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJune 24, 2016

George Gainer is on his way to the Florida Senate. The Bay County Republican won the Senate District 2 seat Friday after no other candidate qualified for the race. “I am humbled and honored to have been elected without drawing another candidate to run against me,” Gainer said in a statement. “From the first day I […]

Drew WilsonJune 7, 2016

George Gainer, Lauren Book and incumbent Sen. David Simmons continued to coast in fundraising last month, according to newly filed campaign finance reports. Simmons raised $126,072 last month, which accounts for more than half of the money the Altamonte Springs Republican has raised since filing for re-election back in September. Among the 213 contributions were […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterApril 12, 2016

They might be running unopposed, but that isn’t stopping Florida Senate candidates from raking in the campaign cash. Campaign finance reports were due Monday. And while there’re several hotly contested races this election cycle, candidates in 19 of the state’s 40 Senate districts are running unopposed. But that isn’t stopping them building up their campaign […]

Peter SchorschMarch 27, 2016

Another year passes, and another Rick Scott Chief of Staff is out the door. The Governor’s office announced last week that Kim McDougal will succeed Melissa Sellers in the top staff position, making McDougal Scott’s fifth CoS in six years. Which makes us wonder: Where are they now? Mike Prendergast, a retired Army colonel, moved over to become Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, […]

Peter SchorschMarch 21, 2016

State Rep. Matt Gaetz is ready to bring his fiery brand of northwest Florida conservatism to Washington D.C. The Fort Walton Beach Republican is abandoning his bid for the Florida Senate and instead will run for the congressional seat now held by Republican Jeff Miller. He announced he will retire at the end of his eighth and current term. […]

Ryan RayMarch 15, 2016

Former Senate President Don Gaetz on Tuesday declared he will not seek the Congressional District 1 seat left open by U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller‘s recent decision to retire in 2016. Gaetz put an end to rumors he may try to make the leap to federal office in a memo to supporters Tuesday afternoon. “Gratified as I am by the many offers […]

Ryan RayMarch 15, 2016

Amid a cascade of statehouse dominoes in Northwest Florida in the aftermath of U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller‘s decision not to run for reelection to Congress, Rep. Mike Hill announced Monday he’ll run for Senate District 1. The seat is currently held by Baker Republican Sen. Greg Evers. Hill reportedly told his local Republican Executive Committee the move should not […]

Drew WilsonMarch 14, 2016

Republican House District 4 candidate Wayne Harris said Monday that his campaign passed the six-figure mark with more than $15,000 in February contributions. “Our campaign’s momentum continues to grow, and we are so grateful for the folks who want to be a part of taking our conservative values to Tallahassee,” Harris said. “I look forward […]

Elected unopposed, Florida lawmakers must decide what to do with leftover campaign cash

Instant winners aplenty in Florida Senate races

George Gainer becomes instant winner in SD 2

Senate campaigns of David Simmons, Lauren Book, George Gainer post impressive May fundraising reports

Senate candidates boost campaign coffers despite running unopposed

Peter Schorsch: Five big stories in Tallahassee last week

Matt Gaetz launching campaign for Florida’s 1st Congressional District

Don Gaetz says he won’t pursue U.S. House seat

Mike Hill to run for NW Florida Senate seat as dominoes fall

Wayne Harris adds $15K to pass 6-figure mark in HD 4 race