Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJune 9, 2016

Gwen Margolis has dropped her re-election bid, announcing Thursday she plans to retire from the Florida Senate. The decision ends a more than 40-year career in public service. Margolis, a Miami-Dade County Democrat, is 81. “My passion has been to serve the people of Florida and my commitment from day one was to make our […]

Phil AmmannMay 9, 2016

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. Off and on: Maggie Mickler is no longer press secretary for the Senate Majority Leader’s office. She has become director of communications at the Department of Management Services. On: LaQuisha Persak has become the new […]

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 […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 18, 2016

The Florida Senate on Thursday began considering a bill creating a legal presumption that parents deserve equal time with their children after a divorce. A vote on the measure (SB 250) could take place next week. In sum, it says starting with the assumption of 50-50 time-sharing at the beginning of custody cases is in […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 11, 2016

Volunteer Florida, the governor’s commission on volunteerism and community service, gave its official Champions of Service award to two lawmakers Thursday. Sen. Gwen Margolis of Miami and Rep. Marlene O’Toole of The Villages were honored with the award in a ceremony in the state capitol. “It is an honor to recognize members of the Florida Legislature who have demonstrated a […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 27, 2016

A bill to legalize and regulate fantasy sports play in Florida cleared its first Senate review panel on Wednesday. The Regulated Industries Committee OK’d the “Fantasy Contest Amusement Act” (SB 832) with only two ‘no’ votes from Sen. Gwen Margolis, a Miami Democrat, and committee chairman Rob Bradley, a Fleming Island Republican. The bill states that “fantasy […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 25, 2016

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A proposal to regulate high-pressure well stimulation has cleared a second Senate committee, despite continued objections from environmental activists. The measure (SB 318), sponsored by Naples Republican Sen. Garrett Richter, cleared the Senate’s general government appropriations subcommittee Monday on a 4-2 vote. Sen. Gwen Margolis and Sen. Oscar Braynon, both South Florida Democrats, voted against […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 17, 2016

One of Democratic Rep. Daphne Campbell’s former campaign organizers has filed to take over her House District 108 seat as Campbell attempts to jump into the Senate. Fayola Delica filed for the Miami-Dade County seat Thursday and is the only candidate listed for the seat outside of Campbell, who announced Tuesday that she would challenge […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 17, 2016

Miami Rep. Jose Javier Rodriguez said he was eyeing a Senate run last week, and fellow Democrat Antonio J. Diaz didn’t waste any time filing to take over for the two-term representative in House District 112. Diaz is best known for leading a recall campaign against Miami Mayor Carlos Jiminez and for his own campaign […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 12, 2016

Democratic Rep. Daphne Campbell said Tuesday she will run for state Senate in the newly redrawn District 38. “I am thrilled to announce my campaign for State Senate District 38,” the Miami Shores Democrat said in a news release. “Since 2010, it has been my highest honor to serve the incredible people of House District 108. I came […]

Tag: Gwen Margolis
A nice warm evening in Tallahassee on a very busy street while taking this shot.

Gwen Margolis to retire from Florida Senate, drops re-election bid

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

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

Child time-sharing bill goes before full Senate

Volunteer Florida awards Gwen Margolis, Marlene O’Toole with Champion of Service honors

Senate panel clears fantasy sports bill

Senate fracking proposal moves forward despite some concerns

Former Daphne Campbell campaign organizer files to take over HD 108

Antonio Diaz wastes little time filing another candidacy, this time HD 112

Daphne Campbell will challenge Gwen Margolis in new SD 38