Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonJanuary 3, 2019

The special election hasn’t been called yet, but the arms race to replace Republican state Rep. Halsey Beshears in House District 7 is ramping up. A day after five current and retired sheriffs announced they were backing his opponent, Port St. Joe Republican Jason Shoaf put out a fundraiser invite featuring a slew of influential […]

Danny McAuliffeJanuary 2, 2019

Five current and retired sheriffs are supporting Mike Watkins as he seeks to replace outgoing state Rep. Halsey Beshears. The recently announced endorsements come early on in the race, which still has yet to be announced. Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis last month tapped Beshears, a Monticello Republican, to lead the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, but a […]

Danny McAuliffeDecember 22, 2018

The forthcoming race to replace Republican state Rep. Halsey Beshears now features a Democratic contender. Ryan Terrell, a 26-year-old political activist who’s lived his adult life in Tallahassee, filed this week for House District 7. He’s previously worked as a state legislative aide and currently directs Young Democrats of America‘s Southeast operations. Terrell also is […]

Danny McAuliffeDecember 18, 2018

An election-year shuffle of political players could leave some storm-battered counties without legislative representation ahead of and during the 2019 Session. Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis last week tapped state Rep. Halsey Beshears to serve as the next head of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Beshears, a Monticello Republican, will vacate elected office to take […]

Ryan NicolDecember 18, 2018

Ralph Thomas, a Wakulla County Commissioner, has filed to replace state Rep. Halsey Beshears in House District 7. “I served our nation in uniform, and now I want to serve our rural communities in the Florida House of Representatives,” said Thomas, who was a member of the U.S. Navy from 1985 to 1997. “As a hometown […]

Peter SchorschDecember 15, 2018

With a new statewide gig at a regulatory agency, state Rep. Halsey Beshears is expected to soon vacate his House District 7 seat. It’s a fantastic opportunity for Beshears. But we’re hoping it’s not bad news for the constituents of the sprawling, 10-county district stretches across most of the counties hit hardest by Hurricane Michael. […]

Danny McAuliffeDecember 14, 2018

Two notable Republican candidates are stepping up to the plate to replace state Rep. Halsey Beshears just days after the lawmaker was tapped by Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis to lead a regulatory agency. Jason Shoaf, a businessman and member of the Triumph Gulf Coast Board of Directors, told Florida Politics on Thursday that he’ll compete in […]

Danny McAuliffeDecember 11, 2018

Republican Mike Watkins is emerging as a definite candidate and likely frontrunner to replace outgoing GOP state Rep. Halsey Beshears. Watkins told Florida Politics on Tuesday that he “absolutely” will run in the anticipated forthcoming special election in House District 7 to replace Beshears, who earlier on Tuesday was tapped by Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis to lead the […]

Danny McAuliffeDecember 11, 2018

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Rep. Halsey Beshears will serve as the next Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis announced the hire Tuesday. Florida Politics first reported earlier this month that Beshears was under consideration for the post. “Florida’s trillion-dollar economy is founded on thriving businesses—from the small mom and pop shops to […]

Danny McAuliffeNovember 7, 2018

With the election behind them, the Republican-led state House is swiftly organizing. On Wednesday, incoming House Speaker Jose Oliva, a Hialeah Republican, unveiled the committee structure for the 2019 and 2020 Legislative Sessions. Filling in as Speaker Pro-Tempore is Rep. MaryLynn Magar, a Hobe Sound Republican. She replaces state Rep. Jeannette Nunez, who was elected Lieutenant Governor […]

Tag: Halsey Beshears

Big name Republicans on board for Jason Shoaf fundraiser

Sheriffs back Mike Watkins for HD 7

Democrat Ryan Terrell seeks Halsey Beshears’ seat

Leon lawmakers plan for Halsey Beshears’ absence

Wakulla Co. Commissioner Ralph Thomas files for HD 7

Takeaways from Tallahassee — When it matters most

Jason Shoaf entry sets up dogfight race for Halsey Beshears’ seat

Mike Watkins will run to replace Halsey Beshears

Ron DeSantis taps Halsey Beshears to be next DBPR Secretary

Incoming House Speaker Jose Oliva names committee chairs