Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschAugust 14, 2018

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A Republican candidate for the Florida House of Representatives who went to extensive lengths to prove that she had a college degree that she actually didn’t complete is abandoning her campaign. “I have come to the realization that the right thing to do for my community is to withdraw from the race,” said Melissa Howard, […]

Jacob OglesAugust 12, 2018

Former Manatee County Commissioner Jonathan Bruce is calling on Republican state House candidate Melissa Howard to drop out of the running in District 73. The move was prompted by accusations Howard lied about graduating from Miami University in Ohio and then faked her diploma. “What a sad day for integrity in local politics,” Bruce said. […]

Drew WilsonAugust 10, 2018

House District 73 candidate Melissa Howard says her Republican primary opponent, Tommy Gregory, has been trying to smear her with one lie after another as the pair fight to succeed exiting state Rep. Joe Gruters in the Sarasota-based district. According to Howard, the Gregory campaign has been employing a strategy that is all too common […]

Ryan NicolJuly 31, 2018

Republican attorney Tommy Gregory is out with a new ad touting his service in the U.S. Air Force, as well as endorsements by law enforcement and the National Rifle Association. The 30-second TV spot, titled “Patriot,” was released Tuesday. Gregory is running in House District 73 to replace state Rep. Joe Gruters, who is running for […]

Drew WilsonJuly 9, 2018

Republican attorney Tommy Gregory is rolling out his first TV ad in the race for Sarasota-based House District 73. The 30-second ad features Gregory’s wife, Erica, outlining his conservative credentials and explaining why she was on board when her husband floated the idea of seeking public office. “When Tommy asked me if he should run for public […]

Drew WilsonJune 28, 2018

Sarasota Republican Melissa Howard announced Thursday that she had earned the backing of Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera in her campaign to succeed Rep. Joe Gruters in House District 73. “Melissa Howard is the business owner, community leader, and conservative champion that will best serve her constituents in District 73. I am pleased to endorse Melissa’s […]

Drew WilsonJune 28, 2018

Republican Tommy Gregory announced Wednesday that Sarasota County Property Appraiser Bill Furst is endorsing his campaign to succeed Rep. Joe Gruters in House District 73. “I’m proud to endorse Tommy Gregory,” said Furst. “There is no question in my mind that he has what it takes to serve us very well in Tallahassee. His leadership background […]

Drew WilsonJune 13, 2018

Tommy Gregory, a Republican candidate for House District 73, threw some serious shade at primary opponent Melissa Howard this week, but it looks like he should double check his sources. At issue is Howard’s party affiliation, not an uncommon avenue of attack in the primary season. Earlier this week, the Gregory campaign alleged that Howard […]

Drew WilsonJune 11, 2018

Sarasota Republican Melissa Howard raised more than $20,000 last month for her bid to replace exiting Rep. Joe Gruters in House District 73. Howard raised $10,550 through her campaign account and raised another $10,000 through her affiliated political committee, Citizens for Transparency in Government. The campaign haul came in via 26 contributions, including five for the […]

Drew WilsonJune 5, 2018

Republican Melissa Howard has scheduled a June 13 fundraiser for her campaign to succeed state Rep. Joe Gruters in House District 73. The reception will be held at Medallion Homes, 1651 Whitfield Ave., in Sarasota from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Supporters can RSVP by emailing [email protected] or calling 941-587-8166. Making the host committee for […]

Tag: House District 73

In wake of fake degree scandal, Melissa Howard withdraws from Florida House race

Manatee Co. leader Jonathan Bruce first to call on Melissa Howard to drop out, campaign responds

Melissa Howard tells Tommy Gregory to ‘stop the lies’

New Tommy Gregory ad highlights Air Force service, NRA endorsement

Tommy Gregory releases first ad for HD 73 campaign

Melissa Howard earns backing of Carlos Lopez-Cantera

Bill Furst endorses Tommy Gregory for HD 73

Melissa Howard rebuts allegation that she’s a former Democrat

Melissa Howard raises more than $20K in May

Melissa Howard holding HD 73 fundraiser June 13