Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonJuly 2, 2018

House Minority Leader Janet Cruz brought in about $61,000 between her campaign and committee accounts during the first three weeks of June but had to refund nearly $10,000 in contributions she received before jumping into the Senate District 18 race. Cruz raised just over $31,000 for her campaign account and another $30,000 for her political […]

Drew WilsonJuly 2, 2018

On Monday, the Florida Retail Federation endorsed Republican Sen. Dana Young for a second term in Tampa-based Senate District 18. “Senator Young has supported and sponsored legislation that has helped to modernize the retail industry in Florida,” said FRF President/CEO R. Scott Shalley. “We’re proud to support her campaign and look forward to working with […]

Peter SchorschJuly 2, 2018

Poll numbers in two battleground state Senate seats have shifted significantly since last month, while a third race remains essentially deadlocked. In SD 16, the seat previously held by Jack Latvala, Republican Ed Hooper and Democrat Amanda Murphy remain deadlocked, with Hooper at 45 percent and Murphy at 43 percent. The good news here for the GOP is that this […]

Drew WilsonJune 29, 2018

Three weeks into her campaign for House District 62, Susan Valdes is still playing defense. A video of the 14-year Hillsborough School Board member saying she was open to campaign contributions from charter school companies made waves in education circles, and Valdes is now changing course with a pledge to reject charter school donations. “As […]

Drew WilsonJune 28, 2018

The Florida Education Association and the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association are backing Democrat Mike Alvarez in the Democratic primary for House District 62. “Hillsborough teachers stand with Mike,” said Rob Kriete, President of the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association. “We’ve seen what happens when dysfunction, threats, and corruption infect our local government. Mike is an ethical […]

Drew WilsonJune 25, 2018

No write-in candidate has ever won elected office in the Sunshine State, but they have been effective in denying tens of thousands of voters from getting a say in who will represent them in the Florida Legislature. Florida law allows all voters, no matter their political affiliation, to cast a ballot in a primary race […]

Peter SchorschJune 24, 2018

A record number Democratic candidates qualified for state races this week, and the Florida Democratic Party said now it’s time to prepare for the “Blue Wave.” “From the Gubernatorial race, to State House and Senate, to county commissioners and mayors, we have the most qualified, committed, and exciting group of candidates we have ever seen,” […]

Drew WilsonJune 19, 2018

Tampa Democrat Mike Alvarez’ campaign for House District 62 got a boost Tuesday thanks to an endorsement from labor union group Florida AFL-CIO. “Working families stand with Mike Alvarez,” said Cheryl Schroeder, who heads the West Central Florida Labor Council. “Voters can trust Mike Alvarez to be a moral and ethical representative for West Tampa. […]

Drew WilsonJune 15, 2018

Hillsborough School Board member Susan Valdes, now running for House District 62, slammed Democratic primary opponent Mike Alvarez Thursday for running a negative campaign. At issue is Valdes’ resign-to-run letter. A new law signed by Gov. Rick Scott earlier this year requires elected officials to turn in a resignation letter for their current office 10 days […]

Drew WilsonJune 14, 2018

Representing more than 500 labor unions and 1 million Florida workers, the Florida AFL-CIO announced Thursday it’s backing House Minority Leader Janet Cruz in her bid to unseat incumbent Republican Dana Young in Senate District 18. “We need a fighter for workers in Tallahassee — to lower health care costs, raise wages, and make sure the […]

Tag: Janet Cruz
Image via AP.

Janet Cruz raises $61K, refunds $10K in June

Florida Retailers back Dana Young for SD 18

Fresh polling: Jeff Brandes, Janet Cruz lead in battleground state Senate seats; Ed Hooper, Amanda Murphy deadlocked.

Susan Valdes lashes out after ‘gotcha’ video

Teacher unions back Mike Alvarez for HD 62

Write-ins lock down five state legislative primary races

Florida Democrats say ‘no GOP seat is safe’ in 2018

AFL-CIO endorses Mike Alvarez in House District 62

Susan Valdes sidesteps special treatment allegations, refers questions to attorney

Florida AFL-CIO backs Janet Cruz for SD 18