Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonApril 10, 2018

It’s official: House Democratic Leader Janet Cruz will challenge Tampa Republican Sen. Dana Young in Senate District 18. The Tampa native announced her bid Tuesday. She joins, for now at least, Tampa attorney Bob Buesing in the Democratic Primary. “I’m running because Tampa Bay families deserve a leader who will fight for them in Tallahassee — not sell them […]

Drew WilsonApril 4, 2018

Tampa Republican Sen. Dana Young could see one re-election challenger swapped for another, according to sources close to the Florida Democratic Party’s Senate campaign arm. Young currently faces Tampa attorney Bob Buesing, who finished second in the four-way race for Senate District 18 in the 2016 cycle, and there are rumors he’s agreed to step […]

Drew WilsonApril 4, 2018

March was another successful month for candidate Aakash Patel, who raised another $25,500 for his Hillsborough County Commission campaign. “I am extremely excited about the continued momentum of our campaign. I am so honored by the support of my contributors and the endorsements I have received from Speaker Weatherford, Congressman Matt Gaetz and Representative Joe […]

Peter SchorschApril 2, 2018

Republican Aakash Patel announced last week that former House Speaker Will Weatherford has endorsed his bid for the District 1 seat on the Hillsborough County Commission. “I have known Aakash Patel through our work in the business community and have witnessed his efforts to enrich economic growth in Hillsborough County. I believe he will be […]

Peter SchorschMarch 28, 2018

It’s been nearly 25 years since a Democrat presided over the Florida Senate, but if the plans of party leaders and operatives come together, the president’s gavel could be theirs as soon as November. The Florida Democratic Party and the Florida Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, the recently-established campaign arm of the Senate Democrats, are aggressively working to […]

Peter SchorschMarch 28, 2018

House Minority Leader Janet Cruz may not be running for the Hillsborough County Commission after all. The Tampa Democrat is eyeing a race against Republican incumbent Dana Young in state Senate District 18, which covers much of Tampa and western unincorporated Hillsborough County. According to several sources close to the Florida Democratic Party’s Senate campaign […]

Staff ReportsMarch 22, 2018

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Philip Levine is tapping Max Flugrath as the campaign’s new communications director. Flugrath, a Miami native, comes to the Levine campaign via the Florida House Democratic Office, where he served as communications director for House Leader Janet Cruz. “As Florida Democrats continue to rally around Mayor Philip Levine’s energy and progressive vision, our […]

Peter SchorschMarch 8, 2018

Aakash Patel kept his foot on the pedal last month, tacking on nearly $25,000 for his Hillsborough County Commission campaign. “I am extremely humbled by the outpouring of support and I am very excited about moving forward as our outreach to donors continues to bring diverse participation from our community,” Patel said. “It is an […]

Peter SchorschMarch 2, 2018

Looking back on the challenges of her own youth, Rep. Janet Cruz hit the nail on the head when she defended the need for short-term loans. “Being financially disadvantaged does not mean you can’t do math,” she scolded. “It just means you don’t have enough money to pay a particular bill.” And that’s why in […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 30, 2018

A key committee Tuesday moved along this year’s House gambling bill, but the fractures on the committee echoed those among the state’s gambling interests. The Tourism and Gaming Control Subcommittee OK’d the measure (PCB TGC 18-01) on a 9-6 vote, with Rockledge Republican Tom Goodson joining the panel’s five Democrats in voting ‘no.’ Committee chair Mike La Rosa said […]

Tag: Janet Cruz

Janet Cruz makes it official: She’s running for Florida Senate

No change of plans (yet) from Bob Buesing

Aakash Patel raises $25K in March for Hillsborough Commission bid

Will Weatherford endorses Aakash Patel for Hillsborough Commission

Florida Democrats look to expand number of state Senate seats in play

Janet Cruz is eyeing Dana Young’s Senate seat for 2018

Personnel note: Philip Levine taps Max Flugrath as communications director

Aakash Patel adds another $25K in Hillsborough Commission race

Being financially disadvantaged doesn’t mean you can’t do math

House panel clears gambling bill—with winners and losers