Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschMay 15, 2018

On the surface, Democratic attorney Carrie Pilon seems to be gaining traction in her Senate District 24 bid, challenging incumbent Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes. In reality, most of Pilon’s support is coming from one specific constituency — trial lawyers. For its first reported month, Pilon’s campaign bragged about raising $104,433 between the campaign account and an […]

Phil AmmannMay 15, 2018

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. Off: Alexa Chappell is no longer staff director for the House Democratic Leader’s office. Off: Bo Pittman is no longer program manager for the House Property Management Division. Off: Whitney Langston is no longer an attorney for the House Health […]

Drew WilsonMay 14, 2018

St. Petersburg Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes’ Senate District 24 re-election campaign has collected enough signatures to make the ballot. “I’m happy we were able to qualify for the ballot by petition,” Brandes said Friday. “We’re building a strong grassroots network and seeing broad support throughout the district, from St. Petersburg to Seminole, Largo and the […]

Drew WilsonMay 10, 2018

Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes and Democratic challenger Carrie Pilon both raised more than $100,000 last month in the race for Senate District 24. “I’m humbled by the support our campaign continues to receive each and every day,” said Brandes. “Our message resonates with voters and is backed by results. We have the momentum and are putting together […]

Peter SchorschMay 2, 2018

St. Petersburg Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes will be on hand for a three-day event in Tampa next week where the public can take a spin in a self-driving car. The Society of Automotive Engineers’ inaugural SAE Demo Day, to be held May 9 through May 11, will allow attendees to ride down Lee Roy Selmon […]

Drew WilsonApril 25, 2018

Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes is holding a fundraiser Wednesday evening benefiting his Senate District 24 re-election campaign in St. Petersburg. The event will be held at 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House, 400 Beach Drive NE, starting at 5 p.m. Those looking to sneak in an RSVP before the fundraiser is in full swing can send […]

Peter SchorschApril 12, 2018

For the first time this decade, a race to one day lead the Florida Senate is not confined to an intra-party scrum among Republican lawmakers. And while Naples Republican Kathleen Passidomo is now the slight front-runner to hold the gavel beginning in 2022, she and her GOP colleagues must first navigate two election cycles in […]

Drew WilsonApril 9, 2018

St. Petersburg Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes made a statement with his March fundraising report, which comes one week after Democratic trial lawyer Carrie Pilon filed to run against him in Senate District 24. Brandes’ report saw the longtime lawmaker plunk down $300,000 of his own money just days after Pilon’s candidacy was leaked by the […]

Peter SchorschApril 3, 2018

Chattering Class Democratic operatives, donors and labor leaders in Florida are fretting that one of their own rising stars, JJR (née Senator José Javier Rodriguez), could sully their hopes of capturing control of the upper chamber of the Florida Legislature. As Florida Politics reported last week, Democrats believe they are on the precipice of retaking […]

Drew WilsonApril 2, 2018

Democrat Carrie Pilon announced Monday that she’s filed to run for the Senate District 24 seat currently held by St. Petersburg Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes. Florida Politics previously reported Pilon, a former prosecutor who now runs an injury law firm, was planning a run for the Pinellas County district. “I’m running for the State Senate because […]

Tag: Jeff Brandes

It’s abundantly clear who is supporting Carrie Pilon’s SD 24 bid

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Jeff Brandes qualifies for 2018 ballot by petition

Jeff Brandes clears $550K on hand, Carrie Pilon has $100K

Jeff Brandes a headliner at self-driving car demo

Jeff Brandes holding St. Pete fundraiser today

Electoral map scrambles race for Senate presidency

Jeff Brandes bolsters re-election bid with $300K of own money

JJR’s looming resignation puts hopes of a Democratic Senate at risk

Trial lawyer Carrie Pilon files for state Senate