Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Danny McAuliffeNovember 19, 2018

During a ceremonial meeting of Florida House Republicans, members unanimously nominated Jose Oliva as House Speaker and MaryLynn Magar Speaker Pro-Tempore. The House will convene early Tuesday to formally recognize the two lawmakers, along with others, in their leadership capacities set for the next two legislative sessions. Republican state Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, in recognizing Oliva, described […]

Jim RosicaNovember 19, 2018

The next big debate over gambling in Florida could be on sports betting — with one top lawmaker already flexing his muscle regarding lawmakers’ say over it. This month, voters approved Amendment 3, also known as the “Voter Control of Gambling” amendment, by 71 percent. Its aim: To “ensure that Florida voters shall have the […]

Peter SchorschNovember 17, 2018

There’s a 50 or so mile stretch of California coast where a staggering amount of the western world’s innovations are born. From San Francisco to Palo Alto, Mountain View and Cupertino, entrepreneurs with big ideas flock there for two reasons: proximity to a highly specialized workforce and access to an embarrassing amount of the most […]

Peter SchorschNovember 14, 2018

Carol Gormley, a veteran legislative staffer, will be chief of staff to incoming House Speaker Jose Oliva, according to an email sent to members by the Speaker’s Office on Wednesday. Gormley is a highly-regarded health care policy expert who has worked for both Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio. She’s not a household name outside of Tallahassee, […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 12, 2018

For a second straight Legislative session, a Clay County Republican will be key to the budget process. Just as Sen. Rob Bradley chaired Senate Appropriations in 2018, chairing the powerful House Appropriations Committee is state Republican Rep. Travis Cummings of Orange Park. Cummings replaces former House budget chair Carlos Trujillo, who left the Legislature after being […]

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 […]

Ryan NicolNovember 6, 2018

Cindy Polo clawed out an underdog victory Tuesday night, topping her better-funded GOP opponent Frank Mingo. Polo earned 53 percent of the vote, while Mingo received 47 percent. The candidates were running to replace current GOP state Rep. Manny Diaz. Tuesday night, Diaz battled Democratic candidate David Perez for the seat in Senate District 36. […]

A.G. GancarskiSeptember 20, 2018

Republican nominee for Governor Ron DeSantis rolled out an education policy this week that wasn’t too different from that of dispatched primary rival Adam Putnam, with emphasis on school choice (charter schools) and vocational training. As yet another signal of DeSantis being embraced by establishment Republicans, his campaign on Thursday rolled out a list of endorsements for his […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 14, 2018

Incoming House Speaker Jose Oliva will take over chairmanship of the Public Integrity and Ethics Committee “to investigate the misuse of funds by the University of Central Florida,” term-limited Speaker Richard Corcoran announced Friday. The university’s chief financial officer, William Merck, stepped down Thursday after an audit revealed the school improperly used $38 million in state […]

Drew WilsonSeptember 10, 2018

Incoming House Speaker Jose Oliva and the two Republican lawmakers set to succeed him in that post will be in Orlando next week for a fundraiser benefitting the re-election campaigns of their Central Florida colleagues. Oliva, Palm Harbor Rep. Chris Sprowls and Palm Coast Rep. Paul Renner will headline the Sept. 12 fundraising reception at […]

Tag: Jose Oliva
State Rep. Angie Nixon (center) leads a protest against immigration policies Saturday outside the Duval County Courthouse in Jacksonville. Image via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics.

Jose Oliva primed to assume House Speaker post

‘The will of the people’: The coming brouhaha over sports betting in Florida

In realm of innovation, Florida ’gets there first‘

Personnel note: Jose Oliva names Carol Gormley as chief of staff

House budget chief Travis Cummings optimistic about Ron DeSantis era

Incoming House Speaker Jose Oliva names committee chairs

Cindy Polo shocks Frank Mingo in HD 103

Jeb Bush, Richard Corcoran laud Ron DeSantis’ education policy

Jose Oliva to lead investigation of misspent state money at UCF

Top House Republicans holding fundraiser for Central Florida incumbents