Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Kate BradshawJune 14, 2018

The likely reason for Ken Hagan’s steep climb in the rankings this year is no mystery. A fixture on the Hillsborough County Commission since first elected in 2002, Hagan has been the face of county leaders’ campaign to woo the Rays across the bay. It’s an effort that appears to have succeeded. The team finally announced […]

Staff ReportsJune 4, 2018

Advocates for a ballot initiative to put an end to greyhound racing say they’ll launch their “Protect Dogs – Yes on 13” campaign Monday, with a press conference at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. State Sen. Dana Young, a Tampa Republican and “steadfast advocate of greyhound protection issues,” is slated to attend with Hillsborough […]

Guest AuthorMay 14, 2018

As a county commissioner, I’m fortunate to see the great work local residents are doing each and every day to improve outcomes for our community. But when one of our local youths selflessly takes action to help save lives, it’s something truly to be recognized and commended. Recently, Katherine Newcomb, a senior at Riverview High […]

Drew WilsonMarch 13, 2018

February fundraising reports show the four sitting Hillsborough County Commissioners who’ll be on the ballot in 2018 are far ahead in fundraising for their respective races. Commissioner Ken Hagan’s campaign account is the most flush of all, with more $458,000 in the bank, including $3,750 raised last month. Hagan, a Republican, currently holds the countywide […]

Mitch PerryMarch 7, 2018

Commissioner Les Miller‘s proposal to have Hillsborough County ban assault weapons died Wednesday after failing to pick up a second vote from the County Commission. The five-member board did come out to support a measure extending the waiting period to buy a firearm in the county from three days to five, as well as voting to advance new […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 13, 2018

Republican Victor Crist is the closest thing to an incumbent in the District 5 race this fall, as he has served on the Hillsborough County Commission for the past eight years in District 2. He’s now switching to District 5 to run countywide for the first time, and has taken in $76,905 so far. Among […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 10, 2018

Ever since he suffered a perceived slight from WTSP-Channel 10 reporter Noah Pransky during the Go Hillsborough transportation effort, Ken Hagan has given the award-winning reporter the cold shoulder. The Hillsborough County Commissioner has repeatedly said on camera that he will never respond directly to a question posed by the CBS-affiliated newsman. Hagan’s news blackout was evident Friday afternoon […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 1, 2018

Ken Hagan has built a formidable war chest as he attempts to parlay name recognition and extensive local government experience into staying on the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners for another term this year. Challenger Angela Birdsong, however, is not deterred. “He has amassed a lot of power and money and friends, but I think that things […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 29, 2018

Victor Crist is hitting back hard at comments from Democrat Mariella Smith and her campaign over his intention to extend his career on the Hillsborough County Commission by running for the District 5 countywide seat. Smith is one of five Democrats seeking an opportunity this year to take on the GOP incumbent this fall. The Smith […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 25, 2018

Five Democrats have already filed for the Hillsborough County Commission District 5 seat, but there’s no doubt the Party establishment is putting all their chips behind community activist Mariella Smith. Congresswoman Kathy Castor, former Education Commissioner Betty Castor and current County Commissioner Pat Kemp were part of Smith’s kickoff event Tuesday night. An audience of around […]

Tag: Ken Hagan
Mike Johnson. Image via AP.

#9 on list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians — Ken Hagan

Campaign will officially kick off to promote dog-racing ban

Ken Hagan: Selfless act by teen to help save lives

Hillsborough Commissioners hold big leads in re-election battles

Hillsborough Commission rejects assault weapons ban

Victor Crist leads all candidates in HCC District 5 fundraising

Ken Hagan’s feud with reporter distracted from big Rays news

Angela Birdsong not intimidated by Ken Hagan’s fundraising

Victor Crist calls Mariella Smith a ‘political wannabe’ with little to show for herself

Mariella Smith says facing Victor Crist is like ‘David and Goliath’